Monument record MLI85679 - Romano-British features on land at Backgate, Cowbit
Summary
Romano-British features on land at Backgate, Cowbit
Type and Period (10)
- ENCLOSURE (Roman - 100 AD to 299 AD)
- DITCH (Roman - 100 AD to 299 AD)
- RUBBISH PIT (Roman - 100 AD to 299 AD)
- POST HOLE (Roman - 100 AD to 299 AD)
- FARMSTEAD (Roman - 100 AD to 299 AD)
- PIT (Roman - 100 AD to 299 AD)
- SALT WORKS (Roman - 100 AD to 299 AD)
- WATERCOURSE (Roman - 100 AD? to 299 AD?)
- KILN (Roman - 100 AD to 299 AD)
- OVEN (Roman - 100 AD to 299 AD)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Full Description
PRN 23868
An archaeological watching brief and selected excavation was undertaken on a plot of land at Backgate, Cowbit. The watching brief and excavation identified a number of Romano-British features within the central part of the development site. This concentration appears to form a nucleated settlement comprising a natural creek, ditches, enclosures, buildings, pits and associated industrial activity. The site is located on a slightly elevated bank of silt that is probably the levees of a former salt marsh creek. Such settings are the most common for early settlement in this area. During this period these creeks would have remained tidal and enabled the production of salt. Several of the ditches appear to have been fed by the creek and may have formed a series of channels associated with salt production. The ditches could also have formed a simple drainage and/or boundary system, forming a north-east to south-west and north-west to south-east pattern. The ditches probably served another purpose - for rubbish disposal. Gullies forming two enclosures were located within the central part of the site, although no internal features were recorded and a possible agricultural or pastoral function may be surmised. Structural building remains and features were found; complete with post-holes and external drip gullies. A large kiln or oven was found in close association with the buildings. The occurrence of briquetage within, and immediately surrounding the kiln/oven indicates that salt production (possibly salterns) may have occurred in the near vicinity. All three major farm animals were utilised for breeding and subsistence on site, and it is possible that the site was occupied all year round. The combined evidence suggests a small farmstead engaged in stock rearing, salt production and possibly exploiting riverine and estuarine fish and shellfish resources {1} {2}.
Sources/Archives (2)
- <1> SLI9051 Report: Archaeological Project Services. May 2003. Archaeological excavation and watching brief on land at Backgate, Cowbit. CBG00, CBG01.
- <2> SLI9052 Archive: Archaeological Project Services. May 2003. Archaeological excavation and watching brief on land at Backgate, Cowbit. LCNCC 2000.173.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred TF 26434 17462 (100m by 99m) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | COWBIT, SOUTH HOLLAND, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (2)
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Mar 21 2021 8:35PM
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