Monument record 1160/2/9 - Possible Saxon/medieval defensive ditch, Scarletwell Street

An archaeological watching undertaken in 2017 identified a ditch at least 3.5m wide and over 3.5m deep, although its full dimensions were not established. Pottery from the disuse fills dated to the 13th-14th centuries. The ditch lies on the predicted alignment of the town's Saxon defences.

{1} An archaeological watching brief was conducted during the redevelopment of a site at Scarletwell Street. A large ditch, aligned approximately north-west to south-east, was observed during the excavation of two adjacent manholes. Although only the northern edge was observed and the base of the ditch was not reached, the ditch was at least 3.50m wide and over 3.50m deep. Pottery from the fills dated to the 13th-14th centuries suggesting it was deliberately filled in during this period.

The ditch lies on the predicted alignment of the town's Saxon defences.

To the south of this ditch were two much smaller gullies, both on a similar alignment with the large ditch. Pottery from the fills dated from the 11th to 14th centuries and included a candlestick base and possible cresset (or hanging) lamp or candlestick base from the 11th or 12th centuries.

<1> Nowak, A, 2018, Lock Up Garages and Land At St Andrews Road and Scarletwell Street: Strip, map and record and archaeological watching brief (Report). SNN111489.

<2> Crank, N. (Editor), 2019, South Midlands Archaeology (49), p. 68 (Journal). SNN111755.

Record last edited

Feb 25 2025 8:11PM