Monument record 1160/14/5 - Walls & Drains Beneath Church, Holy Sepulchre

Archaeological investigation undertaken during groundworks at the Holy Sepulchre Church identified structural remains that appear to predate the mid 12th century phase of church construction. A demolition layer, probably resulting from the removal of the gallery and clerestory of the round church (possibly in the 14th century) was also found, with two drains which post-dated this layer also being recorded.

{1} An L-shaped area of walling was uncovered at the angle between the north aisle and the round church. The wall was constructed with limestone and a pale pink/white lime mortar. Dressed facing stones were present at both outer edges at the west-east and north-south sides which also had an offset foundation course which had been partially covered by a mortared drainage channel. This section was overlaid by the C13th north aisle.
The walling at the southern western side was formed of smaller rubble with facing stones which was cut and overlaid by the C12th round church.Two drains were also uncovered, the earlier of which was capped by ironstone slabs. This drain was dissected by a second drain constructed in the C19th which was brick lined.
A blocked doorway was discovered on the southern wall.

<1> Thorne A., 1999, Recording Action at The Church of The Holy Sepulchre, Northampton, Sections 4.1 to 5.2 (checked) (Report). SNN63141.

<2> Chapman A.; Chapman P., 2000-01, Northampton, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, (unchecked) (Note). SNN104000.

Record last edited

Oct 8 2025 12:09PM