Monument record MLI127664 - Possible Roman settlement on land north of Gonerby Lane, Gonerby Moor

Summary

A possible villa or farmstead of Roman date on land off Gonerby Lane, Gonerby Moor, Great Gonerby, with associated domestic or industrial activity.

Type and Period (6)

  • ? (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
  • (Roman - 100 AD to 199 AD)
  • (Roman - 100 AD to 199 AD)
  • ? (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
  • (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
  • ? (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Full Description

A series of linear features and pits identified during archaeological investigation on land to the north of Gonerby Lane, the site is thought to represent a possible Roman villa or farm building with associated domestic or industrial activity. The site lies in an area where previous fieldwalking revealed a large quantity of Roman pottery sherds (MLI85845). During a geophysical survey conducted in April 2004, a complex of rectilinear anomalies was encountered. These were interpreted as a probable Romano-British farmstead or villa site. Immediately to the west was a group of anomalies interpreted as either building debris or industrial activity. {1} A geophysical survey undertaken in 2014 (ELI14606) identified a series of small rectilinear enclosures, aligned northeast to southwest, which were bordered by linear anomalies. These are interpretated as representing a possible complex of buildings. Further anomalies were also identified to the east and south, which appear to show a series of pits adjacent to the feature. Evidence of iron working, fired clay and burnt material suggeest this was a zone of industrial activity related to the settlement. Other linear features were identified but were attributed to recent agricultural activity. These features identified were suggested to be clear indications of possible settlement activity. The excavation are revealed sherd of pottery dating to the 2nd century, as well as two deposits of iron slag. {2} An archaeological mitigation strategy in 2016 (ELI14608) consisted of one trench and two excavation areas within the features identified on the geophysical survey. The first excavation area revealed a section of limestone fragments in the western portion of the excavation area, within the rectilinear features identified on the geophysics, interprtated to be footings for a wall, with another section directly southeast interpretated to be either footings for a postpad or infill of a natural feature to prevent subsidence. Both sections are also though to possibly represent a collapsed wall. The excavation area also revealed a series of pits identified in the previous geophysical survey, several of the pits contained grains of cabbage, wheat, barley and vetch, as well as charred fragments of spelt and bread wheat, indicated either domestic waste or industrial activity. Two fragments of iron slag were also recovered, indicating industrial activity. Sherds and assemblages of Romano-British pottery, of 2nd to 4th century date, were recovered from these features. The second excavation area revealed a series of pits. The pits contained traces of ash, as well as fired clay and burnt stone. Pottery fragments of 2nd century date were uncovered from this area, including a near complete bowl of 2nd century date. Charred plant remains were also found. The trench to the west of the excavation areas revealed a ditch feature in line with the rectilinear feature, and interpretated as the footings of a robbed out wall. The evaluation reveals the definite presence of structural remains, as well as the indication of at least partial industrial activity. {3}{4}

Sources/Archives (4)

  •  Report: Archaeological Services, University of Durham. 2004. A1 Peterborough to Blyth Grade Separated Junctions at Apleyhead, Gonerby Moor and Colsterworth. -.
  •  Report: Pre-Construct Geophysics. 2014. Archaeological Geophysical Survey: Land North of Gonerby Lane, Gonerby Moor, Lincolnshire.
  •  Report: Pre-Construct Archaeological Services Ltd. 2016. Archaeological Mitigation: Land to the North of Gonerby Lane, Greaty Gonerby. PCAS Site Code: GONX15.
  •  Archive: Pre-Construct Archaeological Services Ltd. 2016. Archaeological Mitigation: Land to the North of Gonerby Lane, Greaty Gonerby. LCNCC 2015.140.

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SK 8822 3989 (145m by 148m)
Civil Parish GREAT GONERBY, SOUTH KESTEVEN, LINCOLNSHIRE

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (2)

External Links (0)

Record last edited

Jul 3 2025 2:07PM

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