Monument record 1315 - Possible prehistoric or medieval settlement, south-west of Hemington

Cropmark remains of two conjoined irregular enclosures of uncertain date mapped from aerial photographs. Possibly of prehistoric origin or associated with the medieval moat to the north.

{1} The cropmark traces of two conjoined irregular ditch-defined enclosures of uncertain date centred at TL 0899 8487. The north-eastern enclosure measures approximately 45m x 68m, the south-western 52m x 65m. In the adjacent field to the north are the extensive cropmark remains of a probable Medieval moat and associated features. It is not clear if the two enclosures described above are associated with the moated site to the north.

These features were originally mapped from aerial photographs as part of the RCHME: Northamptonshire NMP project. Subsequent photographs taken by English Heritage in July 2006 have confirmed the presence of features not identified on photographs, but noted from unconfirmed sources in the original survey. For further information contact Northamptonshire County Council.

{2} Geophysical survey undertaken in 2022 on land to the east of the known area of cropmarks indicated that the area of enclosures extends further to the east than suggested by the cropmark evidence. The anomalies identified by the survey comprised several overlapping curvilinear enclosures. Their overlapping nature indicates that this area may have been subject to multiple phases of occupation.

{3} Archaeological trial trench excavation revealed a sequence of enclosure and boundary ditches, pits and postholes associated with late Iron Age to early Roman pottery. Many of the ditches identified during the trial trench excavation had not previously been identified during the geophysical survey and may relate to a more extensive system of enclosure/boundary ditches.

<1> Oblique Aerial Photograph, NMR TL 0884/10 NMR 24362/1 17-JUL-2006 (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN111738.

<2> Taylor, D & Dolan, J, 2022, Geophysical Survey Report for Hemington Natural Burial Ground, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN114287.

<3> Lambert, P, 2023, Land west of Luddington Road, Hemington, Northamptonshire : Archaeological Evaluation (Report). SNN114979.

<4> Crank, N. (Editor), 2023, South Midlands Archaeology (53), P. 74 (Journal). SNN116414.

Record last edited

Jan 31 2025 3:08PM