SNN105993 - Late Iron Age and Roman Settlement at Ferrers College, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire

In August 2007, Northamptonshire Archaeology were commissioned by the Duchy of Lancaster, via GSS Architecture, to undertake an archaeological evaluation of land to the south and east of Ferrers College, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire. The work, which comprised a geophysical survey and trial trench excavation, was carried out prior to the submission of planning proposals to East Northamptonshire District Council for the residential and commercial development of the land. The evaluation demonstrated the presence of archaeological remains relating to late Iron Age and Roman settlement, which extended across the proposed development area on a north-east to south-west axis. The north-eastern periphery of the settlement had previously been investigated during the construction of the A6 Higham Ferrers/Rushden by-pass. The settlement comprised a complex series of inter-cutting enclosures, gullies and ditches, largely clustered in the north-east and south-west corners of the site, with the focus of settlement shifting throughout the period of occupation. Pottery and animal bone were recovered, together with a small quantity of other finds and environmental remains. The settlement was probably established in the 1st century BC, or perhaps slightly earlier, and was abandoned in the mid 2nd century AD.