Monument record 1160/202/4 - Terraced ground or pond, possibly medieval, Commercial Street

A trial trench excavated after the demolition of the chapel identified alluvial deposits that had been terraced in the medieval period, possibly as the construction cut for a pond. The site probably lies within the precinct of the Austin Friars.

{1}Site terraced to depth of 1m; medieval pottery subsequently deposited; away from terrace cut these were flat-lying & uniform in character; purpose & extent of this activity not established; is likely that terracing was cut beneath water table & may represent construction of pond.

{4} Original site archive notes that initially interpret the terracing as a large ditch (potentially the town defences). The trench was 23m long and up to 3.5m deepProvides some detailed deposit descriptions. The trench was only 1m wide at the base, so any interpretation of the deposits was difficult.

{5} Mentions the similarity of features identified at Commercial Street and St Peter's Way with the potential that they may represent a defensive line. [research not taken forward]

<1> HARDY S., 1985, COMMERCIAL STREET, NORTHAMPTON, (unchecked) (Unpublished Report). SNN2946.

<2> Dix B.(ed), 1985, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1983-4, p.152-53 Northampton (Report). SNN100404.

<3> HARDY S., 1985, COMMERCIAL STREET, NORTHAMPTON, 66-67 (Interim Report). SNN4202.

<4> Hardy, S, 1984, Medieval period excavations at Commercial Street, Northampton (Note). SNN116880.

<5> Unknown, 1988, Northampton's Medieval Defences Sites (St Peter's Way and Commercial Street): Research Design (Note). SNN116881.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2025 10:14AM