Monument record 66 - Possible Romano-British Settlement & Funerary Site, 'Spitchel' Field

In 1872 the possible foundations of a wall were ploughed up in 'Spitchel Field' and in 1874 a Roman urn was found nearby. It was surrounded by an area of burnt stones, animal bones and fragments of Roman pottery. In 1884 5 stone cists, each containing a skeleton but with no datable finds, were found in the vicinity. Locational data suspect as generalised C19th antiquarian references only.

{1} Field names: Spitchel and Spitchel Common.

{2} In 1872 a line of stones 10m long, possibly the foundations of a wall, was ploughed up in a field called Spitchel. Locational data from other sources is suspect. In 1874 a Roman urn placed upright with stones on top of it was discovered. It was surrounded by an area of burnt stones, animal bones and fragments of Roman pottery. In 1884 five stone cists, each containing a skeleton but with no datable finds, were found in the vicinity.

{3} In November 1874 ploughing dislodged oolitic stone covering the mouth of a large vase. One large thin stone covered the mouth,with smaller stones on top. The vase was slightly more than 2ft tall x 1ft 11ins wide, and of a red pottery, perfect apart from a small chip to the rim. It weighed 86lbs. It was placed upright with a large thin stone placed upright on each side of it. The top was about 7ins below the ground surface. It was empty apart from a little soil. It is possible that the vase was meant to hold corn. Round it were found bits of pottery and burnt stone, and four or five yards to the south were numerous pot sherds and bones of cow, sheep and pig. The pottery comprised about 15 vessels, all of a common red and black ware, apparently Roman. Probably relates to settlement nearby.

About 1872 near the same spot as the upright vase, was found a length of large stones on edge, about 2ft deep, and coming within a few inches of the ground surface.

In February 1881 three "sepulchral chests" were found about 50 yds south east of the Romano-British finds located earlier in the C19th. More detailed description of coffins, coffin covers and skeletons within. No associated finds to assist with dating.

{4} Roman remains near Aynhoe were found in a field called 'Spitchel' near the boundary with Croughton parish and about 40yds from the road from Charlton to Croughton. In November 1874 ploughing dislodged oolitic stone covering the mouth of a large vase. One large thin stone covered the mouth, with smaller stones on top. The vase was nearly 3ft tall x 1ft 11ins wide, and of a red pottery, perfect apart from a small chip to the rim. It was 10 ins wide at the mouth and 10 ins wide at the base. It was placed upright with one large thin stone placed upright on each side of it. The top was about 7ins below the ground surface. It was empty apart from a little soil. It is possible that the vase was meant to hold corn. Round it were found bits of pottery and burnt stone, and four or five yards to the south were numerous pot sherds and bones of cow, sheep and pig. Many stones were red from burning. The pottery comprised about 15 vessels, all of a common red and black ware, apparently Roman. Probably relates to settlement nearby, and the jar used for storing corn or other dry matter. The fabric was too porous to hold liquid. The broken pottery and bones were probably part of a domestic rubbish deposit.
About two years ago was found near the same spot about 10yds in length of large stones placed on edge, about 2ft deep and coming within inches of the ground surface.

{5} Concentration of possible pits in the approx area of recorded burials may be geological features but could also represent graves. Seen on aerial photos NCCAP:SP5334/2-8.

{7}{8} Gives grid ref. of SP53413388 but this is probably wrong.




Description from record 66/1/1:
{1} In February 1881 three "sepulchral chests" were found about 50 yds south east of the Romano-British finds located earlier in the C19th. More detailed description of coffins, coffin covers and skeletons within. No associated finds to assist with dating.

{10} Original letter and drawings by Dryden along with printed article from "The Antiquary" August 1881;

<1> MAP, (unchecked) (Map). SNN9915.

<2> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.12 site 5 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<3> DRYDEN H., 1881, Roman Remains Near Aynhoe, Northamptonshire, p.78 (checked) (Journal). SNN106111.

<4> 1875, Journal of The British Archaeological Association (Vol.31), p.485 (checked) (Journal). SNN9921.

<5> Foard, G., 1981, Oral Report to SMR, (checked) (Oral Report). SNN109480.

<6> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, NCCAP:SP5334/2-8 (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<7> 1955, OS 6 INCH MAP, (unchecked) (Map). SNN9920.

<8> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP53SW5 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<9> 1875, Journal of The British Archaeological Association (Vol.31), p.484-5 (checked) (Journal). SNN9921.

<10> Dryden H.E.L., 1842-1895, Dryden Collection, DR/25/16/1-2 (Archive). SNN115.

Record last edited

Apr 1 2025 4:32PM