Monument record 1787/0/4 - Probable late Saxon boundary ditches, Nags Head Lane

Trial trench excavation identified ditches dating to the 10th-12th centuries, although evidence of related domestic activity was scarce

{1}Four trial trenches were excavated revealing boundary ditches which probably dated to C11th or C12th; little evidence of related domestic activity;

{2} In 1994 an earthwork survey and trial trench excavation was undertaken prior to development. The most prominent earthwork was a low scarp approximately 50m long & aligned parallel to Nags Head Lane; other less well-defined earthworks also present. Excavation revealed the earthwork to be an earthen bank which sealed an earlier ditch containing pottery dated to AD1100-1400. In total, four trenches were excavated, all of which contained a small number of ditches, pits and postholes. The occupation of the site appears to have been confined to the 10th to 12th centuries when ditches were dug to form land parcels. Small assemblage of pottery and to spindle whorls from Trench 2. Focus of settlement probably elsewhere. The surviving earthworks are likely to denote previous boundaries or relate to subsequent land-use rather than be associated with former buildings.

{3} An evaluation carried out by Northamptonshire Archaeology suggests a late Saxon origin for this part of the village;

<1> SMR REPORT FORM, (unchecked) (Note). SNN48801.

<2> Holmes, M., 1994, Archaeological evaluation at Nags Head Lane, Hargrave, Northamptonshire, March 1994 (Report). SNN70382.

<3> Parry S. et al, 2006, Raunds Area Survey: An Archaeological Study of The Landscape of Raunds, Northamptonshire 1985-94, p. 264-5 (Book). SNN105780.

Record last edited

Apr 30 2019 1:35PM