Monument record 1160/3/34 - Probable medieval defences, east of York Road

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Summary

A large feature was discovered that may be Northampton's medieval defensive ditch. Medieval pottery was recovered from the lower fills, while pottery of the 18th-19th centuries was found in the upper fills.

Map

Type and Period (2)

Full Description

{1}Subsoil not encountered in either trial pit; material recovered of C18-19th date; results consistent with presence of defensive ditch although alternative explanations such as quarrying might be advanced;

{2}Subsoil was not encountered & since found at depths of 0.5-1m elsewhere in this part of town assumed that site lay in area of disturbance top of which was filled in during C18-19th; further observation to west end of site again revealed material of C18-19th date in upper layers but small amount of pottery recovered from lower layers was entirely medieval; although other explanations could be offered for depth of archaeological material on site (eg. presence of quarry pit) it would seem most likely that site lies within ditch of medieval defences;,

{3}Medieval & post medieval pottery recovered;


Mike Shaw, 1988, Prontaprint, York Road, watching brief notes (Archive). SNN116783.

<0> Welsh T.C., 2000-01, Documentary Sources for The Course of The Medieval Town Wall, Northampton, (unchecked) (Article). SNN103958.

<1> SHAW M., 1988, SMR report form- 30 York Road, (unchecked) (Note). SNN49520.

<2> Dix B. (editor), 1989, Northamptonshire County Council Archaeology Unit: Report for 1988, p.31 (checked) (Article). SNN45995.

<3> Dix B., 1992, Recent Work in Northamptonshire Archaeology, P122 (checked) (Article). SNN104441.

Sources/Archives (5)

  • <0> Article: Welsh T.C.. 2000-01. Documentary Sources for The Course of The Medieval Town Wall, Northampton. Northamptonshire Archaeology. 29. (unchecked).
  • --- Archive: Mike Shaw. 1988. Prontaprint, York Road, watching brief notes.
  • <1> Note: SHAW M.. 1988. SMR report form- 30 York Road. (unchecked).
  • <2> Article: Dix B. (editor). 1989. Northamptonshire County Council Archaeology Unit: Report for 1988. South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter. 19. C.B.A.. p.31 (checked).
  • <3> Article: Dix B.. 1992. Recent Work in Northamptonshire Archaeology. Northamptonshire Archaeology. 24. Northants Archaeology Soc. P122 (checked).

Finds (2)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Location

Grid reference SP 7597 6073 (point) Central
Civil Parish NORTHAMPTON, West Northamptonshire (formerly Northampton District)

Protected Status/Designation

Other Statuses/References

  • None recorded

Record last edited

Mar 28 2025 2:28PM

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