Monument record 1668/6/2 - Possible medieval moat or fishpond, Grafton Manor

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Summary

Archaeological observation undertaken during development identified a probable medieval water feature, either a pond or moat, buried beneath demolition deposits from medieval/post-medieval structures. The demolition deposits may relate to Grafton Manor.

Map

Type and Period (3)

Full Description

{1} Archaeological observations made during the excavations of stanchion pits for new buildings at Grafton Manor demonstrated that a large part of the development area is situated on demolition material derived from medieval/post-medieval structures which sealed a buried topsoil. Below the buried soil was a large, waterlogged rock-cut feature from which medieval artefacts were recovered. This is thought to be a medieval water-feature- likely a moat or fishpond. Artefacts from this feature dated from the high to late medieval periods, although only the upper fills were investigated.
The provenance of the demolition deposits is unknwon, but two demolition events are recorded in the written hiatory of the manor, demolition of the extensive out-buildings upon the mortgage of the manor to Sir Francis Crane in 1628 and the final razing of the Manor by fire during a week long Parliamentarian siege in 1643. However, such rubble deposits could possibly relate to Tudor or earlier works. Certainly, only a small quantity of 17th century material was recovered.

{3} Subsequent archaeological investigations [largely located outside the area of the large waterlogged feature] identified three medieval pits and three post-holes.


<1> Edwards, R and Wilson, M, 1999, Grafton Manor, Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire, Archaeological Recording Action (Report). SNN63206.

<2> Wilson M. D., 1999, Grafton Manor, Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire, Impact Assessment (Report). SNN100012.

<3> Wilson, M & Phillips, M, 2000, Grafton Manor, Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire. Archaeological Recording Action, Phase II (Report). SNN115066.

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <1> Report: Edwards, R and Wilson, M. 1999. Grafton Manor, Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire, Archaeological Recording Action. Beds County Archaeology Service fieldwork reports. BEDFORDSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGY.
  • <2> Report: Wilson M. D.. 1999. Grafton Manor, Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire, Impact Assessment. Marriott Cons Ltd..
  • <3> Report: Wilson, M & Phillips, M. 2000. Grafton Manor, Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire. Archaeological Recording Action, Phase II. Bedfordshire County Archaeology Service. 2000/29. Bedforshire County Archae.

Finds (4)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Location

Grid reference Centred SP 7587 4688 (22m by 22m)
Civil Parish GRAFTON REGIS, West Northamptonshire (formerly South Northants District)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Other Statuses/References

  • None recorded

Record last edited

Feb 25 2025 7:08PM

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