Monument record 727/2/3 - Late Saxon defensive ditch

{1} Excavation in 1954 uncovered a ditch 25m wide by 2m deep, largely removed from the earlier Roman one (726/4/10). It was probably dug by Edward the Elder in 917 when a second wall of sandstone and limestone 2m wide (and possibly heightened) was built in front of the earlier Roman one.

{3} Also evidence for recut of the great ditch between C6th to C13th

{4} The heightening of the town bank, a layer of brown stony loan up to 610mm thick was at some stage laid down on top of the Roman bank and the collapse levels of a stone building.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.153/Site 3 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<3> Woodfield C., 1992, The Defences of Towcester, Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Article). SNN60159.

<4> Brown A.E.; Alexander J.A., 1982, Excavations at Towcester 1954: The Grammar School Site, p31 (checked) (Article). SNN102436.

Record last edited

Sep 15 2011 9:47AM