Monument record 5977/1/1 - Probable Late Saxon/Medieval Furnace, Fineshade

Field survey identified a an extensive area of black soil associated with a low mound of slag. A test pit identified deposits of iron fines overlaid by slag and ash. Charcoal from the ash layer was radiocarbon dated to AD 995-1225.

{1} Fieldwalking by M. Porter, April 1992. Two undated furnace sites were identified, although furnace slag was present over most of the field. Furnace Site C at SP97429824. Sketch plan.

{2} Slag patch here was C14 dated to Cal AD 995 to 1225 with 95% probability.

{3} An extensive area of black soil spreading over an area of 100m down a small valley, culminating in a low mound of slag. A one metre deep test pit showed a 120mm layer of iron fines covered by 280mm of slag and ash overlain by 600mm of reddish soil and slag. A radiocarbon date of AD 995-1225 was obtained here.

<1> PORTER M., 1992, SMR Report Form, (checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN48841.

<2> Bellamy B.; Jackson D.; Johnston G., 2000-01, Early Iron Smelting in the Rockingham Forest Area: A Survey of the Evidence, p.111+116 (part checked) (Article). SNN103947.

<3> Horne B. (Editor), 2001, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (31), p. 39 (Newsletter). SNN112958.

Record last edited

Oct 3 2023 11:57AM