Monument record 533/1/1 - Probable Romano-British Furnace

An iron smelting furnace, presumed to be Roman, was exposed in 1985 during roadworks at Half Crown Corner. The furnace had been remodelled and was probably reused on a number of occasions. Other signs of burning were noted during soil stripping.

{2} A probable Romano-British clay-lined bowl/dome furnace, 1m in diameter and 0.30m deep. A pit was uncovered adjacent to the furnace, possibly used for bellows. No tuyeres were found. The probable ore used at the site was Northamptonshire sand and ironstone. 1 early Iron Age and 1 Romano-British sherd were also found.

{3} The furnace was up to 1m in diameter and set 0.3m deep into the bedrock, it had been remodelled and was probably used on several occasions. Other signs of burning were noticed during soil stripping. The furnace was situated on an outcrop of Northampton Sand Ironstone. It is the first structure of its kind to be recorded in South Northants and provides evidence that the inferior ironstone of the area was probably used for smelting in antiquity.

{4} Detailed description and discussion, plus plans.

<1> Jackson, D., 1985, Site Records, (checked) (Notes). SNN51865.

<2> Tylecote R.F., 1985, A New Type of Iron Bloomery Furnace in Great Britain, (unchecked) (Typescript Report). SNN43716.

<3> Dix B.(ed), 1986-7, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1985-6, 21/154 Byfield (checked) (Report). SNN100334.

<4> JACKSON D.A.; TYLECOTE R.F., 1988, Two New Romano-British Ironworking Sites in Northamptonshire: A New Type of Furnace?, 19/290-298 (checked) (Article). SNN43553.

<5> Jackson, D., 1985, SMR Report Form, (checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN53819.

Record last edited

Jan 13 2023 2:49PM