SNN100570 - An Archaeological Desk Based Assessment Of Land At 21 St. James' Road, Northampton

An archaeological desk based assessment has been undertaken at 21 St James' Road, Northampton. This found that the development area was within the medieval suburb of St. James's End near the West Bridge. Documentary evidence for the area shows occupation here from at least the 13th century with the area inhabited by tanners and smiths as well as other professions. The 1610 Speed map shows a building on the extreme eastern area of the site with a channel, possibly a former mill leat, running through the centre. By 1722 this channel had been diverted to the east of the development site and a house fronting the street appears to have been constructed to the west of the application area. The pre 1825 map shows a large building with the site's frontage with a probable boundary wall behind but by 1887 there are only terrace house fronting the street with open areas to the rear. The present day buildings date from 1928 and include a WWII air raid shelter.