SNN101157 - Sol Central Marefair, Northampton - An Archaeological Post-Excavation Assessment And Updated Project

Between 1998 and 2000 a series of archaeological investigations were conducted on the site of Sol Central, Marefair, Northampton. The investigations included evaluation (by Northamptonshire Archaeology), and excavation and watching brief stages (by Museum of London Archaeology Service). This report comprises a post-excavation assessment of the project. The report quantifies the various elements contained in the site archive and describes the work that has been undertaken on that archive. An interim summary of the results of the fieldwork outlines the Anglo-Saxon, medieval and post-medieval activity identified from the assessment work. Residual artefacts of Prehistoric and Roman date were found but no features or deposits could be ascribed definitively to these periods. Middle Saxon settlement of the site was identified from the presence of sunken-floored buildings in conjunction with pottery of the period (AD400-850). Activity intensified in the Late Saxon/ Norman period (AD850-1150) with indications of industrial processes such as metalworking occurring at the site. A cemetery was also established in the SE corner of the site at the end of the 11th century. Between 1150 ad 1250 occupation of the area continued to develop with evidence for timber-framed buildings. Industrial activity also continued to grow as shown by intensive pitting and the presence of hearths and smithing debris. The cemetery continued in use until the mid to late 12th century. Masonry buildings were introduced in the high medieval period (1250 – 1500) and a proliferation of small industries, such as brewing, baking and dyeing took place. The route of Pike Lane was established and property boundaries defined. However, the area declined in the late 14th Century and the majority of the site was covered in a thick homogeneous soil. Documentary and cartographic evidence suggests that resettlement began again in the late 15th Century but much of this material was truncated at this site. Fragmentary evidence for post-medieval buildings dating to the 18th and 19th centuries was recorded.