Monument record 9686/1/3 - Post Medieval boundary ditch and possible pits, west of Collyweston Great Wood

Archaeological excavation was undertaken ahead of the extension of the East Northamptonshire Resource Management Facility. In the area at the south of the development a gently curving ditch was identified. It is interpreted as a later boundary, probably post-medieval but possibly of pre-assart medieval origin, represented by only two sherds of late 17th to 18th century pottery and predating the straight post-Enclosure field boundaries. Scattered pits were present that produced no artefacts and are likely to be natural features or charcoal-burning pits of medieval or later woodland management, although evidence for in situ burning was limited.

{1} The gently curving ditch recorded in Area 2 produced only two sherds from a late 17th to 18th century vessel and appears to have been a later boundary, probably post-medieval in origin but pre-dating the very straight post-Enclosure boundaries of the rectangular fields visible on the 1st Edition 25-inch or 1: 2500 Ordnance Survey map. It is also possible that it was a pre-assart medieval woodland boundary. The scattered pits that were investigated in Area 2 did not contain any artefacts and some may have been tree throws, solution hollows or other natural features. Several were proposed as being charcoal-production pits but compared to examples excavated elsewhere there were comparatively low quantities of charcoal and no evidence of in situ burning, although it is possible that the more credible features were associated with medieval or later woodland practices.

<1> 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

May 19 2026 9:15AM