Find Spot record 6045/1/0 - Probable Mesolithic Flint Scatter

A Mesolithic flint scatter was discovered during an evaluation at Towcester Retail development. Initial examination suggested it dated to the Neolithic/Bronze Age, later analysis indicated a Mesolithic date.

{1} Evaluation undertaken by Cotswold Archaeological Trust in 1992 identified a scatter of 87 flints, possibly Bronze Age in date, which extended over most of the evaluated area.

{2} Industry based on pebbles, probably local. This is probably Bronze Age in date, but a late Neolithic date cannot be ruled out. The presence of cores and waste flakes attests on-site knapping. However a lack of a broad range of tool types (and in particular scrapers) would not suggest prolonged occupation of this part of the study area.

{4} A flint scatter of possible Mesolithic date appears to be focused on the north-western end of Trench 1b. Although probably disturbed by later agricultural activity the lack of edge-damage to the artefacts would indicate minimal movement of the pieces. No structural evidence was associated with this scatter.

<1> 1992, SMR Report Form, (checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN48976.

<2> Walker G., 1992, Towcester Retail Development, Northamptonshire: Report on The Results of An Archaeological Evaluation, p.10 (checked) (Report). SNN70243.

<3> Walker G., 1993, Towcester Retail Development: Interim Report on the Results of an Archaeological Evaluation, p.5 (checked) (Interim Report). SNN60080.

<4> COTSWOLD ARCHAEOLOGICAL TRUST, 1993, Towcester Retail Development: Archaeological Evaluation Appendices 1 to 8, (checked) (Appendix). SNN60079.

<5> Kidd S., 1993, Towcester Retail Development, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Planning Assessment, p.8-9 (checked) (Report). SNN40438.

Record last edited

Aug 16 2023 4:08PM