Monument record SKT 093 - Possible undated earthwork and enclosure at Land at Union Road

A fluxgate magnetometer survey undertakend identifying anomalies of probable and possible archaeological origin. The magnetic enhancement on the site was generally low, with anomalies of possible archaeological origin having a similar contrast to the general variation produced by differences in the soils and geology on the site. The survey identified possible multiple earthwork features enclosing an area of higher ground. Only segments of the earthworks have been covered by the survey. Within the enclosed area, one probable and one possible ring ditch have been identified measuring c. 25m in diameter. There is a further possible ring ditch of similar dimensions in the north eastern corner of the survey, immediately outside a possible entrance complex in the enclosure earthworks. A second possible enclosure has been recorded in the southern part of the site. Anomalies related to recent agricultural activity and of undetermined origin were also been identified (S1).

Excavation, following an earlier evaluation, recorded an extensive system of ditched boundaries of Late Iron Age to Roman date. Although the site did not contain direct evidence of occupation, there were clear indications of settlement nearby, including extensive quarry pits, deposits of domestic refuse, a small, ancillary agricultural structure, and several ovens. The site is probably on the edge of a fairly affluent or high-status settlement on the higher ground to the north-east. The associated finds assemblage includes significant metalwork objects, such as a rare Bury E type (Talbot 2017) silver coin with an apparently unique obverse die, datable to c.40 to 35 BC, a complete, but fragmentary, c.4th-century Roman pewter pedestal-based bowl, and conjoining fragments of a Crummy (1983) Type 2 round seal box with red enamel decoration. The site is on a south-facing slope down to the Rattlesden River. The foot of the slope has deep deposits of colluvium that apparently began to accumulate in the Neolithic, continuing to the medieval period (S2)