Monument record 1160/320/1 - Probable medieval buildings, Abington Square

Archaeological excavation was undertaken in 1989 within the former medieval suburb of St Edmund's End. In the trench closest to the road (Trench A/B), timber buildings constructed in the 12th century were replaced in the mid-13th century by a stone founded building aligned along the Kettering Road. This was abandoned at the end of the 14th century

{1}Excavation carried out in June - July 1988 in advance of the construction of Jaguar Car Showrooms. The site lay in the suburb of St Edmund's End. At the front, beside Kettering Road, traces of timber buildings of the 12th/13th centuries were discovered. Towards the rear two parallel rectangular cuts in the ground probably represent either small, individual, timber buildings or cellars within a larger structure. The timber buildings were replaced in the mid 13th century by a stone building aligned along Kettering Road, which underwent modification before abandonment at the end of the 14th century. Subsequently, the area remained largely derelict until the 19th century.

{2}An initial series of timber buildings dating to 12th-13th centuries were uncovered during an excavation in the suburb of St Edmund's. The timber buildings were replaced in the mid 13th century by a stone structure which underwent modification before being abandoned at the end of the 14th century. The area appears to have lain largely derelict thereafter.

{3}Excavation in Abington Square uncovered evidence of Medieval occupation.

{4}Evidence of this phase of occupation 1100-1250 comprised a number of postholes, two narrow slots and a pit. This was later replaced circa 1400 by a stone structure aligned parallel to the Kettering Road. It was a complicated structure which underwent several periods of refurbishment.

{5} Documentary research into medieval property ownership in the vicinity.

<1> Pike, A (ed), 1989, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (19), 29 (checked) (Journal). SNN100659.

<2> Gaimster D.R.M.; Margeson S.; Barry T.;, 1989, Medieval Britain and Ireland in 1988, p.204 (checked) (Note). SNN653.

<3> Dix B., 1992, Recent Work in Northamptonshire Archaeology, p.122 (checked) (Article). SNN104441.

<4> Shaw M, 1996-7, Recent Work in medieval Northampton Archaeological Excavations on St Giles' Street, 1990, and at St Edmund's End, 1988, P121 (checked) (Article). SNN104071.

<5> WELSH T.C., 1999, Document search: The St Edmunds End excavation in 1988 (Document). SNN63092.

Record last edited

Jul 30 2025 9:12PM