Monument record 1160/8/3 - Building remains possibly associated with Austin Friars

Remains of substantial walls have been noted in Foundry Street and, to the south, archaeological investigation has found extensive occupation evidence dating to the 13th and 14th centuries which is likely to be associated with the friary

{1}Stone wall 4ft deep x 10m long & running east-west; observed during building work on floor of workshop; Foundry Street; rough sketch included; reported by S. Hastings in 1984;

{2}Arches survived few years since but have now disappeared; some walls are left & gable & buttress;

{3} Trial trench excavation was undertaken at the former Burgess site in 2000. Trenches 1 and 2, located at the eastern end of the site, contained extensive evidence of medieval occupation. Several phases of wall, including a major wall in Trench 2, as well as surfaces and possibly associated drains, suggests fairly intensive building activity dating roughly to between the 13th and 15th centuries compatible with the suggestion that this occupation relates to the Augustinian friary known to lie somewhere in the vicinity.

{4} Archaeological excavation was undertaken in advance of the construction of a sunken loading ramp in the same area as trenches 1 and 2. At least two phases of stone buildings, including a vaulted stone drain, were uncovered. In the late medieval period a complex system of drains, all stone-lined and capped with flat stones of re-used ceramic floor tiles or stone roof tiles, was established. Finds from demolition layers above the buildings included a 'sauce' bottle, a fragment of aquamanile and a carved bone knife handle and are consistent with the site's presumed monastic status.

<1> Williams J.H.; Shaw M.; Hardy S., 1978-1984, Northampton Development Corporation SMR Secondary Record Sheets, M22 (checked) (Catalogue). SNN108.

<2> Whellan, 1874, History, Topography & Directory of Northamptonshire, p.118; Handwritten notes in NDC SMR File M22;; (unchecked) (Book). SNN1002.

<3> Mudd A.; Hallam T., 2000, Former Burgess Site, St Peter's Way, Northampton, Archaeological Evaluation (Report). SNN100408.

<4> Steadman S.; Harding J., 2001, Former Burgess Site, St Peter's Way, Northampton, Archaeological Investigation And Updated Project De (Report). SNN102118.

<5> 1984, Automobile Products, Foundry Street (Note). SNN110803.

Record last edited

May 23 2025 1:54PM