Monument record 2721/0/1 - Possible Roman Iron Working sites, Old Sulehay Forest

Antiquarian sources indicate a number of Roman iron working sites in and around Old Sulehay Forest. Much of the area has since been quarried

{1} Possible Roman Iron-working sites (centred TL 065986) are recorded from in and north of Old Sulehay Forest, in the north of the parish, on limestone between 100 ft. and 150 ft. above OD. Artis' map of the area around Durobrivae shows twelve iron-working sites within the wood and two more to the north {5}. The north part of the wood where eight of the sites are shown, has been cleared and quarried. The remainder of the wood is dotted with many pits and hollows; some are recent and others, apparently dating from the medieval period, are stone quarries. No finds have been made

{2} Fieldname: Mortar pits.

{4} The area includes a large and fairly dense wood as well as 'Mortar Pits' which are published on 6". These are the only features of any note and were presumably dug for building material.

{6} (TL 062986). An iron furnace is listed at this location.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1975, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.115/Site 8 (checked) (Series). SNN77379.

<2> OS 6 INCH MAP, (unchecked) (Map). SNN5766.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, TL09NE50 (unchecked) (Index). SNN443.

<4> Seaman, B H, 1970, Field Investigator's Comments, F1 BHS 25-JUN-70 (Notes). SNN111541.

<5> Artis E.T., 1828, The Durobrivae of Antoninus, MAP & PLAN 1 (unchecked) (Article). SNN55884.

<6> WHITWELL J.B., 1982, The Coritani: Some Aspects of the Iron Age Tribe and the Roman Civitas, p. 343 (Monograph). SNN58533.

Record last edited

Mar 1 2024 12:42PM