Monument record 5252 - Possible Romano-British Settlement

At least three ditched enclosures of probable Iron Age or Roman date is visible on aerial photographs. Located in a field SW of Broadacres, the largest enclosure is a trapezoid shaped ditch up to 7 metres wide and encloses an area about 55 x 47.5 metres at its widest. Linked by a linear ditch to the E is a subcircular ditched enclosure about 44 metres in diameter at its widest. Linked by a curvilinear double ditch to the S is a fragmentary possible ditched enclosure of uncertain shape.

{1} Cropmark complex comprising short lengths of ditches and at least four incomplete enclosures. Three enclosures are roughly rectangular with rounded ends measuring from 70m x 35m to 88m x 56m; all three apparently are superimposed and probably represent sequence of phases. A fourth rectangular enclosure is located a short distance from the main complex but connected to it by length of ditch. The cropmarks may be linked to Mon 1342 as they share common alignment.

{2} Upper Darsdale (East), Site 34(a) (TL00257105): No Iron Age pottery was found on this site, though this does not preclude an early origin for the cropmarks here. Small quantities of predominantly early Roman pottery have been found associated with cropmarks in areas with otherwise sparse distributions at Upper Darsdale (both eastern and western complexes ie. Mons 1342 & 5252), where they might suggest limited activity during the first and second centuries. The distinction between the two groups of cropmarks persists into the Roman period. Only four sherds were found over the eastern cropmarks, although a small concentration c.165m to the north-east may attest to some activity in the early-middle period. The Roman material is mostly early, though occasional middle Roman pottery is present.
While the cropmarks on either side of the valley could denote settlement, the pottery concentrations are barely discernable above the more general scatters, making further interpretation and dating impossible. The decline in settlement by the late Roman period appears to have been largely confined to the boulder clay plateau.

{3} At least three ditched enclosures of probable Iron Age or Roman date is visible on aerial photographs and was mapped as part of the Bedford Borough NMP project. Located in a field about 523 metres SW of Broadacres and centred at TL 00307 71083, the largest enclosure is a trapezoid shaped ditch up to 7 metres wide and encloses an area about 55 x 47.5 metres at its widest. Linked by a linear ditch to the E is a subcircular ditched enclosure about 44 metres in diameter at its widest. Linked by a curvilinear double ditch to the S is a fragmentary possible ditched enclosure of uncertain shape.

<1> Parry S., 1993, Raunds Area Survey Report, p.263-65 (checked) (Draft). SNN1175.

<2> Parry S. et al, 2006, Raunds Area Survey: An Archaeological Study of The Landscape of Raunds, Northamptonshire 1985-94, p.80-81+246 (checked) (Book). SNN105780.

<3> Oblique Aerial Photograph, NHC SF3059/30 28-JUL-1986 (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN111738.

<4> Bedford Borough Council HER, Undated, Bedford Borough NMP, MD003015 (Archive). SNN113023.

Record last edited

Feb 3 2025 8:05PM