Monument record MDR6929 - Aston Cursus Complex, Aston Moor
Type and Period (4)
- LINEAR FEATURE (Late Prehistoric - 4000 BC to 42 AD)
- ENCLOSURE (Late Prehistoric - 4000 BC to 42 AD)
- RING DITCH (Undated)
- CURSUS (Unknown date)
Protected Status/Designation
Full Description
Numerous features showing on aerial photographs - these include linear features, double parallel lines, enclosure, circular features. (1-3) Additional information; cropmarks identified to south and west of Moorside cottages, these include linear features and a ring ditch . Cropmarks plotted on map overlay, 1:10,000. (4)
The irregular linear and curvilinear features may form part of a field system. An elongated quadrilateral enclosure, a number of ring-ditches and a possible double-ditched trackway are apparent as cropmarks to the immediate north of Aston Lane. A fragmentary linear cropmark, (of the western cursus ditch), in the south-eastern corner of the field provides evidence for the northern extent of the Aston Cursus. A further part of the cursus ditch may also be seen in SMR 16601 to the south-west. A geophysical survey revealed that there was a faint linear anomaly at approx. the position of the northern cursus ditch, which is also apparent as a cropmark. Positive identification of the cursus, using geophysics, was masked by surface iron objects.(5)
A watching brief either side of Weigh Lane, running from Aston Lane to Weigh Cottage, revealed that the area had suffered considerable disturbance, perhaps associated with the 19th century tramway [SMR 16620] from the Aston Hill plaster pits to the wharf on the canal. One ditch was located which ran roughly parallel with the cursus, artefacts from its upper fill suggest an Iron Age or Romano-British date. (6)
The most northerly cropmark record of the Aston Cursus ditch was excavated in 1994 (SK 425299). The ditch was cut by a furrow suggesting that it had been truncated by the Medieval period. Two sherds of late Beaker pottery were recovered from the uppermost fill of the ditch. It is suggested that the trench was close to the terminal of the cursus, therefore the terminal would lie immediately north of the lane to Weigh Cottage. (7)
Sources/Archives (7)
- <1> SDR17321 Index: TPAT. 2119.
- <2> SDR17322 Aerial Photograph: J. Pickering. NMR. SK4229. 15,16,20,26, 27, 34,49; 9,11,12/260, 1/237; 4230/3-5.
- <3> SDR17323 Aerial Photograph: J. K. St. Joseph. CAP. AFY40-44.
- <4> SDR1127 Archive: Whiteley, S. 1989. Aerial Photographic Transcripton Project.
- <5> SDR19027 Unpublished document: Walker, J & Challis, K (TPAU). 1992. Derby Southern Bypass: Geophysical Survey on the northern terminal of the Aston Cursus near Shardlow.
- <6> SDR19026 Unpublished document: Elliott, L & Garton, D (TPAU). 1995. Watching Briefs on the Construction Works for the A 564 (T) Derby Southern Bypass.
- <7> SDR19023 Unpublished document: Knight, D (TPAT). 1994. A 564 (T) Derby Southern Bypass. Summary of Rescue Archaeological Works at Aston Cursus, Potlock Cursus and Swarkestone Lowes..
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SK 42242 29781 (736m by 1010m) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | ASTON UPON TRENT, SOUTH DERBYSHIRE, DERBYSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (4)
- EDR1714
- EDR1707
- EDR1711
- EDR1708
Please contact the HER for details.
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Oct 2 2017 4:45PM