Monument record 5576/1/1 - Saxon ironworking site

Saxon shaft furnace with slag pit

{2} The small oval furnace was 30x20cm internally and lined with a vertical clay wall up to 5cm thick, which survived at a height of 15cm. The furnace was set within a larger pit some 60cm in diameter. The intervening space between the furnace and the sides of the pit had been packed with clay, presumably to improve the insulation. The shaft of the furnace had been patched, or relined suggesting multiple use.
A small slag pit was sited adjacent to the furnace opening on the east and a small amount of slag survived on the base. Several large stones postitioned at the mouth of the furnace had perhaps formed a facing or support between the furnace shaft or slag pit.

<1> JACKSON D., 1990, SMR REPORT FORM, (checked) (Note). SNN49680.

<2> Jackson D, 1993-4, Iron Age and Anglo Saxon Settlement and Activity Around the Hunsbury Hillfort, Northampton, p.37-38 (checked) (Article). SNN104120.

<3> Musgrave E.C.; Tingle M. (editors), 1991, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1990, p108 Northampton Summerfield (Checked) (Article). SNN100325.

Record last edited

Apr 29 2025 7:07PM