Monument record MLI127504 - Romano British Ladder Settlement At Witham St Hughs
Summary
A Romano British ladder settlement identified in geophysical survey and later excavated at Witham St Hughs. A human burial was left in situ.
Type and Period (3)
- DITCHED ENCLOSURE (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- RUBBISH PIT (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- ENCLOSED FIELD SYSTEM (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Full Description
A ladder settlement identified in geophysical survey in 2014 {1} was targeted during a trial trenching evaluation in 2015 {2}{3}. The settlement is broadly north-south aligned, with square and rectilinear enclosures branching off around long linear features.
Upon excavation the settlement site was found to be comprised of boundary and drainage ditches along with rubbish pits. While the ladder settlement rendered very well in the geophysical survey it was considered likely it extends beyond the current known extent, with a slight focus on the northern and eastern portions of the area investigated.
Pottery suggests the site was established in the early Roman period, with an increase in activity through into the mid to late-Roman. The less abraded pottery and four quernstones were identified in the northern portion of the site suggesting that may have been the focus of domestic activity. The quantity of ceramic building material identified was suggestive of both buildings, and hearth features. Cattle and horse bones were found throughout the site, with smaller quantities of sheep/goat, and dog. A single copper alloy coin showed Antoninianus of Tetricus II (A.D. 270-273), and seven iron nails were recorded.
The southwest of the site appears to have been more agricultural in nature with possible stock corrals and crop processing areas noted. In addition a single adult inhumation burial was noted in this area and was left in situ, which are typically placed away form primary settlement locations.
Sources/Archives (3)
- <1> SLI18807 Report: GSB Prospection. 2015. Geophysical Survey Report G14102, Witham St Hughs Phase III. -.
- <2> SLI18808 Report: Pre-Construct Archaeology. 2015. Sheep Wash Farm, Witham St Hughs Phase III, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 9GA, An Archaeological Trial Trench Evaluation. PCA Site Code WISH15.
- <3> SLI18809 Archive: Pre-Construct Archaeology. 2015. Sheep Wash Farm, Witham St Hughs Phase III, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 9GA, An Archaeological Trial Trench Evaluation. LCNCC: 2015.178.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SK 8983 6270 (254m by 431m) Estimated from Sources |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | WITHAM ST HUGHS, NORTH KESTEVEN, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (2)
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Mar 6 2025 1:46PM
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