Monument record 1235/1 - Late Iron Age/Romano-British settlement, north of the A5

During quarrying in 1978, Roman ditches were visible in the west facing section of the quarry pit extending into the field to the east. Large amounts of pottery were also recovered. Subsequent archaeological investigation in advance of potential development has identified late Iron Age/Romano-British enclosures and boundaries immediately to the east of the quarried area.

{1} During quarrying in 1978, Roman ditches were visible in the west facing section of the quarry pit; suggesting they extended into the fields to the east. A number of Roman finds were recorded over several years up to 1978 by the pit owner; large quantities of pot, the main concentrations of which were 10-100ft into quarry to the west of the present face by the hedge line

{2} Ditches noted during gravel extraction. The large quantities of Roman pottery included Samian & Oxford wares; found during gravel extraction in 1978.

{3} (SP 778416). Roman occupation found in a gravel pit during 1973. A mortaria rim was found in association with a scatter of tile of 2nd and 3rd century date. A Belgic brooch was also recovered.

{4} Geophysical survey undertaken in 2021 identified a number of probable conjoined rectilinear enclosures with internal sub-divisions and boundary ditches immediately to the east of of the former quarry.

{5} Trial trench excavation undertaken in 2021 broadly confirmed the results of the geophysical survey. The Iron Age and Roman settlement was characterised by ditched enclosures, largely rectilinear in form, along with possible buondaries and droveways. The most substantial ditch, 2.3m wide, marked the north-eastern boundary of the site. Two possible droveways were also identified. A small number of discrete features were also found. Small quantities of 'Belgic' Iron Age and Roman pottery were found in the features. The presence of two grog-tempered pedestal urns dated to the late iron Age may suggest funerary activity but no associated humans were identified. Small amounts of animal bone were found. The composition of the assemblage suggests that primary butchery was carried out on site (discarding less useful parts of the carcass).

<1> FOARD G.R., 1978, Oral Report to SMR, (unchecked) (Oral Report). SNN50391.

<2> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.109 Site 3 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<3> Wolverton and District Archaeological Society Newsletter, p. 5 (Newsletter). SNN114716.

<4> Burton, E, Jones, L and Dyulgerski, K, 2021, Geophysical survey report: Former Furtho Pit, Old Stratford, South Northamptonshire (Report). SNN114717.

<5> Koziminski, M and Pilkinton, K, 2021, Former Furtho Pit, Old Stratford, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Trial Trenching (Report). SNN114715.

Record last edited

Feb 8 2023 3:27PM