Monument record 1160/7/12 - Medieval pits and later activity in the former precinct of St John's Hospital

Excavation at St John's Car park prior to development in 2012 found medieval refuse and possible quarry pits. Ecofactual evidence points to a high status diet and possible furrier's waste

{1} Two clusters of medieval pits dating to from the 12th to the early 14th centuries were probably used for the disposal of domestic rubbish. Some of the larger pits at the northern edge of the site may have originally been quarry pits.

A small number of finds included a silver short cross penny of Henry III. The most significant evidence was derived from the ecofactual remains. The bone assemblage included herring, freshwater eel, roach and rudd and, as well as the more usual animal bones, cat bones and numerous squirrel bones, predominantly from the feet. Seeds included charred cereals as well as mineralised figs, cherries and plums.

The incidence for freshwater fish, such as rudd and roach, indicates a high status element to the site, as well as the seeds of the fig. Cherry and plum may have been grown in an orchard attached to the hospital.

The squirrel bones, in particular, are probable evidence of furriers' waste. The extremity bones are likely to have been brought to site attached to semi-prepared skins. There is similar, if less, evidence for cat skinning as well as sheep/goat skins. Squirrel pelts were an indicator of status during this period, while cat skins were allowed to be worn by craftsmen and commoners.

The nature of the medieval occupation is ambiguous, suggesting mundane domestic activity, but also with some evidence for wealthy inhabitants. The evidence does not clarify whether this part of the hospital precinct was in use by the monks themselves or rented out to citizens and trades people.

Later features included a wall probably relating to an 18th-century building, and pits and wells containing 19th-century rubbish

<1> Carlyle S, Geber, J and Armitage, P, 2017, Medieval and later activity in the former precinct of St John's Hospital, Northampton, p. 181-196 (Article). SNN110927.

<2> Horne B. (Editor), 2014, South Midlands Archaeology (44), p. 35 (Journal). SNN109842.

Record last edited

Apr 23 2025 7:07PM