Monument record 4156/0/70 - Possible Medieval Structures

{1} Traces of possible medieval structures have been identified, though their form poses many questions. The construction of these apparent footings is unusual with large limestone blocks forming the core and smaller stones defining the outer edges. This may have been due to the relatively narrow width of the walls or to ensure strong bonding with the superstructure. However, it is more usual to find the smaller stones forming a rubble core. Although the footings are very similar in construction, they are converging at an angle approaching 45 degrees. The use of limestone is also unusual, with ironstone being the predominant material in the standing (post medieval) buildings. This building does not appear on the earliest known map of Rockingham, dating to 1615. It would appear that the structure was systematically robbed before this date and the stone re-used elsewhere. The function of the structure is uncertain, though the location, roughly centrally within the east-west plot and the relatively narrow walls suggest an ancillary function, though medieval pottery was concentrated in the vicinity. These walls have been protected and reburied under the car park.

<1> Edmondson, G. & Wells, J., 2003, Rockingham Village Access Road, Rockingham, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Watching Brief, P. 16 (Report). SNN104643.

Record last edited

Apr 25 2008 12:45PM