Monument record 1160/116/1 - Site of medieval activity, The Ridings

Excavation of an area on the south side of The Ridings in 1981-2 and again in 1999 identified a small quantity of unstratified late Saxon pottery. The earliest activity was a large quarry pit, probably dating to the 12th century. Fragmentary remains of possible buildings and boundary walls dating to the 13th century were found, some of them may relate to boundaries associated with the Gobion Manor estate, situated somewhere in the vicinity

{1} A number of pits revealed containing medieval pottery dating from the early post-Conquest onwards; underlying possible manorial remains.

{2} Badly disturbed levels; embrace all excavated deposits pre Phase 2. Includes two wall foundations of possible medieval date, also a number of pits and deposits from post 1100 to 1470. 20 sherds of pottery suggest some pre-Conquest activity. Worked stone included part of a stone mortar; also a fragment of roll & hollow moulded label of the C14th, and a small roll moulded fragment possibly C13/14th; also 3 roof tile fragments. Suggests a building of some pretention in this period.

{3} Excavation in 1999 on the south side of The Ridings incorporating the earlier excavation area and extending to the west. The earliest feature was a large quarry pit, backfilled initially with household refuse and subsequently with dumping of ironstone rich deposits in apparent attempt to consolidate the ground. Features relating to 13th century occupation included a north-south aligned wall, boundary a western boundary to Gobion estate and a large pit, which was built over in the later 13th century by a house. There was a later boundary change, but little else of significance during the medieval period.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1985, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.392 (checked) (Series). SNN77383.

<2> WILLIAMS J.H., FARWELL C., 1984, Excavations in The Riding, Northampton, in the Area of Gobion Manor 1981-1982, p.87 (checked) (Article). SNN1096.

<3> Capon L., 2001, Excavations At The Ridings, Northampton (Report). SNN101155.

<4> Capon, L, 2005, Excavations at The Ridings, Northampton; now Yates' Wine Lodge (Article). SNN112197.

Record last edited

May 24 2022 3:39PM