Monument record 1679/0/41 - Possible late Saxon/medieval building, west of Higham Ferrers Castle

A stone rubble wall foundation was found during archaeological monitoring. The foundation pre-dated the 11th century. A pit and a large area of excavation, possibly land clearance, were earlier than the wall.

{1} Archaeological observation was undertaken during the excavation of foundations for two new extension to the care home. Archaeological features identified in the south-eastern area included a substantial stone wall foundation, which was almost 1.5m wide. An almost complete St Neots Ware cooking vessel lying on top of the wall likely dates to the 11th century indicating the wall predates this. Stone founded buildings pre-dating the Norman Conquest are rare other than for ecclesiastical purposes. It is possible that it was a part of a forgotten Saxon church, a rare example of a late Saxon vernacular building of stone construction or a minor intramural building constructed in the early decades of the Norman castle. A pit containing a bovine skeleton and an area of possible land clearance pre-dated the wall.

<1> Martin-Taylor, C, 2022, Archaeological Observation & Recording: The Shrubbery Care Home, 66 College Street, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, https://doi.org/10.5284/1116661 (Report). SNN114513.

Record last edited

Feb 25 2025 7:12PM