Monument record 3884/81/2 - Medieval 'back yard' activity, rear of the Dun Cow

Archaeological investigation prior to development identified 12th-14th century 'back yard' activity comprising a concentration of pits and some evidence of structures, including postholes, a beamslot and probable hearths. Residual 9th-10th century pottery in later features indicates that there was late Saxon activity in the vicinity.

{1} Archaeological evaluation undertaken in advance of proposed residential development found archaeological features in all three trenches, although the main concentration of features was found in Trench 1. The earliest activity dated to the 12th-14th centuries and comprised five definite pits, a hearth and gully and stone structures, suggesting the presence of medieval back yard deposits. Some later activity (18th-19th century date) was also identified.

{2} Archaeological excavation was undertaken in the area of higher archaeological potential around Trench 1. A subsequent phase of archaeological observation was also undertaken, but no further archaeological deposits were identified. In the main excavation area, there was some evidence of late Saxon activity, with residual sherds of 9th-10th century pottery found in later features. The main phase of activity, in the 12th-13th century, comprised a concentration of pits largely characteristic of medieval back yard activity, but there were also postholes, a beamslot and one or more hearths, indicating possible occupation. The density of pits clearly indicates the core nature of activity on the site; the area appears to have been largely reserved for ‘backyard’ activity in the form of rubbish pits ongoing over a period of time.
Several ditches/gullies crossed the site. Two to the north-west were the most substantial. Both ran north-west to south-east, and one probably superseded the other, though no relationship could be determined. A C12th-C14th iron knife blade was recovered from the longer of the ditches.

<1> Jarvis W., 2013, An Archaeological Evaluation on Land Adjacent to The Dun Cow, 2 Gold Street, Wellingborough, Northants (Report). SNN109713.

<2> Jarvis W., 2013, An Archaeological Excavation on Land Adjacent to The Dun Cow, 2 Gold Street, Wellingborough, Northants, p.13-18 (Report). SNN109714.

Record last edited

Apr 3 2023 9:45AM