If you have any comments or new information about this record, please email us.

Summary

Early to middle Saxon settlement remains on land at Holdingham, Sleaford

Full description

PRN 64180
An archaeological evaluation was undertaken on land at Lincoln Road, Holdingham, Sleaford. The evaluation identified deposits and features of Anglo-Saxon date. The majority of features, including postholes, pits, ditches and gullies, indicate a sizeable settlement dating to between the 5th and 8th centuries. Two post-built buildings were recorded, one compromised a rectangular building and a probable round or horseshoe shaped structure. Concentrations of domestic refuse were noted on the east side of the site where structural remains were encountered. Finds retrieved include a substantial amount of Anglo-Saxon pottery, mainly locally produced during the early to middle Saxon periods, although the assemblage does include examples from further afield, including Leicestershire. Other finds include loomweights, quernstones and metalwork. Environmental sampling identified moderately well preserved plant remains including food crops and smaller animal bone such as fish and small wild mammals. The samples were also tested for hammerscale which revealed that iron smithing was undertaken at this site. Animal bones retrieved indicate that cattle, sheep/goat and pig were the principal meat sources, with horse and goose also represented.{1}{2}
Archaeological excavation was undertaken by Archaeological Project Services in May 2011 on land at Lincoln Road, Sleaford [PRN 64180a]. Postholes, ditches, pits and circular features were revealed which collaborate the results of the previous evaluation. The majority of the features excavated were of Anglo-Saxon date. The investigations recorded a large number of post holes which provide evidence for at least one early to middle Anglo-Saxon building which appeared to be aligned onto a nearby boundary ditch. These remains appear to integrate with evidence for a regularised system of land division recorded during adjacent excavations. Environmental and artefactual evidence from the various pits, post holes and the boundary ditch include house mouse bones, pottery, loomweight fragments and larger pieces of animal bone, suggesting occupation at the site was domestic in nature. Fifth to ninth century pottery was recovered, including a well preserved early to middle Anglo-Saxon bowl. {3}{4}

<1> Archaeological Project Services, Sep 2006, Archaeological Evaluation at Lincoln Road, Holdingham, Sleaford, SLLR06 (Report). SLI11011.

<2> Archaeological Project Services, Sep 2006, Archaeological Evaluation at Lincoln Road, Holdingham, Sleaford, LCNCC 2006.68 (Archive). SLI11012.

<3> Archaeological Project Services, 2011, Strip and record excavations at Lincoln Road, Sleaford, SLRM11 (Report). SLI13701.

<4> Archaeological Project Services, 2011, Strip and record excavations at Lincoln Road, Sleaford, LCNCC 2011.82 (Archive). SLI13702.

Monument Types

• DITCH (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 450 AD to 800 AD)
• GULLY (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 450 AD to 800 AD)
• PIT (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 450 AD to 800 AD)
• POST HOLE (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 450 AD to 800 AD)
• SETTLEMENT (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 450 AD to 800 AD)
• STRUCTURE (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 450 AD to 800 AD)

Associated Finds

• PIN (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 410 AD to 800 AD)
• ANIMAL REMAINS (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 450 AD to 800 AD)
• ANIMAL REMAINS (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 450 AD to 800 AD)
• LOOMWEIGHT (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 450 AD to 800 AD)
• METAL WORKING DEBRIS (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 450 AD to 800 AD)
• PLANT REMAINS (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 450 AD to 800 AD)
• QUERN (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 450 AD to 800 AD)
• SHERD (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 450 AD to 800 AD)

Associated Events

• Strip and record excavations at Lincoln Road, Sleaford
• Archaeological evaluation at Lincoln Road, Holdingham, Sleaford

Protected Status

• SHINE

Sources and further reading

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.