Monument record 5798 - Iron Age Settlement at Thorpe End

Interpreted as an Iron Age univallate hillfort. The site consists of a single ditched enclosure measuring 95 metres by 65 metres containing evidence for a number of circular buildings thereby indicating occupation at some point in this period.

{1} Geophysics survey identified an oval/D-shaped enclosure measuring 95m by 63m with possibly two internal hut circles representing a farmstead. Two ditches cut across the apparent boundary of the enclosure confirmed the presence of a ditch 2m wide and 0.8m deep. Pottery recovered from the fill suggests an Iron Age date for the enclousre.

{2} Geophysics survey identified within the enclosure at least two circular anomalies with a diameter of between 10-15m, possibly indicating the presence of eaves drip gullies for buildings.A trench was excavated within the enclosure and revealed a number of shallow circular pits, possibly of Iron Age date. 7 post holes formed an arc which if continued beyond the trench edge would form a circle 6.75m in diameter. This may represent the remains of an iron Age/ Roman round house though dating is limited. Iron Age pottery was recovered from fieldwalking over area of the enclosure. Comparison of pottery recovered from fieldwalking and that recovered from excavation revealed that the former favoured the late Iron Age period, whilst the latter provided greatest evidence for earlier occupation. Activity on the site from 4th century BC to 1st century AD. Fieldwalking concentrations of Roman, early-middle Saxon, late Saxon and medieval pottery on the same site appears to suggest a preferred location for settlement.

{3} Mid to late Iron age enclosure containing at least two round houses. Ditch formed a D-shaped enclosure which was aligned east-west; 97m by 68m. May have had entrance 10m wide in south east side. Ditch excavated - 2m wide and cut to maximum depth of 0.85m. After period of gradual desilting ditch deliberately backfilled with earth and limestone.Two circular anomalies identified by magnetometer survey. Hut circles or their eave drip gullies. Measured between 10m and 14m in diameter and possilbly had entrances wouth and east facing respectively. Four round pits up to 1.2m diameter and 0.34m deep identified in excavation. Seven postholes forming an arc found 10m east of Iron Age enclosure; possibly an Iron Age or Roman roundhouse linked to settlement; dating evidence absent.

{5} SP 99787222. Thorpe End Iron Age, Saxon and Medieval settlement. Scheduled. The site comprises an Iron Age slight univallate hillfort, and the Thorpe End early Saxon and later Saxon settlement. This site is known as a result of the archaeological survey and excavation carried out as part of the Raunds Area Project.

<1> Crank N., 2004, Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment and Proposals for Evaluation: Former Tannery, Wellington Road, Raunds, Northamptonshire, p.9 (checked) (Report). SNN105063.

<2> Northamptonshire Archaeology, 1988, Raunds Area Project: Thorpe House Farm, (part checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN48947.

<3> Parry S., 1993, Raunds Area Survey Report, p.237 (checked) (Draft). SNN1175.

<4> Parry S. et al, 2006, Raunds Area Survey: An Archaeological Study of The Landscape of Raunds, Northamptonshire 1985-94, p.237 (unchecked) (Book). SNN105780.

<5> Scheduled Monument Notification, English Heritage SAM Record Form 5.1.90 (Note). SNN113001.

Record last edited

Feb 3 2025 8:06PM