SNN105451 - Excavations at The Kitchen Garden, Fineshade Abbey, Northamptonshire 1998: Post-Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design

A series of archaeological investigations within the former kitchen gardens at the site of Fineshade Abbey, Northamptonshire, in 1998, resulted in the discovery and excavation of a group of iron smelting furnaces and other features, including hearths and ditches. Associated finds were sparse, but a single radiocarbon date calibrated to around AD 560-690 suggests an early Saxon date for the furnaces. Although Roman tile was present in the furnace and other features, this is thought likely to be residual. Whilse the hearths and other feautres are also likely to relate to iron working, there was insufficient evidence to suggest specific functions. The results support recent research which suggests that the Rockingham Forest region was an important iron production centre in the Saxon period. It is proposed to publish the excavation report in the county archaeological journal.