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

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.

{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.

Record last edited

Feb 25 2025 7:08PM