Monument record 563 - Possible late Iron Age Farmstead, north of Rothwell

Geophysical survey and subsequent trial trenching identified late Iron Age activity dated from the 1st century BC to early 1st century AD, centred on a rectilinear enclosure.

{1} [Cropmarks not Morphed as part of National Mapping Programme, possibly because of extremely poor controls.]

{4} Geophysical survey shows a number of areas of archaeological potential. The principal area of archaeological interest is in the north-west of the survey area, where a complex of enclosures and round-houses covers an area of between 4 and 5 hectares.

{5} Archaeological trial trench excavation confirmed the results of the geophysical survey identifying late Iron Age occupation which appears to represent a fairly short-lived period of activity from the late 1st century BC into the early 1st century AD, although some evidence of recutting was apparent, implying that at least some of the enclosures were maintained.

Features of this date comprised the partial enclosure to the north, Enclosure 1; the sub-rectangular main enclosure, Enclosure 2; and the boundary ditch and small triangular enclosure and associated surrounding ditches. Within Enclosure 2 was a circular enclosure within which was Ring Ditch 1. The pottery indicates that this area was in use from the 1st century BC into the early 1st century AD. A second isolated ring ditch was present to the south. To the west of these enclosures was a boundary ditch associated with a group of small polygonal enclosures; Enclosure Group 4, and a ring ditch.
To the south and the east of Enclosure 2, a series of ditches probably represent a series of further enclosures, Enclosure Group 5, although these are less well defined on the geophysical survey. Associated with these is a further ring ditch.

{6} In 2006 a sample geophysical survey across parts of a proposed development site north of Rothwell led to the discovery of an extensive settlement complex of presumed Iron Age or Roman date. In 2015 the remaining parts of the development area were surveyed. Trial trench evaluation confirmed the presence of a late Iron Age settlement, dated from the 1st century BC to early 1st
century AD, centred on a rectilinear enclosure.

<1> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, NCCAP:SP8081/003-5 (unchecked) (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<2> Walford, J., 2006, Geophysical survey of land to the north of Rothwell, Northamptonshire, December 2006 (Draft), p.4 (checked) (Report). SNN106587.

<3> Horne B. (Editor), 2007, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (37), p. 71 (Newsletter). SNN106005.

<4> Walford, J., 2015, Archaeological geophysical survey of land north of Rothwell, Northamptonshire October 2015 (Report). SNN110416.

<5> Jarvis, A., 2015, Trial trench evaluation north of Rothwell, Northamptonshire October 2015, P. 7 (Report). SNN110415.

<6> Horne, B (editor), 2016, South Midlands Archaeology (46), p.45 (Journal). SNN111326.

Record last edited

Nov 8 2024 11:30AM