Monument record 3250/0/42 - Possible Saxon-medieval settlement, west of London Road

Archaeological evaluation identified a number of ditches and pits, two of which dated between the late Saxon and medieval periods, although only post-medieval features were found in a trench adjacent to the road frontage. A subsequent watching brief undertaken during development identified only undated features, although 12th-16th century pottery was recovered as redeposited artefacts.

{1} Archaeological trial trench evaluation, comprising the excavation of two trenches, identified a number of features in the western trench. Many of the features were undated, including ditches, a pit and a stone spread, but a probable Saxon post hole and medieval ditch/gully were recorded. It is possible that the undated features may also be Saxon or medieval in date. The finds assemblage includes material ranging from the Roman to modern periods. A significant assemblage of early to middle Saxon handmade sherds further suggests the presence of Saxon activity on, or near, the application area. The presence of post-medieval and modern features, in Trench 2 adjacent to the road frontage, has removed any earlier features which may have been present in that area of the site.

{4} A subsequent watching brief identified a series of undated features. The undated deposits were mainly linear features such as gullies or ditches or pits. Two of these were sealed below the subsoil. The function of these is not clear due to the absence of artefactual evidence, but it is possible that thay are boundary markers set perpendicular to the road. Some of the features were possibly modern. The undated pits were difficult to interpret due to the lack of artefactual evidence. One of the pits in the south-east corner of the area contained a cattle sized animal and was probably modern. A large cut feature looked machine cut.

{5} A watching brief was undertaken during development in an area where Early Saxon to Saxo-Norman deposits had previously been identified. Several ditches, gullies and pits were revealed but all were undated. A moderate quantity of 12th-16th century pottery was recovered as redeposited artefacts.

<1> Fell D., 1998, Archaeological Evaluation at London Road, Wollaston, Northamptonshire (WLR'98), (unchecked) (Report). SNN43746.

<2> Taylor, G., 1998, SMR report form (SMR Report Form). SNN106819.

<3> 1999, Medieval Archaeology (43), p.272 (unchecked) (Journal). SNN107451.

<4> Snee J., 2001, Archaeological Watching Brief On Land At London Road, Wollaston, Northamptonshire (WLR99), p.4 (unchecked) (Report). SNN100733.

<5> CBA South Midlands Group, 2003, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (33), p.39 (unchecked) (Journal). SNN103380.

Record last edited

Aug 29 2023 11:17AM