Monument record 7057 - Site of Roman settlement, south of Lower Thrupp Grounds

A large quantity of Roman pottery has been found in this location and geophysical survey identified an extensive area of activity comprising multiple ditched enclosures and two probable trackways, one of which appears to lead to the northern tip of Borough Hill. Trial trench excavation in 2017 found numerous ditches probably relating to enclosures and field boundaries. A stone-lined corndryer with a well-preserved environmental remains was also found. Pottery from the features dated to the 2nd-3rd centuries AD.

{1} Approx 100 sherds of Roman pottery found during a metal detecting survey on parish boundary between Norton and Daventry. Mostly 2nd and 3rd century pot - course grey ware except for two sherds of colour coated ware. Late Roman coin also reported (but not seen by M Curteis). SP 5875 6364

{2} Eleven coins dating from Gallienus to three Valentiniac issues, part of a copper alloy vessel and fragments of pottery found in August 1991.

{3} Geophysical survey identified a substantial, though sprawling, site, comprising multiple ditched enclosures. On the southern side of the site there is a pair of linear ditches which extend south-eastwards, probably flanking the sides of a trackway. They align directly towards the northern tip of the hillfort at Borough Hill, c 50m to the south and also correspond with the modern field boundary along which the modern parish boundary runs- possible landscape fossilisation?

{4} Ten trenches were positioned to target the remains identified by the geophysical survey revealing evidence of a Roman rural settlement; a significant quantity of 2nd-3rd century pottery was recovered from the features. There were numerous ditches, probably relating to enclosures and other field bundaries. The most significant find was a stone-lined corndryer with well-preserved environmental remains deposited in the flue of the structure. The corndryer was probably used to malt cereal grain, possibly for ale production. The recovery of cattle, sheep and horse bones indicates that the settlement operated a mixed agricultural economy.

<1> Curteis M., 1996, SMR Report Form, (checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN49253.

<2> Curteis M., 1992, Archaeology in Northamptonshire: Notes From Northampton Museum, p.115 (checked) (Chapter). SNN106204.

<3> Walford, J, 2016, Archaeological geophysical survey of land north-east of Daventry, Northamptonshire, 2016 (Report). SNN111116.

<4> Allen, M, 2017, Daventry North-East, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation Report (Report). SNN112123.

Record last edited

Nov 2 2022 3:31PM