Monument record 1160/42/1 - Medieval Tannery, St Peter's Way

Tanning pits and horn cores were identified in trenches on St Peter's Way. It possibly dated from the 13th century onwards.

{1}Tanning industry located on site possibly from C13th onwards; tanning pits & specialised animal bone assemblage including horn cores recovered;

{3}Area inside defences given over to tanning in late C13th;

{4}Area inside defensive ditch given over to tanning in late C13th;

{5} Six circular tanning pits of 15th century date. The best preserved was 1.4m wide and 0.4m deep with a clay lining against which a wooden lining had been pressed. The wooden lining may be part of a barrel. The pit contained deposits of cow hair and lime. The animal bone assemblage included deposits of horn cores, sheep metapodials and horse bones.

<1> SHAW M., 1988, SMR REPORT FORM, (unchecked) (Report). SNN49522.

<2> SHAW M., ST PETER'S WAY, NORTHAMPTON, (unchecked) (Full Report). SNN3327.

<3> SHAW M., 1988, NORTHAMPTON, 62 (Note). SNN3328.

<4> Young S.M.; Clark J.; Barry T., 1988, Medieval Britain and Ireland in 1987, p.265 (checked) (Notes). SNN878.

<5> SHAW M., 1996, The excavation of a late 15th to 17th century tanning complex at The Green, Northampton, p. 113 (Article). SNN62141.

Record last edited

Jul 23 2025 9:49AM