Monument record 1679/22 - Possible Medieval/Post Medieval Limestone Quarrying Industry

Archaeological investigation identified a series of medieval and post-medieval limestone quarries

{1} Archaeological trial trench excavation was undertaken prior to redevelopment of the site. The medieval quarrying was extensive throughout the north-eastern part of the site and extended into the central area. All the quarries had a similar broad, linear appearance. They each had a flat base, a width of between 2m - 7m, and a depth of no more than 1m. Each example had one side showing a moderately angled slope and the opposite side a steep undercut. This may represent the way the quarries were excavated, with the undercut side being the quarry face. The latest feature was an 18th-century quarry.

{2} To the west there was a series of shallow quarry pits cut into the limestone bedrock. These contained no pottery later than 12th century in date, which might suggest that the area perhaps contained marginal settlement and quarries providing stone for higher status buildings elsewhere. However, it is also possible that they provided stone for the 13th century buildings discussed below, but their fills containing only residual pottery from the earlier activity.

<1> Morris S., 2002, Land off College Street, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire; Archaeological evaluation, p.7 (checked) (Report). SNN102334.

<2> Jones C.; Chapman A., 2003, Archaeological Excavation at College Street, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, July 2003, p.14 (checked) (Report). SNN104809.

<3> Jones C.; Chapman A., 2003, A medieval tenement at College Street, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, p.14 (checked) (Article). SNN112183.

Record last edited

Nov 13 2020 2:11PM