Monument record 8253 - Probable post-medieval quarry, Kings Sutton Field Barn

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken on the projected line of a Roman road. There was no evidence of the road, although the remains of a possible quarry and clay pit were identified.

{1} An area of stone quarrying recovered during trial excavation. In addition a broad shallow ditch-like feature cut into a clay outcrop may also indicate quarrying activity. A single sherd of medieval pottery found in only post hole on site. Broad ditch-like feature of medieval or later date also found.

{2} Southern part of Trench 1 appeared to have been quarried away and then back-filled with unwanted stone debris. This back-fill was very loose, contained numerous large voids and was about 400mm deep, below which a level surface of solid ironstone was again encountered. In all probablility this feature was a small quarry dug into the base of the hillside, alongside the existing track-way. No dating evidence was recovered but the lack of silting with the voids suggest it is relatively modern and was perhaps dug to provide building materials for use around the farm.

A broad, shallow trench with deeper gullies to either side, the fill of these features was a uniform reddish-brown rather sandy and stone-free clay. The feature follows the clay outcrop and therefore it would appear likely that it is a clay pit. The sharpness of the edges also suggests that it was in use for only a short time before being filled in, perhaps a one-off operation rather than regular exploitation. Single unidentifiable and undated fragment of copper alloy.
Two further features were identified -a shallow ditch and a small post-hole. The ditch-like feature was 1.8m wide ran N-S across trench 3, it had steep sides and was filled with a uniform reddish-brown rather sandy and stone-free clay. The post-hole had a flat bottom, near vertical sides, was cut into solid ironstone and contained a single sherd of medieval pottery.

<1> IVENS R.J., 1997, An Archaeological Evaluation at Field Barn, Kings Sutton, (unchecked) (Report). SNN46859.

<1> IVENS R.J., 1997, SMR REPORT FORM, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN49567.

Record last edited

Jul 3 2026 2:33PM