Monument record 3043/4/4 - Probable post-medieval garden walls associated with the later mansion

Earthwork: Good quality photography. Initially interpreted as a possible precinct wall of the priory, but archaeological investigation appears to indicate they are associated with the post-medieval mansion Summary from record 6069/0/7: Substantial limestone walls that probably relate to post-medieval landscaping of gardens to the east of the abbey

{1} Aerial photographs show earthworks of terrace/ priory precinct wall?

{3} Following on from geophysical survey, the subsequent evaluation was located in the gardens to the west of the former house. Two large limestone footings aligned north-south, each up to 0.80m wide, and 3m apart although they were not exactly parallel. Also one of the footing comprised dressed, squared blocks of limestone while the other was constructed from large, undressed blocks. One of the walls appeared to have only recently been robbed.

The vestige of a robbed out wall aligned east to west was observed in the second trench and may be related.

Each wall was only shallowly buried and all are probably the vestiges of post-medieval garden walls.

{5} Rapid visit to ongoing excavations in 2007. Parts of limestone walls heavily disturbed by animal burrowing. Some medieval architectural stone fragments recovered from one trench. Limited pottery. No certain identifications re walls revealed.

{6} Trial trenches were excavated in 2007 on the north side of the site in the area where the priory and later the mansion stood. It was apparent that large scale clearance and levelling had removed any chance of finding priory buildings. Along the edge of the platform above the lake, the remnants of the garden wall of the Monckton mansion were exposed; this can be seen on contemporary photographs. Above the wall and visible in all three trenches was 19th century demolition rubble mixed in with earlier material which included an appreciable quantity of Roman roofing tile.

<1> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, Used with NMR & CUCAP collections (Photographs). SNN104822.

<2> 1988, SUPPLEMENTARY FILE, (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN51815.

<3> Audouy, Masters, Sharman, 1992, An Archaeological Evaluation at Fineshade Abbey, Northants (Report). SNN77398.

<4> 1993, SMR REPORT FORM, (unchecked) (Note). SNN48727.

<5> Cadman, G., 2007, Fineshade Priory and Castle, (checked) (Note). SNN107160.

<6> Johnston, G and Bellamy, B., 2015, From Hillfort to Mansion: Excavations at Fineshade Abbey, p. 189-192 (Report). SNN110575.

Record last edited

Jun 6 2017 1:57PM