Monument record 7285/0/1 - Undated iron working, Collyweston Quarry

Trial trench excavation found roast iron ore in pits indicating primary processing of iron ore in the vicinity. Subsequent watching brief did not identify any further significant archaeological features.

{2} Evaluation trenches revealed probable clay extraction pits, from which industrial waste, particularly roasted iron ore, was recovered. Small quantities of iron smelting slag were also retrieved. It seems likely that ore preparation was the primary activity at the site. No dating evidence was obtained but the industrial activity is likely to be no later than the medieval period.

{3} A watching brief conducted in 2009 did not identify the features above. Although areas of burnt ground were found to both the north and south of the area identified during the trial trench excavation, there was no accompanying slag. A single piece of slag was found just to the north. A pice of post-medieval/modern pottery and flint flake were also recovered.

<1> Mellor, V, 2006, Archaeological Evaluation on Land at Collyweston Quarry, Duddington, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN112525.

<2> Horne B. (Editor), 2007, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (37), p. 16 (Newsletter). SNN106005.

<3> Professor J Rose, 2009, Collyweston Quarry, Duddington, Northamptonshire: Planning Application EN97/802C- Watching Brief for Archaeological Works (Letter). SNN116695.

Record last edited

Jan 9 2025 2:32PM