Monument record WRE 079 - OUTLINE RECORDS: Prehistoric, Saxon and Medieval pits and Post Medieval Field Boundaires at Land North of Chapel Road, Wrentham (PCA) EVAL

Evaluation was undertaken across 4.82ha. A series of ditches and pits yielded struck flint, pottery sherds, building materials and fired clay. Few animal bones were recovered, although this was likely due to the acidic soils. Early Neolithic to Late Bronze Age activity is signalled by a series of struck flints, including blades, flakes and spalls. The flints are accompanied by a series of prehistoric pottery sherds which largely date to the Early Neolithic, with further sherds dating to the Late Neolithic–Early Bronze Age. Evidence of Roman use of the site is present but scarce, with more intensive use evidence in the Early Anglo-Saxon period where 4 pits contained sherds of domestic pottery along with a loom weight, suggesting the presence of a settlement nearby. Sparse pottery sherds, together with an account from the Domesday Book, provide evidence for a long-lived Saxon settlement in the area. Concentrations of pottery dating to the 11th–16th centuries reflect an intensive presence and provide evidence for the medieval settlement at Wrentham, about which little is currently known. Numerous ditches are associated with post-medieval agricultural activities, with some corresponding well with field boundaries noted on the 1883 Ordnance Survey map (S1).

Excavation of two areas, following on from an evaluation, identified clusters of Early Neolithic, Middle Bronze Age and Late Bronze Age–Early Iron Age pits. A Middle Bronze Age urned cremation was also recorded. Four un-urned cremations are currently undated. In addition to the pits of Late Bronze Age–Early Iron date, a cluster of postholes suggests that structures of some type were also present on the site at this time. A system of field boundary ditches may also date to the Bronze Age.
The Roman period was represented by numerous potsherds and ceramic building materials found residually in later features. Much of the Roman assemblage was found in features of early Anglo-Saxon date, which comprised two clusters of pits and a sunken-featured building. A significant assemblage of pottery, loomweights and a spindle whorl were found in the Anglo-Saxon features. There was a break in activity on the site until the 12th century, when occupation resumed close to the route of Chapel Road. Here, at least one building is discernible from amongst numerous postholes and short lengths of beam slot. A series of linear ditches probably represent boundaries between properties, while a linear arrangement of postholes probably represents a fence-line. Pits suggest that clay extraction took place on the site in the c.16th century. Post-medieval field boundaries, several of which are shown on modern maps, and modern sand extraction pits, were also recorded (S2).