Monument record MLI89349 - Possible late Iron Age to early Romano-British saltern, Spalding

Summary

Possible late Iron Age to early Romano-British saltern, Spalding

Type and Period (5)

  • (Late Iron Age to Roman - 100 BC to 100 AD)
  • (Late Iron Age to Roman - 100 BC to 100 AD)
  • (Late Iron Age to Roman - 100 BC to 100 AD)
  • (Late Iron Age to Roman - 100 BC to 100 AD)
  • (Late Iron Age to Early Medieval/Dark Age - 100 BC to 500 AD)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Full Description

PRN 23984 Geophysical survey carried out in 1999 detected numerous archaeological anomalies. Area 1 appeared to contain a rectilinear structure or enclosure circa 10m by 12m, with an entrance on the south-west side flanked by possible substantial post pits, and having possible internal features. An irregular series of anomalies around the eastern half of the feature may be a remnant of another enclosure. A number of possible pits were noted circa 20m to the south-east of this feature and there was also a slight suggestion of a further rectilinear feature to the north. Area 2 contained subtle linear features. Area 3 had a suggestion of weak linear features. Area 4 contained several possible pits and linear features aligned on a disjointed linear which represents a former silted ditch. This ditch continues into Area 5 which also contained two further linear features thought to be substantial ditches. Many of these features are presumed to be agricultural in origin.{1} During trial trenching at TF 2326 2136, a quantity of briquetage was recovered from the enclosure ditch (approximately 2577 pieces), suggesting the possibility of a saltern close by. A further ditch and a number of pits were associated with this feature, not all of which were identified by the geophyiscal survey. The quantities of briquetage from the enclosure ditch suggests the presence of a nearby saltern possibly with the salt being extracted from the briquetage containers within the enclosure, leading to the deposition of briquetage in the ditches. A very similar site has been excavated c.500m to the north (see PRN 20553) where a date in the late Iron Age / early Roman period was suggested by ceramic remains. A single sherd of shell-tempered pottery was recovered from the enclsoure ditch, and although not diagnostic, the site is thought to date from this period. A large number of palaeochannels, which are visible on aerial photographs and identified by geophysical survey, were recorded; these are thought to relate to the saltern. These palaeochannels are sealed by a peat layer which has been dated, using radiocarbon dating, to the 6th-7th centuries.{2}{3} During a watching brief at TF 2327 2139 a single feature was identified. Although this feature was undated it was covered by flood deposits of probable post-Roman date. It probably relates to this saltern, and may be a settling tank. Fired clay (not identified as briquetage) and animal bone were recovered from the feature. Three creek channels were also identified. {4}{5}

Sources/Archives (5)

  •  Report: Oxford Archaeotechnics. Feb 1999. Land south of Horseshoe Road, Spalding. 1750299/HSL/SAM.
  •  Report: John Samuels Archaeological Consultants. 2000. Holland Park, Horseshoe Road, Spalding. HPS99.
  •  Archive: John Samuels Archaeological Consultants. 2000. Holland Park, Horseshoe Road, Spalding. LCNCC:2000:122.
  •  Report: Archaeological Project Services. 2010. Archaeological Watching Brief at Broadway, Holland Park, Spalding. SPBW 08.
  •  Archive: Archaeological Project Services. 2010. Archaeological Watching Brief at Broadway, Holland Park, Spalding. LCNCC 2008.177.

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Location

Grid reference Centred TF 23248 21290 (107m by 90m) Approximate
Civil Parish SPALDING, SOUTH HOLLAND, LINCOLNSHIRE

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Related Events/Activities (4)

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Record last edited

Mar 21 2021 8:35PM

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