Monument record 1160/395/9 - Late Saxon/medieval pits

{1}Under the dark brown olive cultivation soil were the ironstone lining of two deep square intercutting pits. The fill of the latter of these was medieval. These were cut into an earlier soil horizon which survived at the south side of Trench 6. This was also cut by two shallow pits. Beneath the larger pit was the red loam , which in turn overlay the natural ironstone. The red loam contained 21 sherds from a single vessel in possible middle Saxon Maxey ware.

{3} The land west of Pike Lane and east of Quart Pot Lane seems to have been largely open ground during the period 1300-1600. A number of pits were lined with ironstone blocks, including a large rectangular pit subsequently used as a rubbish pit but originally may have served as a cess pit for the occupants of buildings fronting onto Quart Pot Lane.

An earlier pit illustrated in period 850-1150 but not discussed further. No mention of Maxey ware, so probably misattributed previously.

<1> Soden I., 1998, Archaeological Evaluation at Barclaycard, Marefair, Northampton - Stage 2: Trial Excavation, (unchecked) (Report). SNN39581.

<2> Chapman A, 1998-9, Northampton, Marefair, (unchecked) (Note). SNN104058.

<3> Museum of London Archaeology Service, 2005, Saxon, medieval and post-medieval settlement at Sol Central, Marefair, Northampton, p.30 (Full Report). SNN105717.

<4> Steele A.; Wroe-Brown R., 2001, Sol Central Marefair, Northampton - An Archaeological Post-Excavation Assessment And Updated Project (Report). SNN101157.

Record last edited

Sep 1 2016 11:40AM