Monument record 5789 - Prehistoric settlement, south of Yeoman Farm

Cropmarks of circular and sub-circular enclosures identified on aerial photographs. Geophysical survey undertaken in 2020 indicates that the enclosures extend along a possible trackway aligned north-east to south-west. Trial trench excavation undertaken in 2021 identified probable mid-late Iron Age features in three trenches.

{1} Geophysical survey was undertaken for the Overstone Leys Easement in 2020. A complex of anomalies appear to form a settlement possibly Late Prehistoric in origin. This confirms and expands on cropmarks previously identified within the survey area. The settlement, which runs on a northeast to southwest alignment, appears to extend along a possible discontinuous trackway or boundary ditches. The enclosures include internal subdivisions and further internal sub-rectilinear and sub-circular enclosures. Possible pits have also been detected, interspersed among the enclosures.

{2} Trial trench excavation undertaken in 2021 identified probable mid-late Iron Age ditches and a pit-like feature in three trenches south of Yeoman Farm. The focus of activity was in two trenches with a series of intercutting ditches in one trench demonstrating multiple phases of a possible southern boundary ditch. A possible enclosure ditch was recorded in two trenches. Finds included pottery, animal bone, fired clay and a small amount of slag.

<1> Carli, I, and Clements, M, 2020, Geophysical Survey Report of Overstone Leys Easement (Report). SNN112033.

<2> Allsop, C, 2021, The Overstone Leys Mains Replacement Scheme, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation Report (Report). SNN113960.

<3> Crank, N. (Editor), 2022, South Midlands Archaeology (52), p. 72 (Journal). SNN115177.

Record last edited

Jun 15 2023 10:25AM