SNN109444 - Wilby Way, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Excavation (Area X)

In July and August 1998 Cotswold Archaeology carried out an archaeological excavation on land to the north west of the A45 Wilby Way roundabout. The site was situated approx 40m to the north east of the areas previously excavated by CAT in 1997, which encompassed part of a large Iron Age settlement. The work was carried out concurrently with further excavations to the south of the site, on the south western periphery of the settlement. Investigation of the archaeology on the site established that there were a number of pits and post holes; two gullies or truncated ditches, a cremation burial and an inhumation as well as a pond-like feature with associated channel; and part of a substantial ditch. Some of these features can be dated to the Iron Age. Also present were remnants of furrows, produced by ridge and furrow method of cultivation thought to date to the medieval period. The information from this excavation supplements the data gained from the previous excavations to the south east. It also indicates that the area north west of the main Iron Age settlement was relatively unsettled, possibly being used for agricultural purposes and quarrying. However the discovery of the human cremation and inhumation may signify some ritual activity in the area.