Monument record 6530 - Possible Iron Age/Romano-British Settlement

Archaeological investigations have identified some evidence of Iron Age and Romano-British activity, although the lack of material artefacts, suggests that it is likely to represent field systems rather than settlement.

{1, 2} Geophysical survey was undertaken in 1994. Recent disturbance of the topsoil appears to mask archaeological features. The southern part of the plot indicates the corner of a linear anomaly which may denote the presence of a ditched enclosure. The second stage of investigation implemented by the prospection of a further single grid showed the enclosure to be subrectangular in shape. It was not possible to survey the entire enclosure because of modern disturbance. A small sub-rectangular anomaly could indicate a further enclosure. The anomaly is only weakly magnetic and the area is disturbed by topsoil stripping so interpretation remains uncertain.
Subsequent test pitting identified two shallow pits filled with yellow-brown clay-loam. One pit was excavated but no dating evidence was recovered. The pits were sealed by alluvium considered to have been deposited during the Middle Ages.

{3, 4} Watching brief undertaken during the construction of an access road. A possible ditch or furrow cut into the natural gravel was observed during observation on road developments. The feature was 1.1m wide but only 0.15m deep. It was filled with a clean compact dark yellowish brown clay from which a single piece of animal bone was the only find.
Four worked flints, comprising a scraper and 3 flakes were found in the associated spoil heaps.

{5, 7} Further trial trench evaluation was carried out in 1995. A ditch and gully were found, sealed by alluvium. Their north west to south east alignment suggests that they may form part of the boundary of the oval enclosure identified by the magnetometer survey. The ditch was 1.3m wide and 400mm deep while the gully was 400mm wide and 180mm deep. A single sherd of probable Iron Age pottery was recovered.
A single ditch was found below the subsoil and cutting natural gravel. There was no alluvium above. The ditch shared a similar alignment to that in trench 45 but was located 45m north west. A single sherd of Roman pottery was recovered.

<1> Parry, S, 1995, Marsh Lane, Irthlingborough evaluation, (checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN49406.

<2> Parry, S., 1994, Archaeological Evaluation at Marsh Lane, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, October 1994, p.7-10 (checked) (Report). SNN70548.

<3> Holmes M., 1995, Marsh Lane, Irthlingborough- watching brief, (checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN49486.

<4> Parry, S., 1995, Archaeological Watching Brief at Marsh Lane, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire June - November 1995, (checked) (Report). SNN77013.

<5> Parry, S., 1995, An Archaeological Evaluation of Land at Marsh Lane, Irthlingborough, Northants: Stage 2, p.3 (checked) (Report). SNN71949.

<6> Horne, B (editor), 1996, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (26), 26/33 (unchecked) (Notes). SNN40064.

<7> Moore, J., 1989, Stanwick, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Assessment March 1989, p.4 (checked) (Report). SNN43486.

<7> Webster, M., 1995, Marsh Lane, Irthlingborough- trial trench excavation, second stage, (checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN49405.

<8> Moore, J., 1989, SMR Report Form, (checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN104807.

<9> Webster M., 2001, Archaeological Watching Brief on Land South of Marsh Lane, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, p.2-3 (checked) (Report). SNN102135.

Record last edited

Aug 23 2023 11:47AM