SNN100190 - Archaeological Evaluation At New Street And White & Co Shoe Factory, Daventry, Northamptonshire (Phase 2)

An archaeological evaluation was carried out at the site of the proposed Tesco foodstore at new Street and White and Co Shoe Factory in Daventry, Northamptonshire. The proposed development area is located within the medieval town of Daventry, close to the Parish Church, and coincides with a postulated medieval enclosure which is considered to be associated with Over Manor. The Stead and Simpson Boot and Show Factory, now White and Co Shoe Factory, was built on the site in 1854 and subsequently extended and altered. No surviving archaeological depositions of medieval or earlier date were discovered during the evaluation. Evidence for extensive ground disturbance, possibly the results of post medieval quarrying was encountered in the north of the proposed development area. A single test pit within the factory itself uncovered possible evidence that material was brought onto raise the ground level in the post-medieval period. Subsequently, a new floor was inserted raising floor level, possibly as part of a programme of alterations undertaken in the 1940s.