Monument record 8266 - Possible Iron Age settlement

Geophysical survey and subsequent trial trench excavation identified mid-late Iron Age features including ditches and a pit.

{1,2} Curvilinear anomaly which may form part of a possible boundary ditch identified during geophysics. The ditch runs in a south-west to east-north-east direction where it becomes masked by the magnetic effects of a nearby metal structure. This ditch appears to relate to the top edge of the slope dipping to the north and north-west. A rectangular enclosure appears to join the ditch at its south-east corner. The side of the enclosure appears to have an entrance c 3m wide. Two single anomalies may represent possible pits.

{3} Subsequent trial trench excavation identified four ditches and a pit- sherds of middle to late Iron Age pottery and charcoal fragments / flecks recovered from the features. It confirmed the curvilinear boundary ditch. It was 2.28m wide and in excess of 0.75m deep. Twelve sherds of middle - late Iron Age pottery recovered from the fill of the ditch. The small enclosure ditch was not located during trial trenching - perhaps because it had been removed by the boundary ditch at this location.

<1> Morris, S., 1997, SMR report form, (unchecked) (SMR Report Form). SNN49190.

<2> Morris, S., 1997, Archaeological geophysical survey: Shortwood Lodge Equestrian Centre, Nassington, Northamptonshire September 1997, p.3 (unchecked) (Report). SNN46715.

<3> Masters P.; Chapman A., 1997, An Archaeological Evaluation at Shortwood Lodge, Nassington, Northamptonshire: Stage 3 - Trial Excavation, (checked) (Report). SNN46603.

<4> 1998, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter, p. 37 (Journal). SNN100580.

Record last edited

May 9 2022 2:46PM