Monument record 726/4/13 - Roman Defences

{1} The line of the Roman defences were located although they were much disturbed by a sewer trench. Part of the internal bank and external ditch were also recovered.
The wall: the foundation course of the wall was clipped by the sewer trench but probably survived for almost its full width (2.9m). It was composed of limestone pitched parallel with the alignment of the wall. The internal bank slightly overlay the foundation course.
The bank: it is likely that the upcast from the foundation trench forms the bottom of the bank, and the spread of mortar and clay above is associated with the construction of the wall. The bank survived to a max. height of 1.2m. It originally may have been no more than 7m wide. There was possible evidence for a rebuilding phase and a turf revetment.
The ditch: a substantial ditch was seen 4.3m outside the wall but it was not dated. On an adjacent site a similar ditch was assigned tot eh Civil War defences and it seems likely that this ditch is also post-Roman.

<1> JACKSON D.A., 1992, An Archaeological Evaluation Near The Masonic Lodge at Towcester, Northants, p.3 (checked) (Report). SNN54665.

<2> Woodfield C., 1992, The Defences of Towcester, Northamptonshire, p24 (checked) (Article). SNN60159.

Record last edited

Aug 2 2011 12:45PM