ULAS
University of Leicester Archaeological Services

Iron Age settlement discovered at Duston, Northamptonshire

Excavations carried out in early 2011 at Duston (5km west of Northampton) in Northamptonshire have revealed evidence for an Iron Age enclosed settlement and pit alignment.

The Iron Age settlement was located on a prominent position on top of a large hill. The sub-rectangular enclosure measured 40m x 45m and contained substantial defensive ditches measuring up to 3m in width and 1.5m in depth. Within the enclosure there was evidence for a roundhouse. This image shows the enclosure entrance and additional ‘porch’ area.

Close to the enclosure was a pit alignment. This consisted of 19 sub-oval pits that ran parallel to the enclosure down the hill for 60m. All were excavated and contained very few artefacts.

Later Roman activity was also identified; this consisted of a series of parallel ditches – probable cultivation trenches. Full post-excavation analysis of the stratigraphy and analysis of the finds and environmental samples will help more fully interpret the archaeological evidence.

The project was funded by Taylor Wimpey.

Gavin Speed

ULAS