SNN112525 - Archaeological Evaluation on Land at Collyweston Quarry, Duddington, Northamptonshire

An evaluation, on behalf of Bullimores Sand and Gravel Ltd, was carried out in an area where prehistoric, Roman and Saxon remains, including evidence of iron smelting, had previously been identified. Earlier geophysical survey recorded anomalies interpreted as representing localised industrial activity at the site. Evaluation trenches revealed probable clay extraction pits, from which industrial waste, particularly roasted iron ore, was recovered. Small quantities of iron smelting slag were also retrieved. It seems likely that ore preparation was the primary activity at the site. No dating evidence was obtained but the industrial activity is likely to be no later than the medieval period.