Monument record 9619 - Early Roman Settlement, north of Brick Kiln road

Geophysical survey found adjoining rectilinear enclosures, ditches and small like pit enclosures that are indicative of a settlement. Trial trenching confirmed the geophysical results and found evidence of more features that were not identified by the survey. Identified was a concentrated and well-organised archaeological landscape dominated by a short‑lived Roman settlement established in the mid‑1st century AD and abandoned by the 2nd century, preceded by limited transitional late Iron Age to early Roman activity and followed by sporadic early Anglo‑Saxon re-occupation.

{1} A detailed magnetometer survey was conducted over approximately 6.8ha of land off Brick kiln road. Concentration of ditch-type responses, linear trends and small pit-like anomalies are indicative of an area former settlement activity covering of at least 1.6ha. The responses comprise adjoining rectilinear enclosures on an approximate northwest-southeast alignment, with some internal divisions and possible annexed enclosures also visible. Parallel ditch-type responses to the north of the 'main' enclosures could represent a trackway. Numerous small discrete positive anomalies have been identified the strongest of which are located within the rectilinear enclosures and are likely to be a result of former rubbish, storage or post pits.

{2} This archaeological evaluation broadly corroborated the results of the preceding geophysical survey, while also providing additional detail on the nature and dating of activity across the site. Evidence for activity of transitional late Iron Age to early Roman date was limited but significant. A single gully, interpreted as a possible roundhouse, was identified in Trench 14, while a small group of features dated to approximately AD 30-60 was recorded in Area 3, particularly within Trenches 12, 13 and 15. The principal phase of activity on the site relates to a Roman settlement occupying Areas 1 and 3 on the crest of a hill. Trial trenching confirmed the presence of a well-organised landscape of multi-phased enclosures defined by large boundary ditches and smaller internal divisions, creating distinct zones of activity. Although no definitive building plans were identified, scatters of post-holes and shallow gullies may represent structural remains that would require further excavation to interpret fully. Finds dating predominantly from the later 1st to the end of the 2nd century AD. Notable finds include two complete copper-alloy brooches contemporary with the pottery assemblage. The evidence suggests an extensive but relatively short-lived Roman settlement, established by the mid-1st century AD and abandoned by the mid-2nd century, with little indication of later Romanoccupation. Limited Anglo-Saxon activity was identifie represented by a pit in Trench 2 that cut a Roman feature and produced a substantial assemblage of early to middle Anglo-Saxon pottery along with charcoal-rich deposits indicative of refuse disposal. Away from the main settlement focus, a number of undated linear features crossing the southern part of Area 3 may represent field boundaries, though their period remains uncertain.

<1> Rebecca Fradgley, 2023, Geophysical survay report: Brick Kiln Road (Report). SNN116349.

<2> Tim Higgins, 2023, An Archaeological Evaluation of Land north of Brick Kiln Road, Raunds, Northamptonshire. (Report). SNN117059.

Record last edited

Apr 22 2026 2:42PM