Monument record 2467 - Site of Iron Age activity, Brigstock Great Park

Cropmarks of enclosures identified on aerial photographs which have been previously identified as of possible medieval origin. However, fieldwalking survey has identified a significant concentration of Iron Age pottery in this area. Subsequent geophysical survey and trial trench excavation have confirmed the Iron Age origins of the settlement.

{1} Field 5, Brigstock Survey. Systematic fieldwalking identified a concentration of Iron Age pottery at around SP 9145 8345. More than 350 sherds dating between the 2nd century BC to the early 1st century AD. Cropmarks interpreted as a small farmstead.

{2} Geophysical survey broadly confirmed the cropmarks as a series of conjoined linear and curvilinear enclosures and subsequent trial trench excavation identified a small number of shallow features from which iron Age pottery was recovered.

{3} Enclosure and ditches on AP as soilmarks in 1982 [Either this site or one adjacent]

{4} Geophysical survey was undertaken in this area. In AAA1, the survey identified a partial enclosure, probable ring ditch approx 12m in diameter and adjacent area of burning/kiln are recorded in the north-west of this field. These features are surrounded by several discrete pit-like anomalies. In AAA2 towards the centre of the field, a small area of likely settlement activity was recorded in the form of three ring ditches measuring between 12m and 14m in diameter, a small square enclosure approx 26m in diameter and associated ditches and pit-like anomalies. These settlment features are set within a larger partial rectilinear enclosure which lies immediately west of the watercourse in the south-corner of the field. A small square enclosure and some of the surrounding ditch to the west. The survey has also identified additional features including ring ditches and a number of pit-like responses within and surrounding these features.

<1> FOSTER P., 1988, Changes in the landscape: an archaeological study of the clay uplands in the Brigstock area of Northamptonshire (Dissertation). SNN71342.

<2> Dunbar, L, 2021, Old Head Farm, Brigstock, Northamptonshire: Trial Trenching Interim Report, Zone 1 (Report). SNN116243.

<3> Foard G.; Richardson D., 1983, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1982 (Aerial Photography), p. 183 (Notes). SNN100412.

<4> Headland Archaeology, 2021, Brigstock Solar Farm, Northamptonshire: Geophysical Survey, AAA1, AAA2 (Report). SNN116427.

Record last edited

Apr 30 2026 12:11PM