Monument record MLI34120 - An early Romano-British settlement, Bourne North Fen/Dyke Fen

Summary

A late first to early third century Romano-British settlement, Bourne North Fen/Dyke Fen.

Type and Period (17)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Full Description

PRN 34120 A diffuse scatter of Romano-British material on an island. Finds include burnt cobbles, 7 animal bone fragments, a quern fragment and a bone pin.{1} During an excavation prior to laying of a pipeline, several phases of late first century to early third century Romano-British settlement were recorded. The earliest phase dated from the late first to early second centuries, and consisted of a group of shallow gullies and probable hollows, mostly following a north-east/south-west alignment, with some aligned east/west. These features were probably intended as drainage improvement, although on a sporadic and limited basis. The presence of cattle and sheep bone suggests casual refuse disposal associated with nearby settlement, although the features are peripheral to the settlement focus.{2}{3} During the early- to mid- second century, a drainage ditch and gully were dug as part of a later period of land improvement, with the gully probably aiding the southwards flow of water from the site. The ditch was more substantial and represents a more concerted effort to drain the surface of the site. Pottery is of second century date, with the limited quantity suggesting that the site was still peripheral during this period. Cattle and sheep bone once again suggest casual refuse disposal.{2}{3} During the mid- to late second century, two larger ditches represent a more determined attempt at drainage. Their alignments suggest that these ditches define a rectilinear enclosure and part of a droveway, while their size and orientation suggest they may connect with other known cropmark alignments, as the cropmark plots show parallel linear features running towards and stopping short of the excavation. Their positions suggest the ditches are continuations of a larger complex of remains to the north. A shallow pit of uncertain function was also open at this time.{2}{3} A larger quantity of artefacts than found with earlier remains suggests either human occupation in closer proximity, changes in the nature of refuse disposal, or an increase in the availability and consumption of meat products. Sheep and cattle predominate in the animal bone assemblage but more unusual bones include goose, fox, cat and deer. The fox and deer remains suggest trapping and hunting as minor activities, dominated by arable and pastoral farming. Environmental sampling suggests a producer site with a number of crop-processing activities taking place. Crops being produced were spelt and emmer wheat, barley and possibly bread wheat. The site appeared to be a wet, marshy grassland environment in an open landscape with few trees.{2}{3} From the late second to early third centuries, a curvilinear ditch running into the enclosure ditch was dug. On the base of this ditch was a human skeleton with a copper alloy bracelet on the right wrist. The placement of the skeleton suggests deliberate disposal, although the ditch was not dug for the body but for drainage. The ditch was deliberately backfilled in the late second or early third century with metalworking debris, preventing effective drainage. A smaller amount of metalworking debris covered the skeleton, and pottery found with this debris suggests complete vessels were smashed over the body. The skeleton itself is female, aged 50 plus years, suffering from osteoporosis. Cause of death appears to be a deliberate blow to the head, while crossed ankles may indicate that the feet were bound. This burial is presently unparalleled in Lincolnshire.{2}{3} The metalworking debris is in large enough quantity to suggest the presence of a resident metalworker in the late second and early third century. The presence of good quality coal implies access to mineral seams further afield. Coal, cinder, slag and hammerscale from environmental sampling attest to iron smithing activity.{2}{3} The pottery assemblage is domestic in nature, with cooking and table ware, including a small amount of imported ware, suggesting a site of moderate status. No pottery later than the early third century was recovered.{2}{3}

Sources/Archives (3)

  •  Bibliographic Reference: Hayes, P. P. and Lane, T. W.. 1992. The Fenland Project No.5: Lincolnshire Survey, the South-West Fens. BOU13.
  •  Report: Archaeological Project Services. June 1999. A water pipeline between Guthram Gowt and West Pinchbeck. BWP97; PBH97; PNH97; BGG97.
  •  Archive: Archaeological Project Services. June 1999. A water pipeline between Guthram Gowt and West Pinchbeck. LCNCC 162.97; LCNCC 168.97; LCNCC 167.97.

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Location

Grid reference Centred TF 1606 2256 (268m by 267m)
Civil Parish BOURNE, SOUTH KESTEVEN, LINCOLNSHIRE

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Record last edited

Mar 21 2021 8:35PM

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