Monument record 1679/5/13 - Saxon and Medieval Features, Higham Ferrers Castle

Archaeological evaluation in 1992 identified a small number of pre-castle features including a possible Saxon structure. Medieval features included a large ditch probably relating to the defences of the castle.

{1} Archaeological evaluation was undertaken in 1991 prior to development and comprised five trenches to the west of Midland Road. The earliest deposit was a layer of yellowish red loam above the natural which may be the remains of a ploughsoil of pre-late Saxon period. A portion of a post-in-trench structure of probable late Saxon date was also identified. No definite traces of the late 11th century motte and bailey castle were uncovered but in all trenches there was a layer of dark loam with charcoal flecks which contained post-1100 pottery. A low mound, c.1m in height overlay a dark loam layer and a short length of stone foundations is thought to date from the early castle period. A large ditch is probably part of the defences of the castle, possibly enclosing the inner ward; C13/14th Lyveden ware tile & Collyweston stone roof tile & late med pottery from large ditch; line of limestone blocks running NW-SE & mound created from excavation of ditch; additional pottery & Nuremberg token of C16/17th;

<1> SHAW M.; STEADMAN S., 1992, Archaeological evaluation at Higham Ferrers Castle in Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Report). SNN40405.

<2> SHAW M.; STEADMAN S., 1992, Fieldwork in 1991: Higham Ferrers, site of Higham Ferrers Castle, 37-8 (unchecked) (Notes). SNN39951.

<3> Shaw M. (Editor), 1992, CBA Group 9 Report for Northamptonshire Archaeology Unit: Contracts Section, 37-8 (unchecked) (Newsletter). SNN48018.

Record last edited

May 20 2021 4:22PM