Monument record 6795 - Early Romano-British Settlement, Slade Field

Fieldwalking survey, as part of the Raunds Area Project, identified a concentration of Romano-British pottery covering an area of 4.88ha. The discovery of kiln bars could suggest the presence of pottery kilns

{1} A concentration of Romano-British pottery was identified covering an area of 4.88ha. Three distinct peaks could be discerned within the concentration. The pottery suggests the settlement may have been abandoned by the C3rd AD. Four kiln bars were found, perhaps suggesting that pottery-manufacture occurred on the site. Located on the gently sloping northern side of the Ringstead Brook. The finds concentration has three distinct peaks (up to 14 sherds per stint) within a more even scatter. The discovery of four kiln bars (one retained) may indicate pottery manufacture. Demise of the settlement within Slade Field appears to have taken place before the C3rd AD. Further investigation is required to determine the character of this site.

{2} Slade Field (Site 32, SP99487530). An extensive low density concentration, with a core area of c.4.9ha.
The combined grogged-shelly-grey wares account for about 09% of the total number of 290 sherds, with more grogged (37%) than shelly wares (26%), suggesting that activity was greatest during the early Roman period if not in the middle period, then certainly by the late period.
The concentration of finds is extensive, but has a low density (59 sherds pre ha), which may reflect a limited period of occupation, with most pottery dating from the C1st and C2nd AD. The occurance of isolated stints with up to 14 sherds in an otherwise low background is unusual and the discovery of kiln bars could suggest the presence of pottery kilns which may have distorted the pattern.

{3} Cropmarks noted. Some may be geoplogical, some with an archaeological origin.

<1> Parry S., 1993, Raunds Area Survey Report, p.260 (checked) (Draft). SNN1175.

<2> Parry S. et al, 2006, Raunds Area Survey: An Archaeological Study of The Landscape of Raunds, Northamptonshire 1985-94, p.74-6+245 (checked) (Book). SNN105780.

<3> Info Terra Ltd; Blue Sky; Tele Atlas; Getmapping, 2010, Google Earth Imagery (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN111624.

Record last edited

Nov 26 2019 12:34PM