Monument record 5570/0/2 - Unstratified Neolithic finds and late Iron Age settlement, Wollaston Quarry

Fieldwalking in 1979 identified Neolithic pottery and flint on a possible mound. Trenches were excavated across the mound in 1985. No distinct features were identified but more Neolithic pottery and flint and Iron Age pottery were recovered. Subsequent excavation and watching brief undertaken prior to gravel quarrying identified a concentration of Iron Age ditches and pits, but no Neolithic features. The Iron Age activity may have destroyed the earlier Neolithic features leaving only a scatter of pottery and flint.

{1} Site 25. Fieldwalking recovered 36 Neolithic pot sherds including a decorated sherd. 148 Neolithic flints were also recovered including a leaf arrowhead and cores. Burnt fractured pebbles were also noted.The site sits on a small island of sand emerging through the alluvium, which has recently been ploughed revealing the finds. The site probably extends beneath the alluvium, and there is a possibility of waterlogged conditions.

{2} In 1985, two trial trenches were excavated across the mound. No distinct features could be discerned but pottery and flint was predominantly Neolithic, with some Iron Age sherds. Subsequently, in 1986, archaeological excavation was undertaken by students from Leicester University. Areas of darker soil were located but individual features were difficult to define. Pottery appeared to be almost entirely Iron Age in date. In 1987, quarrying was imminent and the gravel company was asked to remove the overburden from the potential Neolithic mound from the site in advance. The stripping revealed a concentration of Iron Age features; no features or pottery of Neolithic date were located. The Iron Age activity may have destroyed the underlying Neolithic features.

<1> HALL D.N., 1980, Oral Report to SMR, (checked) (Oral Report). SNN50709.

<2> JACKSON D.A., 1987, Iron Age & Neoltihic Site at Wollaston Gravel Quarry (Unpublished Report). SNN608.

Record last edited

Jun 10 2020 10:37AM