Monument record 1160/395/19 - Probable medieval tenement, Horsemarket

A tenement with its frontage on Horsemarket. The rear of the tenement was excavated and included the remains of a stone building, possibly initially a barn subsequently becoming a dwelling.

{3} A building identified during the wider archaeological investigations at Sol Central. The building comprised two walls aligned east-west and returning inwards at their western extents, to leave a 2.95m wide entranceway. The structure had an earth floor. A further wall was later constructed 1.6m to the west. This changed the form of the building from one with a single wide entrance to a pair of opposing entrances, perhaps indicating a change of use from a barn perhaps to a dwelling or workshop. It is possible that the first phase of the building had a timber awning or lean-to extending westwards, since the earth floor surface extended outside the entrance.
A series of three hearths were located in the southern part of the building. Another hearth into the line of the original entranceway, with part of the original kerbing surviving as a stone surround. One of the hearths contained Potterspury Ware and Brill/Boarstall vessels. Potterspury Ware was found incorporated into the floor. The presence of Potterspury ware and its absence from other features in this period, suggests that this might be the latest building in this period. The forms suggest a domestic focus.
The house was probably built in the later 13th century possibly for Alexander the Goldsmith, who had a house on the west side of the street to the north of St Martin's Chapel in the 13th century. It is possible that this plot was larger than others along the frontage since it had doors providing access to the north and south sides of the structure.

<1> Soden I., 1998, Archaeological Evaluation at Barclaycard, Marefair, Northampton - Stage 2: Trial Excavation, (unchecked) (Report). SNN39581.

<2> Chapman A, 1998-9, Northampton, Marefair, (unchecked) (Note). SNN104058.

<3> Museum of London Archaeology Service, 2005, Saxon, medieval and post-medieval settlement at Sol Central, Marefair, Northampton, p.9-12 (Full Report). SNN105717.

Record last edited

Apr 23 2025 7:28PM