Monument record 10048/0/1 - Probable Romano-British Farmstead and associated features, near Yardley Road

In 2023, Archaeological Research Services Ltd conducted a geophysical survey at Yardley Road, Potterspury. The survey identified significant archaeological features, including a probable Romano-British farmstead and a well-defined prehistoric ring ditch.

{1} In Field 1, a series of faint linear features are present, with four approximately aligned east to west and two oriented southeast to northwest. In Field 2, two curvilinear features running north to south are identified, potentially representing the continuation of the probable linear archaeological features observed in Field 1. In Field 3, linear features traverse the landscape in a north-south orientation, indicative of ditches that could have served as field boundaries or trackways. Accompanying these linear ditches is a distinct cluster of strong magnetically enhanced anomalies, suggesting the potential presence of postholes or pitting associated with past human activities or structural elements of suspected prehistoric date. In Field 7, a well-defined prehistoric ring ditch stands out as a distinct and separate entity within the field, indicating its potential significance. Further strong magnetic responses suggest a suspected linear field system associated with the probable Romano-British farmstead observed in Field 10. Additionally, a prominent and well-defined linear alignment displaying a strong magnetic response is present in the southwest corner of Field 7. In Field 9, a continuation of the possible prehistoric boundary ditch seen in Field 10 is visible, oriented east-west. Alongside this, another possible boundary ditch is present. In Field 10, an enclosed settlement that may represent a Romano-British farmstead is visible. The rectilinear features inside the enclosure are indicative of in-situ structural remains. The mix of high amplitude magnetic signatures possibly relates to former industry or a destruction event. Two linear ditch features are observed within the vicinity, which may be associated with the presumed Romano-British farmstead or could potentially indicate prehistoric boundary systems.

<1> Joel Goodchild, 2023, Geophysical survey of land at Yardley Road (Report). SNN116808.

Record last edited

Apr 30 2025 12:59PM