Monument record 1160/320/2 - Probable medieval buildings, Abington Square

Archaeological excavation was undertaken in 1989 within the former medieval suburb of St Edmund's End. In the trench located away from the road (Trench C), the remains of pits and possible semi-cellared buildings dating to the 12th-13th centuries were identified, later replaced in the 13th/14th centuries by a larger cellared structure.

{1} Archaeological excavation undertaken in 1988 included a trench located away from the Kettering Street frontage (Trench C). Much of the trench had been disturbed by modern services and cellars, but archaeological deposits were recorded in the southern half of the trench. The earliest features, dating to the 12th to mid 13th century, comprised some small pits, most likely to be rubbish pits though rather small, and two rectangular features with sides partially lined in stone. These were interpreted as semi-cellared structures. In the later 13th to 14th century, a large rectangular cut for a trench was excavated. It was on the same alignment as the earlier features and the pottery suggests it post-dated them, suggesting it was a replacement building. During the 15th century this area appears to have lain derelict.

<1> Shaw M, 1996-7, Recent Work in medieval Northampton Archaeological Excavations on St Giles' Street, 1990, and at St Edmund's End, 1988 (Article). SNN104071.

<2> Gaimster D.R.M.; Margeson S.; Barry T.;, 1989, Medieval Britain and Ireland in 1988, p. 204 (Note). SNN653.

<3> Pike, A (ed), 1989, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (19), p. 29 (Journal). SNN100659.

<4> WELSH T.C., 1999, Document search: The St Edmunds End excavation in 1988 (Document). SNN63092.

Record last edited

Oct 14 2026 9:01AM