Monument record 5841 - Probable enclosed settlement activity, Land North of Newport Pagnell Road

Cropmarks of a possible rectilinear enclosure and other ditches identified on aerial photographs.The magnetometer survey has recorded numerous magnetic responses that have been interpreted as being of archaeological interest. The results include evidence of enclosed settlement activity comprising enclosures, pits, ditches and ring-ditches.

{2} In the west, there are numerous linear anomalies which form a series of conjoined enclosures; these extend westwards beyond the limits of the survey. There is a large external ditch. There appears to be an entrance in the north-east corner of the main enclosure and possibly a break in the south. There is a complex of internal anomalies associated with ditch lengths, gullies, pits and other features indicative of settlement activity. While there are hints of ring ditches, none are particularly well-defined, especially compared to those mapped further to the east. A double ditched response forms a probable trackway which runs along the northern edge of the enclosures and continues eastwards along the southern edge of a separate large enclosure. A large rectilinear enclosure, which measures 240m by 100m; its south-eastern limits are obscured by a modern pipeline. Within the enclosure are several concentrations of pits, gullies, ring ditches and small square / rectangular ditched features. The geophysical survey has revealed much more extensive activity. Weaker magnetic anomalies have been detected south the service pipe, these could indicate less intensively occupied zones or areas of greater plough damage.

<1> CHADWICK P., 1999, Archaeological Desk Based Assessment: Wootton Fields Extension, Wootton, Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Report). SNN63162.

<2> Thomas Cockcroft, 2025, GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY REPORT: ‘Hardingstone Rise’, Land North of Newport Pagnell Road, Northampton (Report). SNN117107.

Record last edited

Jun 15 2026 3:39PM