Monument record 5156/1 - Roman settlement, Cherry Orchard School

Archaeological investigation was undertaken prior to residential development of the former school. A possible Roman field system or enclosure was identified as well as a burial dated to the later 2nd or 3rd centuries AD. A significant number of kiln bars found in one of the ditches suggests that there was a pottery kiln in the vicinity (in addition to one found in 1953).

{1} The detailed gradiometry survey identified a number of anomalies of possible archaeological origin. The data has been affected by the presence of made ground and magnetic debris, particularly in the northern region of the site. However, despite the presence of magnetic disturbance, positive linear and area anomalies can be noted throughout the survey area but with a particular concentration in the central region of the site. These represent cut features of possible archaeological origin such as pits and ditches.

{2} Archaeological trial trench excavation was undertaken as part of a planning application for residential development. Despite the quarrying, Roman features were identified in five of the fifteen trenches including pits, postholes and ditches dating from the mid to late 1st century AD through to the early-mid 2nd century AD.

{3} Subsequent excavation identified a series of ditches that might have formed a wider field system or enclosure which were maintained until the mid/late 2nd century AD. A grave was dug through the ditch fill, probably in the late 2nd or rd century. A significant quantity of kiln bars found in one of the ditch fills suggest that further pottery kilns (apart from the example excavated in 1953) were nearby. The kiln bars seem not to be from the 1953 kiln as it had only been fired once, and seemed to have retained all its kiln bars. However, the kiln bars were very similar, so may relate to the same phase of 1st century pottery production. Significant quantities of charred and part of a rotary quern indicate crops were also being processed on site.

<1> Smalley R., 2010, Geophysical Survey Report: Cherry Orchard School, Weston Favell, Northants, p.6+Fig.6 (checked) (Report). SNN109709.

<2> Harvey J., 2011, An Archaeological Evaluation at Cherry Orchard School, Weston Favell, Northampton (Report). SNN107618.

<3> Upson-Smith, T. & Walker, C., 2013, An Archaeological Excavation at the Former Cherry Orchard School, Northampton February 2012 (Report). SNN108546.

Record last edited

Apr 23 2025 8:07PM