Monument record 1200/0/1 - Probable Romano-British Buildings, south of Briary Wood

Forest clearance in 1959 revealed a Roman settlement, apparently of late Iron Age origin. The site was badly damaged but a number of floors were recognised. A significant number of finds were found both then and since. The dating of the pottery indicates a hiatus between c 150 AD and c 250 AD.

{1} Excavation; 1959; H-shaped Romano-British settlement; 500ft x 240ft; floors and ?timber/plaster walls. Finds; 1959; dense concentration of stone, black ash and Roman pottery. Found during destruction of Briary Wood; SP726423.

{2} In the destruction of Briary Wood (SP726423) in 1959, a dense concentration of stone, black ash and pottery was found, indicating a RB site. It appears to be the site of a settlement, arranged like a letter H 500' x 240'. Small Scale excavations revealed floor levels, and timber/plaster walls are suggested. No roof tiles were found. Pottery found on the site suggests early and late Roman occupation, with little from 150-250 AD. The remains of the buildings seem to have been totally wrecked during the de-afforestation.

{5} Gold Quarter Stater of Addedomarus found by RFJ Kings, December 1990.

{6} Seven coins ranging from Claudius II to Constantius II, found by RFJ Kings between December 1990 and January 1991.

{7} Three coins dating from Claudius II to Carausius, fragment of a mirror, Hod Hill type brooch and a steelyard balance arm.

{8} Finds group location unknown data held by Northampton Museum, finds include 38 Roman coins.

{9} Forest clearance in 1959 revealed a Roman settlement, apparently of late Iron Age origin, covering an area of 30m x 90m. The site was badly damaged but a number of floors were recognised and finds included samian and coarse wares, stone, ash, wall-plaster and coins of Constantine and Valens.

{10} During the excavation by Auth 1 at SP 72914204 a silver coin of Valens was found. Present location unknown {10a}. The area is at present under plough and a heavy scatter of RB occupation debris was seen in an area centred to SP 72914204. Some finds from this site are in Northampton Museum, others are in the possession of the Richmond Watson family.

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP74SW1 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<2> 1961, Wolverton and District Archaeological Newsletter, 6/3-4 (Newsletter). SNN16440.

<3> Brown A.E. (Editor), 1966, Bulletin of the Northamptonshire Federation of Archaeological Societies (Roman), p.7 (unchecked) (Article). SNN107200.

<5> Curteis M., 1992, Archaeology in Northamptonshire: Notes From Northampton Museum, P113 (Chapter). SNN106204.

<6> Curteis M., 1992, Archaeology in Northamptonshire: Notes From Northampton Museum, P114 (Chapter). SNN106204.

<7> Curteis M., 1992, Archaeology in Northamptonshire: Notes From Northampton Museum, P114 (Chapter). SNN106204.

<8> Curteis M.; Musgrave E.; Tingle M. (Editors), 1995, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1995, p154 Deanshanger (Notes). SNN104575.

<9> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p. 41/site 2 (Series). SNN77382.

<10> Baird, J, 1969, Field Investigators Comments, Ordnance Survey archaeology field survey 27-OCT-69 (Note). SNN111452.

<10a> Historic England, Unknown, Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments, Oral C W Green (Oral Report). SNN111577.

Record last edited

Jan 9 2025 12:56PM