Monument record 1817 - Early Middle Saxon Settlement, Westfield Spinney

A concentration of early-mid Saxon pottery occupying an area of c4.48ha.

{2} A total of 151 sherds of early middle Saxon pottery were collected during reconnaissance, and two relatively distinct concentrations can be identified. Both have an elongated shape and are aligned along the valley side, one at a height of 40m and the other close to the river. A light scatter of sherds to the south and east may indicate contemporary manuring. 7 sherds located 340m upslope in a discrete concentration are probably significant though their origin is uncertain.
The main concentration occupies an area of some 4.48ha and may itself be divided into two. A further 408 sherds were recovered by intensive collection based on 10m squares from the western half of the scatter. Medieval pottery has a similar elongated distribution along the 40m contour and it could therefore be argued that the Saxon material was residual, being spread with manure onto the field. The main concentration of medieval pottery however is located to the east of the Saxon scatter and no grouping of medieval sherds is present in association with the other concentration. Excavation has identified a ditch and small structure of early middle Saxon date at the northern edge of the concentration, but only a single pit within it. It is possible that later agricultural activity has removed other subsoil features. Alternatively the pattern could reflect the deliberate dumping of domestic waste away from living areas.
A highly dispersed pattern of 11 sherds of Ipswich ware was recovered during reconnaissance. This represents the largest group of sherds found within the survey and may suggest that the date of settlement was at least partly middle Saxon.

<1> Parry S., 1993, Raunds Area Survey Report, p.186-87 (checked) (Draft). SNN1175.

<2> Parry S. et al, 2006, Raunds Area Survey: An Archaeological Study of The Landscape of Raunds, Northamptonshire 1985-94, p.216-7 (unchecked) (Book). SNN105780.

Record last edited

Aug 2 2021 1:11PM