Settlement cluster in Mooretown (nethercross By.)

Geophysical survey (Licence no. 06R067) undertaken in advance of proposed development identified a series of linear features. Test excavation (Licence no. 08E0303) confirmed the remains of a small medieval settlement or farmstead, with associated boundary ditches, pits and spreads. It consists of ENE-WSW L-shaped row of sub-rectangular yards or tofts, delimited by boundary ditches atop a slight raised platform. Surviving building remains are concentrated in the S quadrant with a yard and back lane to the N. To the S slightly downslope is a metalled hollow trackway (80m long x 5m wide) running parallel to the tofts. The settlement appears to date primarily from the late 12th – 14th centuries AD, with less intensive occupation either extending into, or resettled during, the 16th – 17th centuries. The settlement may be the remains of a manor farm or grange for Mooretown (Frazer 2008, 58). Compiled by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 4 February 2015