Monument record MLI124976 - Roman Settlement Activity, Nettleham
Summary
Remains of probable Roman settlement activity, on land to the north-east of Nettleham.
Type and Period (6)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Full Description
A large number of probable pit, ditch and enclosure features of unknown date were recorded in this location in September 2014, during magnetometry survey of land off Scothern Road. The features were identified as a group of magnetic anomalies, concentrated along the eastern boundary of the site. Linear magnetic anomalies, thought to represent the remains of a probable former trackway, were also recorded, linking the large group with a smaller concentration of similar features in the south-eastern corner of the site. It was thought possible that the concentration of features could indicate an area of former settlement activity. {1}{2}
Subsequent trial trenching, conducted in November 2014, confirmed the presence of a concentration of quarrying pits, ditches and probable enclosures along the eastern boundary of the site. Sherds of Roman pottery were recovered from several of these features, along with a piece of furnace slag, a Roman iron chisel used for dressing stone, and a small quantity of animal bone. The pottery assemblage was largely comprised of pieces from greyware vessels, with one sherd showing a burnished 'Swanpool' type fabric, although single pieces of Midlands type mortarium and an unusual shell-gritted ware were also present. The probable former trackway and concentration of features in the south-eastern corner of the site were also confirmed, with the remains of at least two former structures being identified that were thought to account for the geophysical anomalies in this area. This structural evidence comprised the remains of a stone foundation and tile and brick floored surface, thought to represent the remains of a small building, and an adjacent robber trench containing a backfill with fragments of Roman tile and opus signinum, possibly representing the remains of a demolished hypocaust system. These features would suggest the presence of relatively high status buildings and structures in this vicinity, and confirming the likelihood of significant Roman settlement activity in this area. It was thought likely that the associated ditch and pit features to the immediate north of these structures marked episodes of land division and drainage, allowing the agricultural activity associated with this settlement. Analysis of environmental samples taken from these northern group of features provided evidence to support this agricultural function, with small quantities of oats, barley, wheat and possible pea seeds indicating the range of crops being grown. {3}{4}
Sources/Archives (4)
- <1> SLI15842 Report: Allen Archaeology Ltd. 2014. Land off Scothern Road, Nettleham. AAL site code: NESR 14.
- <2> SLI15843 Archive: Allen Archaeology Ltd. 2014. Land off Scothern Road, Nettleham. LCNCC 2014.170.
- <3> SLI15844 Report: Allen Archaeology Ltd. 2014. Land off Scothern Road, Nettleham. AAL site code: NESR 14.
- <4> SLI15845 Archive: Allen Archaeological Associates. 2014. Land off Scothern Road, Nettleham. LCNCC 2014.170.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred TF 0152 7590 (116m by 223m) Estimated from sources |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | NETTLEHAM, WEST LINDSEY, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (2)
- Event - Survey: Land off Scothern Road, Nettleham (ELI12913)
- Event - Intervention: Land off Scothern Road, Nettleham (ELI12914)
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External Links (0)
Record last edited
Mar 21 2021 8:35PM
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