Monument record 1160/224/1 - Saxon and medieval activity, Black Lion Hill

Excavation on Black Lion Hill in 1982 identified multi-period activity. The earliest evidence was of probable early-middle Saxon timber buildings. Activity increased in the late Saxon period with possible timber buildings at the south of the site and a group of rubbish pits at the north. After the abandonment of the buildings a series of quarry pits were dug. Stone-founded buildings were first constructed between 1200-1350 along the St Peter's Street and, probably, the Marefair, frontages with rubbish disposal occuring in the area between. A large number of hearths found in one building may indicate it was a bakery. There was a period of disuse during the 16th century, with extensive activity from the 18th century onwards.

{1} Possible late Saxon timber posthole buildings and number of late Saxon pits. Remains of medieval buildings were best preserved along St Peter's Street frontage; building with stone foundations revealed lying parallel to street; rebuilt several times before being burnt down in early C16th; building similar to those excavated further east on St Peter's Street which appear to have been destroyed in same fire;

{2}Archaeological excavation between St Peter's Street and Marefair. The earliest feature was a trench of V-shape section with flattened bottom traced for 5m running east-west. A C14 date from animal bone of AD 850 +-80 was obtained. Possible Saxon boundary ditch. Two short lengths of trench meet to form T-junction; eight sherds early-middle Saxon pottery recovered; also sample of animal bone yielded C14 date of AD 700 +-70; trenches resemble those of post-in-trench structures to east of st Peter's Church.
Late Saxon period: complex of postholes revealed at south end of site; probably form one or more buildings; two possible bowl hearths may be associated with postholes; small amount of pottery recovered from posthole fills points to late Saxon date ie. multiphase building erected in C11th but continuing use into C12th. Large number of pits covering most of area of site; no evidence that pits served any function other than disposal of rubbish or cess; pottery recovered particularly from pits at north end of site indicates date from early in late Saxon period; fragment of wooden object possibly covered with leather & decorated with metal strips came from late Saxon pit; possible casket; also recovered was single crucible sherd;,

Three large pits up to 4.5m diameter dug at south end of site; resemblance to many other medieval quarry pits identified elsewhere in town would indicate this as their function; may have been used in construction of town wall or building of Northampton Castle or metalling for St Peter's Street. Stone building constructed over backfilled quarry pits at south end of site in early medieval period; at least one wall considered to be internal indicating that building extended further east; internal features included three stone-built hearths though not all contemporaneous; also short length of wall footing & layers of construction debris; clay floor levels; possible ironstone floor; occupation debris also observed; building fronted onto St Peter's Street to south; in later medieval period exit to backyard inserted into building; north & west walls rebuilt & threshold constructed; short length of internal wall built between door & room beyond; six other hearths built; again not all contemporaneous; some ironstone & some limestone & one built of cobbles; clay floors patched with ironstone; building was eventually completely rebuilt towards end of medieval period & additions included possible garderobe in corner of building & more durable limestone paved floor; even after building fallen derelict in late medieval period would appear that its ruins were occupied as layers of burning & burnt wood panelling observed predating final robbing in C18th.

Pits common in area between Marefair & St Peter's Street frontages in early medieval period; generally unlined; one with post in each corner suggests timber lining or other associated structure; no evidence to suggest that pits were other than rubbish or cess pits; later in medieval period fewer pits in yard area & only substantial pits belonging to later use are stone-lined; layer of paving also added to yard in this later period;

{3} On the Marefair frontage a V-shaped gully, as yet undated, was traced for a distance of 5 m., running roughly parallel to Marefair. The gully was overlaid by a series of late Saxon pits. Towards the S. of the site a possible post-in-trench building of early or middle Saxon date was succeeded by late Saxon timber post-hole buildings. Medieval stone buildings fronted on to both Marefair and St. Peter's Street; the buildings on the latter frontage were clearly rebuilt several times before being burnt down in the early 16th century.

<1> SHAW M., 1982, Black Lion Hill, Northampton, 1982, (unchecked) (Interim Report). SNN2092.

<2> SHAW M., 1985, Excavations on a Saxon and Medieval Site at Black Lion Hill, Northampton, p118 (Article). SNN2121.

<3> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1985, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.391/46 (Series). SNN77383.

<4> Jordan, D, Hedges, R, Otlet, R, Switsur, R and Walker, J, 1994, Radiocarbon Dates from samples funded by English Heritage between 1981 and 1988, p. 213-4 (Monograph). SNN112643.

<5> Chapman, A, 2021, Appendix 2: The Radiocarbon Dates, p. 64-8 (Appendix). SNN112910.

Record last edited

Oct 27 2023 9:36AM