Monument record 7655/0/1 - Possible Iron Age settlement, Wantage Farm

Geophysical survey identified a possible roundhouse ring ditch and boundary. The boundary appears to comprise lengths of ditch and pits alignments, so may date to the earlier Iron Age. Trial trench evaluation following the geophysical survey identified the boundary that turns from a linear feature into a pit alignment. The evaluation also uncovered a midden pit of probable middle Iron Age date. Both of these features indicate settlement activity within the landscape.

{1} Geophysical survey undertaken in 2024 identified an Iron Age or Roman roundhouse located alongside a boundary. The slightly curved boundary was broadly aligned NNE-SSW and appears to comprise lengths of ditch and pit alignments, perhaps indicating an earlier origin.

[2] A previous geophysical survey identified a long boundary. This was present in Trenches 4, 7, 14, 24 and 25. In Trench 14 it changed from a linear feature to a pit alignment. Several of the discrete features appearing on the geophysical survey appeared to be real, including those in Trench 1 and in Trench 2. A probable middle Iron Age midden pit in Trench 8 was uncovered. The feature contained an assemblage of approximately seven vessels dated to be in the earlier part of the middle Iron Age, a date suggested by the absence of any Scored Ware in the assemblage. Alongside SF1, a probably spindle whorl, this suggests Iron Age occupation in the area. Overall, the site revealed limited archaeology, but the presence of the Iron Age boundary highlighted on the geophysical survey and the domestic activity in Trench 8 indicates a significant Iron Age landscape within the area. Further mitigation will probably reveal more evidence of the occupation and potential industrial activity.

<1> Sean Emery, 2024, Archaeological geophysical survey at Wantage Farm, Moulton, Northamptonshire, April 2024 (Report). SNN117126.

<2> William Baker & Christopher Booth, 2025, Wantage Farm, Moulton, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation Report (Report). SNN117224.

Record last edited

Oct 5 2026 9:42AM