SNN100408 - Former Burgess Site, St Peter's Way, Northampton, Archaeological Evaluation

Five trial trenches were excavated in the former Burgess premises at St. Peter's Way, Northampton. Previous desk-based assessment had indicated that the site was probably located within the precinct of a former Augustinian Friary, founded in the late 13th or early 14th century and disscolved in 1538. A number of medieval features were uncovered, particularly on the eastern side of the site where a several stone walls, rudimentary floors and other features were recorded. The structural evidence demonstrates at least two phases of medieval occupation, probably dating from the 13th to the 15th centuriea AD. Although limited in range and quantity, the finds are compatible with those from a site such as a friary. They included a moulded architectural stone, a fragment of window glass and decorated ceramic floor tiles. The medieval remains were found well preserved beneath a metre or more of later made ground. The general sequence of deposits supports the cartographic evidence which indicates that the area was largely open ground in the post-medieval period, until urban expansion in the 19th century.