Monument record 1160/200/11 - Late Saxon and medieval occupation, north side of Woolmonger Street (Western Plot)

Archaeological excavation prior to development on the north side of the Woolmonger Street identified a sequence of early medieval timber buildings replaced in the 13th century by a stone founded building. Although the earlier buildings followed the alignment of the street, the earliest physical evidence of the road itself dated to the 13th century.

{1}South end of Trench 1 revealed possible late Saxon timber structure; line of postholes aligned east-west may have formed back wall of building fronting onto Woolmonger Street; further possible line of postholes running north-south may have formed side or partition wall; 2 substantial rubbish pits of same date to north of building suggesting use as yard area away from street;

A stone-founded building overlay the Saxon timber structure; a robber trench marked the back wall of a building set parallel to Woolmonger Street; probable front wall could be seen in section below present pavement; foundations of north-south partition wall survive; late C13/14th to C16th date for use suggested; several medieval rubbish pits lay to north of building indicating possible continued use as yard area.

{3} Excavations were undertaken on both sides of Woolmonger Street prior to development. On the north side, a sequence of late Saxon-medieval occupation was identified. The late Saxon remains comprised three cellars, two of which were set beneath timbered buildings. A truncated fourth cellar (Cellar 4) was located nearby in the later watching brief. The buildings associated with the cellars appeared to have burnt down. A small number of pits also dated to this phase. The ground was subsequently levelled up and a range of new timbered buildings constructed parallel to what became Woolmonger Street. A coin from a contemporary pit dated to 1074-6. The timber buildings were replaced in stone in the 13th century on the same alignment. The new building comprised only one room, with a later westward extension to form a second room. A possible stair was present in the extension by the late 13th century. The first physical evidence of Woolmonger Street was also identified in this phase. The buildings were demolished in the early 16th century and subsequent strcutures dated to the 18th and 19th centuries.

<1> Shaw M.; Steadman S., 1994, Woolmonger Street, Northampton: Proposed Retail Development Archaeological Evaluation Stage 2 - Trial Trenching, p.2 (checked) (Report). SNN560.

<2> Soden I., 1998-9, A Story of Urban Regeneration: Excavations in Advance of Development off St Peter's Walk, Northampton, 1994-7, (Checked) (Article). SNN104032.

<3> Soden I., 1998, St Peters Walk, Northampton, Archaeological Excavations On Woolmonger Street 1994 - 7 (Report). SNN100018.

Record last edited

Feb 20 2025 4:29PM