Monument record 1160/389 - Medieval and post-medieval tenements, west of Horse Market

Archaeological excavation ahead of redevelopment comprised three small areas set back from the Horsemarket frontage. Only limited evidence of medieval occupation was identified in two of the excavation areas, including a soakaway and a ditch, although this was largely due to intensive post-medieval activity including cellars.

{1} Three test pits were excavated in green areas surrounding residential flats about to be demolished. There were deeply stratified deposits in all three test pits and natural geology was not reached. The earliest recorded remains were layers dating from the medieval period through to the 19th century.

{2} Subsequent archaeological excavation on land to the west of Horsemarket was undertaken ahead of redevelopment. Three small open areas were excavated to the north of Castle Street and were divided into three plots based on cartographic evidence from the post-medieval period and excavated boundary features. The plots fronted onto Horsemarket.
Medieval occupation was limited to a D-shaped, stone-lined soakaway which contained pottery 1200-1250AD in the northernmost area (plot 1) and an east-west aligned ditch in the southern area (plot 3). Pottery from this feature spanned most of the medieval period. A single, undated, pit lay to the north of the ditch. The limited evidence for medieval activity is largely due to significant later truncation.
A large stone cellar was constructed on the northern plot during the post-medieval period. In later periods it was modified with a coal chute and brick barrel-vaulting, brick flooring and steps. In the central plot, the internal walls of a building were identified; all the external walls lay beyond the confines of the excavation. In later periods a cellar was constructed. It was aligned east to west and was largely built of brick. In the southern plot (plot 3), a stone building, boundary walls and a stone structure were found. In later periods, a second phase of building was recorded, a garden wall and a well were added.
After the start of the 19th century, much of the activity comprised demolition backfills and modern consolidation.

<1> Elston, J, & Farey, S, 2024, Assessment report and updated project design for archaeological mitigation works at the site of St Mary's Court and Berkeley House, Horse Market, Northampton, January to October 2022 (Report). SNN116319.

<3> Fairclough, J, 2020, Archaeological test pit investigation at St Mary's Court and Berkeley House, Northampton, February 2020 (Report). SNN112791.

Record last edited

Mar 17 2025 3:53PM