Monument record 2806/0/49 - Medieval occupation, south of Cotterstock Road

Archaeological investigation ahead of development indicated that the site was intially used as a limestone quarry which was superceded by medieval occupation comprising a series of buildings, possibly up to six, along the south side of the Cotterstock Road frontage. Vestiges of pitched stone flooring or yard surface and the remains of a hearth were also found.

{1} Archaeological investigation ahead of development of a site within the historic core of the village identified a phase of limestone quarrying which was superceded by a series of stone-founded buildings aligned along the south side of the Cotterstock Road frontage. Initial analysis suggests there may have been up to six buildings. Pitched stone surfaces and a hearth were also found. A map of 1614 does not show any development in this area indicating that it had been abaondoned by the post-medieval period.

{2} The results of an archaeological evaluation in 2022 are interpreted to indicate two broad phases of archaeological activity at the site. The first concerns occupation of the site within the Medieval period, and the second relates to late Medieval or early Post-Medieval abandonment and demolition of Medieval structures associated with that occupation. The initially regular deposit pattern identified in Trench 1 was first thought to represent limestone masonry foundations, but wider excavation demonstrated that this pattern resulted from natural limestone bedding and faulting. The deposits are therefore reinterpreted as the edges of a small, localised quarry, with infilling likely beginning in the medieval period, probably from the 13th century. Elsewhere, medieval activity is represented by pits and linear features dated from the mid-12th century onwards. In Trench 3, a pair of roughly parallel ditches may be broadly contemporary and could represent a minor trackway. Pottery recovered from several contexts indicates continued activity into the 13th century. Although relatively few archaeological features were identified, particularly following reinterpretation of the Trench 1 remains, the pottery assemblage is substantial and provides good evidence for occupation and activity beginning in the 12th century and continuing through to the 15th century. Evidence for abandonment and demolition dates to the later medieval or early post-medieval period, probably during the mid-15th to 16th century, represented by stony dumps interpreted as demolition debris. Cartographic evidence suggests that the area was fully abandoned by the early 17th century and remained unoccupied until modern development prompted the archaeological investigation.

<1> Moulis, C, 2023, Land off Cotterstock Road, Glapthorn, Northamptonshire: Interim Post-Excavation Statement: Archaeological Strip, Map and Record Investigation (Report). SNN115526.

<2> Andy Pascoe & Chris Moulis, 2023, Land off Cotterstock Road, Glapthorn, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Trial Trench Evaluation (Report). SNN117043.

Record last edited

Apr 10 2026 12:14PM