Monument record 6635/1 - Possible Roman field system, west of Collyweston Great Wood

The cropmarks of a possible Iron Age or Roman enclosure can be seen on aerial photographs. Archaeological evaluation identified a square ditched enclosure, possibly part of a wider field system. Only a small quantity of artefactual material, including Roman pottery, was found, which supports the interpretation that this was of agricultural rather than domestic origin.

{1} The cropmarks of a possible Iron Age or Roman enclosure can be seen on HE Reconnaissance aerial photographs taken on 2nd June 2009.This rectilinear enclosure is situated at TF 0029 0057. Cropmarks to the south-west may be of associated field boundaries or perhaps another enclosure. A cropmark that cuts across these features (south-west to north-east) is on the line of the Collyweston/King's Cliffe parish boundary.

{2} Geophysical survey detected few anomalies apart from a possible square enclosure.

{3} Trial trench excavation identified ditches associated with the enclosure in two trenches. The ditches formed the eastern and southern sides of the enclosure. No internal features were noted. Neither ditch showed evidence for prolonged use. There was a small quantity of later Roman pottery comprising coarseware and Lower Nene Valley wares. Heavily abraded animal bone was also found.

{4} The results of the archaeological investigations revealed evidence of Romano-British occupation in Area 1, with an aisled building set within a large, subrectangular ditched enclosure, the enclosure ditch later being re-modelled. There was an additional smaller subsidiary subrectangular enclosure, and both enclosures were approached by a double ditched trackway with a funnel-shaped end. A series of pits and possible industrial features were also recorded within and external to the main enclosure. There was an additional ditched enclosure and an associated funnel-shaped trackway or droveway, with another double ditched trackway nearby.Trenches 16 and 17 in the south revealed the continuation of one of the double-ditched trackways or droveways from Area 1.

<1> Oblique Aerial Photograph (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN111738.

<2> Roseveare, MJ, 2020, Land near King's Cliffe, Northamptonshire: Geophysical Survey Report (Report). SNN112468.

<3> Collins, C, 2020, Archaeological Evaluation at East Northants Resource Management Facility Proposed Extension, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN112837.

<4> Adrian M. Chadwick and Julian Sleap, 2024, Western Extension To East Northamptonshire Resource Management Facility, Stamford Road, King’s Cliffe, North Northamptonshire: Archaeological Excavation Report (Report). SNN117039.

Record last edited

Apr 8 2026 2:49PM