NHER 21495 (Monument record) - Roman metal working site

Early Autumn 1984. Island between mill cut and main river (now vegetable garden).
Archaeological excavation.
U shaped ditch uncovered and also seen in section in mill stream; undated.
Roman sherds, 2nd to 3rd century including Samian, buffware flagon, mortaria, wide variety of greyware vessels, and also Nene Valley wares.
Flint footing of wall.
Iron smelting hearth nearby.
Suggested as a 3rd century structure.
Iron objects, bronze pin and melon bead on floor near hearth..
Infilled pit found, containing pottery of 2nd century date and as of Faustina Junior.
Suggested as well predating building.
Finds taken to indicate intensive Roman occupation on far side of river from Roman town, Dr Knowles believes river course was further south in Roman period.
Excavator Dr Knowles, with [1], who retains finds.
See short report (S1) for further details. The results of this work are also summarised in (S2).
E. Rose (NAU) 26 June 1985.