Monument record 7198/0/131 - Site of post-medieval/modern buildings, Hazelwood Lane

Archaeological observation of development on Hazelwood Lane identified the stone foundations of three former buildings and an earlier well. The buildings were demolished in the late 20th century and the site used as a carpark

{1} During the programme of observation, investigation and recording, post-medieval building footprints of the 18th/early 19th century were uncovered, with a possible earlier well. The partial foundations of three buildings, brick and cobbled surfaces, a surface drain, underground brick drains, and five undated pits and postholes were recorded. The site was heavily disturbed by modern trenches for foul drains of neighbouring businesses and houses. The buildings uncovered were constructed of ironstone blocks, locally available in Northamptonshire. Later additions and repairs were done with red brick.

The finds, pottery, glass and animal bone strongly indicate domestic use of the buildings in this lane. The glass finds are domestic, which include wine and beer bottle fragments and an ink bottle. The butchery marks on the animal bones indicate food preparation waste or food waste. And the pottery comprises entirely factory produced tablewares. This is partly supported by documentary research, which showed that a chimney sweep occupied a property on Hazelwood Lane, whilst another was used for religious meetings.

The buildings were demolished in the late 20th century and the site was used as a car park.

No definite evidence of medieval or earlier activity on the site was found, and it appears the medieval structures had been demolished before the construction of the post-medieval structures and features and more of their remains survived.

<1> Wolframm-Murray Y., 2018, Archaeological investigation, observation, recording and analysis at Hazelwood Lane, Kettering, February 2018 (Report). SNN111352.

<2> Crank, N. (Editor), 2019, South Midlands Archaeology (49), p. 78 (Journal). SNN111755.

Record last edited

Feb 25 2025 8:18PM