Monument record 2416/0/205 - Possible boundary ditch of late Saxon settlement

Archaeological excavation on Blackpot Lane identified a deep, V-shaped ditch that was excavated some time after 850 AD.

{1}A late Saxon V-shaped ditch, 2.8m wide and 1.4m deep, running downhill on a West to East alignment. Only a 10m length was investigated to its full depth, though it was traced to 66m in which there was no change of direction. A large quantity of pottery and animal bones was present in both infilling layers. Two smaller ditches were perhaps cut by the main ditch but it was impossible to trace either for any distance. One is believed to be late Saxon but the other is quite likely a modern drainage cut.The pottery from the main ditch suggests that it was finally infilled during the 11th century. The material from this final phase comprised sherds with little surface ware and in vew of their reconstructability they must be considered a primary rubbish deposit. The quantity of imports strongly suggests that during the 10th and 11th centuries there was an adjacent site of some wealth and importance.The ditch appears to have been dug after 850AD. The ditch judging its size and position, was not simply for drainage. No recuts and the nature of the silting implies a short life. ?Boundary of settlement.

<1> Johnston A.G., 1994, Excavations in Oundle, Northamptonshire: Work Carried Out at Stoke Doyle Road 1979, Blackpot Lane 1985 and St. Peter's Church 1991, p.105 (unchecked) (Article). SNN40470.

<2> 1985, Excavation Summary: Black Pot Lane, 1985, (unchecked) (Report). SNN57411.

Record last edited

Jul 9 2021 12:13PM