SNN100836 - 6-7 The Drapery, Northampton: An Archaeological Evaluation

During January 2001, HAT carried out an archaeological evaluation of land at 6-7 The Drapery, central Northampton. The evaluation revealed deep deposits of post-medieval/modern overburden continuing to a depth of 1.5m+ below the existing ground surface. Below this, deposits remained uncharacterised. It was not possible to hand auger to any depth below this level. A substantial late post-medieval property boundary was identified crossing the site, possibly the original boundary between Nos 6-7. It would appear to correspond to the boundary of a narrow building running along the length of Jeyes Jetty to the south (as shown on the 1746 Noble and Butlin map). An external yard surface was revealed to the north of this foundation, though probably relating to one of the later yards known to be present in this part of the site. The postulated course of the late Saxon burh ditch lies within the site, but no evidence of its presence was found at the depths reached during the evaluation (1.5m+ below the existing ground surface). If this feature does indeed survive on the site it will almost certainly be deeply buried beneath later deposits. No evidence of more extensive cellaring (other than that already known to exist) was identified during the evaluation. Illustrations showing borehole survey information included in the back of the report.