Monument record 1624/0/64 - Medieval settlement, Church Street

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Summary

Archaeological investigation identified a probable Roman and/or Saxon enclosure ditch and medieval occupation dating from the 12th century and comprising an enclosure and a number of pits and postholes.

Map

Type and Period (7)

Full Description

{1} Archaeological evaluation comprising six trenches was undertaken after the demolition of a former shoe factory on Church Street. Archaeological features were identified in four of the trenches and included a ditch aligned NE-SW, probably a boundary ditch considering its size, and two gullies that may have had a function associated with drainage or agriculture. A number of small pits were also identified. Finds included burnt clay, animal bone and pottery dating to the 12th-13th centuries. Three post medieval pits were seen. They were not excavated but appeared to be filled with demolition debris.

{3} Archaeological excavation was undertaken in 2017. The earliest feature was the corner of a ditched rectangular enclosure that was significantly truncated by modern disturbance. Two sherds of Romano-British pottery, a piece of probable Romano-British tile and a single sherd of early/middle Anglo-Saxon pottery were recovered, suggesting that the ditch dates to the 5th-9th centuries if the Saxon sherd was not intrusive. If Roman, the enclosure may be associated with settlement identified to the east at Lime Street. A sherd of late Neolithic/early Bronze Age Beaker pottery was also recovered from the ditch. Slight evidence for late Saxon activity comprised a shallow gully contained a single sherd of St Neots ware. The main focus of activity on site is during the 12th century comprising part of a possible rectangular enclosure, along with a number of pits and undated postholes. All the medieval features were located towards the west of the site adjacent to Church Street and immediately opposite St Peter's Church. Evidence from the pits suggests that occupation was predominantly domestic, although there was also some evidence of metalworking since part of a smithing hearth and large lumps of slag were found in one of the pits.


<1> Edwards, C., 2011, Church Street, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire: An Archaeological Evaluation Report (Report). SNN108330.

<2> Chapman P. (Ed.), 2012, Archaeology in Northamptonshire, 2010, 37/203 (checked) (Article). SNN108374.

<3> Teague, S, 2017, Land at Church Street, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Excavation Report (Report). SNN114390.

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <1> Report: Edwards, C.. 2011. Church Street, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire: An Archaeological Evaluation Report. AOC Archaeology fieldwork reports. 30807. AOC Archaeology.
  • <2> Article: Chapman P. (Ed.). 2012. Archaeology in Northamptonshire, 2010. Northamptonshire Archaeology. 37. Northants Archaeology Soc. 37/203 (checked).
  • <3> Report: Teague, S. 2017. Land at Church Street, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Excavation Report. oxford Archaeology South Fieldwork Reports.

Finds (16)

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Location

Grid reference Centred SP 9480 7070 (100m by 90m)
Civil Parish IRTHLINGBOROUGH, North Northamptonshire (formerly East Northants District)

Protected Status/Designation

Other Statuses/References

  • None recorded

Record last edited

Nov 25 2022 10:00AM

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