Monument record 1160/232/4 - Medieval occupation, Derngate

Archaeological investigations along the Derngate frontage found evidence for buildings with stone foundations and clay floors probably beginning in the 13th century and lasting until the 15th century

{1} In trench B a series of clay floor and occupation deposits of medieval date were discovered to the west of a stone wall which lay partially under the east baulk.

{3} In trench B there were no traces of Early-Middle Saxon occupation and only sparse evidence for late Saxon activity in the form of a shallow pit. The pottery from the pit may have been either pre or post Conquest. In the period c1250-1400 a foundation trench for a building was identified and the presence of a later building (between c1250-1500) was attested by a series of floor or make-up levels. A length of wall indicated a new building or extension and subsequently further layers of floor or make-up material, probably from the period c1300-1500, suggest the presence of another building, followed by a phase of dereliction. A partially stone-lined pit dated to the late medieval/early post-medieval period. Later phases were not investigated.
During the watching brief, immediately south and east of Trench B, the remains of two stone buildings were discovered. That to the south, c20m from the Derngate frontage, was of at least two phases with foundations large enough to suggest at least a stone ground floor, a tile floor and a garderobe at the back. A further building to the east post-dated c1350. The stone foundations were much less substantial.
The remaining featrues were principally rubbish pits and evidence for extensive quarrying.

<1> SHAW M., 1981, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter, 32 (Interim Report). SNN4405.

<1> Shaw M., 1984, Excavations on a Medieval Site at Derngate, Northampton, p.72 (checked) (Report). SNN627.

<1> Shaw M., 1984, Excavations on a Medieval Site at Derngate, Northampton, p.72 (checked) (Report). SNN627.

<2> Williams J.H.; Shaw M.; Hardy S., 1978-1984, Northampton Development Corporation SMR Secondary Record Sheets, M351 (checked) (Catalogue). SNN108.

<3> Shaw M., 1984, Excavations on a Medieval Site at Derngate, Northampton, p.69 (checked) (Report). SNN627.

<4> SHAW M., 1981, ARCHAEOLOGY IN BRITAIN, 204 (Interim Note). SNN55070.

Record last edited

Mar 22 2018 12:25PM