Monument record 1982 - Probable prehistoric/Roman settlement, north-west of Hockerhill Farm

Cropmarks of probable trackways, enclosures and pits have been identified on aerial photographs. A scatter of Roman pottery and other finds have been found in the vicinity. Roman roof tile may indicate the presence of a former building. Geophysical survey has indicated that the area of settlement is more complex and extends further south. The site is expected to extend into fields to the west.

{1} SP 8480 6559; Fieldwalking in 1968 recovered Romano-British Samian & colour-coated and grey ware pottery sherds & Romano-British roof tiles & burnt stones & worked flints;

{2}In 1965 a slight increase in ploughing depth produced two small stony patches 25 yds apart. Examination produced sherds of grey, colour coated and Samian ware, roof tiles, burnt stone and worked flints;

{3} SP849656; Finds in Northampton museum;

{4} 6P 848656 Stone scatter, sherds including grey and samian were found 1968. In Northampton museum. Indicated site under crop. Moore consulted, but he has nothing to add. Sherds are 3c/4c.

{7} geophysical survey has identified a large cluster of anomalies which will almost certainly extend into the field to the west. This group comprises a large enclosure with internal divisions - this is likely to be the cropmark. To the east is a probable trackway formed from two linear anomalies 6m apart. The easternmost ditch continues southwards to connect a further settlement [HER 1984].

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1979, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.109 Site 8 (checked) (Series). SNN77380.

<2> Brown, A.E. (Ed.), 1970, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1969 (Roman), 4/10 (Article). SNN100535.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP86NW12 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<4> Moore W.R.G., 1968, Roman Settlement in the Upper and Middle Nene Valley, p.63 (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN15188.

<5> Callis W.G., 1988, Ancient Mears Ashby, (unchecked) (Report). SNN47171.

<6> CALLIS W.G., 1981, Mears Ashby: From Ice Age to Space Age, 1981, (unchecked) (Report). SNN109952.

<7> Brunning, E, 2024, Green Hill Solar Project, Sites C, D and E, Northamptonshire: Geophysical Survey (Interim report) (Report). SNN116667.

Record last edited

Jan 31 2025 3:18PM