Monument record 7198/7 - Rectory Manor

Evaluation in 1998, comprising 6 trenches distributed across most of the Rectory plot produced evidence of poor survival. Remains of post medieval buildings were found immediately west of the present Rectory building, comprising ironstone walls and one brick wall, cut through medieval soil. Most trenches had rubble directly on natural with only 14 medieval sherds, the rest being post medieval. There was extensive 18th century construction across the site and earlier deposits were heavily disturbed.

{1} The Rectory fee was probably in existence by the 13th century, being held by successive incumbents. It is first specifically mentioned in 1405, when it was said to be close to the market place. The tenements of the Rectory fee extended at that date between the lane later known as Parkstile along most of the eastern frontage of the market place as far as the churchyard. After the dissolution the Rectory was leased to the Watsons of Rockingham, until 1802 when it was held by the incumbent of the church. In 1530 reference is made to the Church Barn, which was presumably on part of the rectory property. In 1590 a customary house in the Rectory fee is described as ‘lying against the market place between the shop of Edmund Sawyer and the house of John Drewry’ and in 1573 reference is made to the shop, barn and yard of Henry Byer, held of the Rectory manor. In the early 18th century the Rectory manor court was held in the Rectory house. This house was said at that time to have ‘marks of antiqutie in it’. However this building has since been demolished.

<1> Foard G.F., 2000, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Kettering (Medieval + Post Medieval), (unchecked) (Digital archive). SNN100747.

<2> Eayre T., 1721, A Plan of the Town of Kettering in Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Map). SNN100753.

Record last edited

Mar 28 2023 11:17AM