Monument record 1301/0/27 - Saxon to Medieval Occupation, Market Square

Archaeological investigation to the east of the Market Square identified a series of property boundaries dating from the late Saxon period to the 13th century. The boundaries were realigned at least once during this period. A possible 12th century building was also identified.

{1} Trial excavation by S.Parry in November 1988; medieval, post medieval and undated small pits and postholes; also two ditches; the earliest undated ditch lies at 90 degrees to The Market Square. It is cut by another ditch at 45 degrees which contained high status C11th pottery and a German lava quern.

{2} Boundary ditches, postholes and pits represent the earliest phase of activity on the site - possibly dating from the late Saxon period due to small quantities of late Saxon pottery found in some of the postholes. One of the boundary ditches running east-south-east divided the settlement area from land to the south which was found to be devoid of archaeological features. Pottery found in the two ditches suggests that both were backfilled in the C12th. Pottery found on the site included 3 early-middle Saxon sherds, 146 late Saxon sherds and 1588 medieval sherds - 82% of the latter were dated to 1150-1200.

Re-alignment of original settlement on the area by approximately 15 to 20 degrees. New features such as postholes, slots and ditches cut on new alignment with partial replacement of earlier features. Rectangular pen or building 5m wide on same orientation as slots and ditches. Foundations constructed of postholes on three sides with northern side appearing to have been open. Further lines of postholes within structure aligned parallel to walls - may represent buttressing. Pottery indicates structure was in use during 12th century and was abandoned during early 13th century. Group of pits located around east wall of structure. Larger pits measuring 2.4m by 1.2m may have been used for burying rubbish; smaller pits 1.2m by 0.8m contained tightly packed limestone and may have had a structural function. Pottery found on the site included 3 early-middle Saxon sherds, 146 late Saxon sherds and 1588 medieval sherds - 82% of the latter were dated to between 1150 and 1200.

{2} Late Saxon and Medieval occupation, excavation by S Parry.

<1> Parry, S, 1989, Market Square, Raunds: Trial trench, (unchecked) (SMR Report Form). SNN51609.

<2> Parry S., 1993, Raunds Area Survey Report, p.222 (checked) (Draft). SNN1175.

<3> Dix B., 1992, Recent Work in Northamptonshire Archaeology, p.123 (checked) (Article). SNN104441.

<4> Parry S. et al, 2006, Raunds Area Survey: An Archaeological Study of The Landscape of Raunds, Northamptonshire 1985-94, p. 229-231/ Site 29/5 (Book). SNN105780.

<5> Parry, S, 1988, Raunds Area project: Market Square (SMR Report Form). SNN116494.

Record last edited

Jul 22 2024 12:01PM