Monument record 3122 - Possible Prehistoric Settlement

Three enclosures, the largest of which is roughly circular, double ditched and containing a number of pits and other features, seen on air photographs. Geophysical survey of part of the site in 2025 identified part of the curvilinear enclosure as well as other, weaker ditch-like anomalies.

{1-4} Enclosures (SP 923687), E. of South View Farm, on Northampton Sand at 60m above OD. Air photographs show three enclosures, the largest of which is roughly circular and double-ditched with a number of pits and other features inside it. To the N.E. of this enclosure part of another is visible. To the S. is a third, of irregular shape with internal divisions.

{5} The circular enclosure described above (Source 1-4) was mapped as part of the Bedford Borough NMP project from aerial photographs. It possibly is double ditched but may also have a broad ditch about 4metres in width. It measures about 43metres across. The other features described above were not clear and may be geological or from later drainage ditches.

{7} Geophysical survey undertaken in 2025. Field 2 incorporated part of the curvilinear enclosure identified previously as a cropmark. Several weaker anomalies detected c110m to the east may also represent ditches and a negative linear anomaly may also have an archaeological origin.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1979, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.167/Site 7 (unchecked) (Series). SNN77380.

<2> 1982, Aerial Photography in Northamptonshire 1981, p108 Wellingborough (Checked) (Journal). SNN104561.

<3> Northamptonshire HER Collection of Aerial Photographs, NCCAP:SP9268/001-10 (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<4> Aerial Photograph, CUCAP ZA61/63 24-JUN-1959 and ZE14 30-JUN-1959 (Photographs). SNN112974.

<5> Aerial Photograph, NHC 2463/26 12-JUN-1984 (Photographs). SNN112974.

<6> Bedford Borough Council HER, Undated, Bedford Borough NMP, MD003015 (Archive). SNN113023.

<7> Chris Manktelow and Sean Emery, 2026, Archaeological geophysical survey along the Stanton Cross pipeline route Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, December 2025 (Report). SNN117127.

Record last edited

Jul 2 2026 4:34PM