Monument record MLI99129 - Late Iron Age/Roman Settlement Activity, Croft
Summary
Linear features defining at least four major conjoining enclosures, consistent with extensive late Iron Age/Romano-British settlement activity at The Hollies, Croft.
Type and Period (7)
- SETTLEMENT (Late Iron Age to Roman - 100 BC to 409 AD)
- LINEAR FEATURE (Late Iron Age to Roman - 100 BC to 409 AD)
- ENCLOSURE (Late Iron Age to Roman - 100 BC to 300 AD)
- DITCH (Late Iron Age to Roman - 100 BC to 300 AD)
- PIT (Late Iron Age to Roman - 100 BC to 300 AD)
- GULLY (Late Iron Age to Roman - 100 BC to 300 AD)
- FARMSTEAD (Late Iron Age to Roman - 100 BC to 409 AD)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Full Description
A magnetometry survey, conducted in August 2012 in advance of the construction of a proposed solar park, revealed an area of intense archaeological activity. A considerable number of linear anomalies, defining at least four major conjoining enclosures of varying size and internal sub-division were clearly identified. The complexity and density of the recorded features are thought to be highly indicative of Romano-British settlement activity over a prolonged period of time, possibly continuing into early post-Roman dates. {1}
A subsequent trial trench evaluation, conducted in September 2012, identified features consistent with an extensive later Iron Age and Roman settlement, including numerous ditches, pits and enclosures. The quantity and alignments of the features suggest continued use of the site over a long period, with the recutting of many of the ditches and enclosures, and the extension and addition of new areas of activity. A considerable quantity of late Iron Age and Roman pottery was recovered, and comprised an extremely wide variety of vessels, ranging from coarse wares to imported samian, in a wide variety of forms and functions, including bowls, flagons and jars. Fragments of a near complete possible lamp or crucible were also recovered, along with a small quantity of flint flakes and tegula fragments. Metal artefacts recovered from the ditches included two copper alloy Colchester Derivative brooches, an iron knife, an iron tumbler lock slide key, and several small iron nails and fittings. A considerable quantity of animal bone was also recovered, comprising cattle, horse, pig, sheep, dog and chicken bones, though dominated by the cattle remains. The recovered finds indicate a rural settlement of moderate influence, with access to relatively high status artefacts and animals. Analysis of environmental samples taken during the evaluation have indicated a mixed cereal economy of wheat, oats and barley, focussing on spelt wheat. Processing of the cereal grains, including the final stages of drying in a corn drier or hearth, were indicated by the presence of spelt wheat chaff. The wide range of different on-site activities, including animal husbandry, cereal cultivation and the processing of different materials, indicate a settlement that was part of an extensive network of agricultural production and industry. {2}{3}
Sources/Archives (3)
- <1> SLI14507 Report: Archaeological Services WYAS. 2012. Hollies Solar Park. WYAS site code: HSP12.
- <2> SLI14329 Report: Archaeological Services WYAS. 2013. Hollies Solar Park. WYAS site code: HSP12.
- <3> SLI14330 Archive: Archaeological Services WYAS. 2013. Hollies Solar Park. LCNCC 2013.118.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred TF 4982 6328 (249m by 282m) Estimated from sources |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | CROFT, EAST LINDSEY, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (2)
- Event - Survey: The Hollies Solar Park, Croft (ELI11828)
- Event - Intervention: The Hollies Solar Park, Croft (ELI11458)
Please contact the HER for details.
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Mar 21 2021 8:35PM
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