Publication of A Romano-British Settlement and Cemetery at Higham Road, Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire

The newest addition to the Albion Archaeology Monograph is now completed and ready to read!

The report covers the Albion Archaeology investigations into a Romano-British settlement at the site of a new housing development in Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire by David Wilson Homes (South Midlands), with details of the settlement and forty-seven graves found at the site, including that of a woman of possible African heritage.

The settlement was established in the late 1st century AD and occupied the same location throughout the Roman period. It underwent two major changes in layout (Phases 3 and 4) and at its height was over 2ha in extent, continuing beyond the limit of the development area to the south. As is often the case, the precise date of the settlement’s abandonment is impossible to determine. However, there is sufficient stratigraphical evidence to suggest that part of it remained in use until at least the early 5th century, when burials were still taking place.

An apparent absence of rectangular buildings (as opposed to roundhouses) on rural settlements in the region has been noted for some time. The presence of seven possible rectangular buildings has been suggested at Higham Road, although some remain speculative, i.e. do not form a complete ground plan. By contrast, only one possible roundhouse was identified within the settlement.

Of the forty-seven identified graves, thirty were within a cemetery on the northern periphery of the settlement’s enclosure system; most of the remainder were in small clusters to the south. All are broadly dated to the late 3rd to early 5th century, with some evidence to suggest that the burials in the clusters date towards the end of that range. The cemetery contained one empty grave, three separate burial plots that had been used sequentially for multiple inhumations, and two decapitation burials. The number of prone burials (nine) is unusually high even for a rural settlement, with eight of them located in the clusters to the south. Although one female of possible African heritage was identified, there is no other evidence to suggest that the inhabitants of the settlement were not drawn from existing local populations.

Overall, this rural settlement compares well, in most respects, to other contemporary examples in the region. Its inhabitants practised mixed farming and some craft activities. The small number of personal items may suggest a lack of ‘wealth’ or ‘status’, although this is counterbalanced by the presence of a foot from a copper-alloy figurine and late Roman glassware. Evidence for commerce comes from a steelyard (and weights) and a large number of coins — over 300, including a hoard of at least 100 found by a farmer in 1954. A small number of strap ends and fittings suggest military associations. It is clear that the inhabitants had, at the very least, links beyond ‘normal’ farming circles. The number of burials within the settlement in itself is also unusual for a rural community.

Archaeological excavations on construction sites such as Higham Road rarely afford opportunities for engagement with the local community. However, with the support of David Wilson Homes (South Midlands) and CgMs Heritage (part of RPS), site tours were given to local residents and school children. In addition, archaeologists visited the two primary schools within the town. The outreach component of the project is described in an appendix to the report.

Our monographs are distributed by CBA South Midlands. To buy a hard copy of this publication (£10, plus postage and packaging), please complete the order form.

For more information about earlier publications in the Albion Archaeology Monograph series, please see the dedicated page.