Monument record 1160/146/6 - Late medieval/early post-medieval layer, Market Square

Archaeological observation undertaken during the redevelopment of the Market Square identified a layer of dark organic material that contained a mixed pottery assemblage dating from AD 1250 to AD 1550. The layer was mixed and may have either been spread across the site to level the area in a single event, or was laid down in multiple separate deposits. A significant amount of leather related to shoe-production and cobbling was recovered, as well as a large variety of other finds.

{1} Archaeological observation was undertaken during the redevelopment of the Market Square which comprised the excavation of multiple interventions across the square, mostly concentrated in the central area. A dark layer of silty clay overlay all the medieval features, was rich in organic material and contained a mixed pottery assemblage that ranged from AD 1250 to 1550. It is possible that the layer was spread across the square in a single event to level the area, although the diversity in date and nature of finds and lack of clear stratigraphic sequence means that it is also possible that it was built up from multiple separate depositions. The vast majority of the finds assemblage came from this layer. A significant amount of leather related to shoe-production and cobbling (recovered from 15 trenches). Primary waste included hides and udders. The most commonly identified waste comprised leather and shoe fragments. The shoes and ankle boots can be dated typologically to the late 14th and early to mid 15th centuries.

<1> Clare, R, 2024, Post-Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design for a programme of archaeological observation, investigation, recording, analysis, and publication at Market Square, Northampton Northamptonshire, April to November 2023 (Report). SNN116794.

Record last edited

Apr 23 2025 5:45PM