Monument record 2135 - Iron Age & Romano-British activity, including Roman pottery production

An area of Iron Age and Roman settlement was identified during gravel digging from 1956 onwards. A number of kilns, as well as kiln furniture, were also identified

{1} Features observed during quarry development in 1957. The site had been totally destroyed by 1960. Four pottery kilns and Romano-British pot sherds were found. The pot sherds were found within 12ft wide pits cut into the gravel. The pits were shallow, being 18-24 inches below the bottom of the topsoil. A few fragments of kiln fabric were also found.

{5} Fired clay fragment and an area of charcoal and dark soil found in September 1956.

{6} Kiln remains, pot sherds and a quern found in 1956.

{9} SP 812614. Billing Gravel Pit. Archaeological material found during gravel digging from 1956 includes Iron Age and Roman pottery, some obtained from ditches. Some of the pottery eg a complete beaker, shows Belgic influence. Other finds were animal bones, burnt stones, Roman roof tiles and kiln furniture, including a portion of a pedestal and many fire-bars. Timber beams with pegged joints were also reported.

{11} The area is now occupied by an aquadrome. All known finds in Northampton Museum.

<1> 1957-60, Manuscript Notes, (checked) (Manuscript). SNN47088.

<2> Moore W.R.G., 1968, Roman Settlement in the Upper and Middle Nene Valley, p.46 (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN15188.

<3> Johnston, D E, 1969, Romano-British pottery kilns near Northampton, p.94 (unchecked) (Article). SNN58178.

<4> Northampton Museum Records, 1957 Jun 5 (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN126.

<5> Northampton Museum Records, 1956 Sep 22 (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN126.

<6> Northampton Museum Topographical Index, Northants Museum 6" (Index). SNN1470.

<7> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1985, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p. 217/site 9 (Series). SNN77383.

<8> Shaw M.; Williams J., 1971-1981, Northampton Development Corporation SMR Record Cards, R5 (Index). SNN133.

<9> HOLLOWELL R., 1971, Aerial Photography and Fieldwork in the Upper Nene Valley, p.3/Site 4 (checked) (Journal). SNN106546.

<10> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, (unchecked) (Index). SNN443.

<11> Baird, J., 1970, Field investigators comments, F1 JB 08-SEP-70 (Notes). SNN110341.

Record last edited

Jan 31 2025 3:47PM