SNN101221 - 6-7 The Drapery, Northampton: An Archaeological Desk-Based Study and Field Evaluation

In December 2000 HAT carried out an archaeological desk-based study and field evaluation at 6/7 the Drapery, Northampton (NGR SP75396044). The study found that the area lies within the historic core of medieval Northampton. Topographical studies suggest that the area between Drapery and College Street straddles the site of the putative C10th or earlier bank and ditch, which enclosed the nucleus of the original town to the west. The later commercial focus moved eastwards to the adjoining Market Square in the post-Conquest period, and documents suggest that the Drapery became permanently developed from the early C13th onwards. The entire area was destroyed in a fire which razed much of the town in 1675, though rebuilding was swift. An appraisal of the existing structure found that the street frontage comprises the substantial remains of two distinct 18th century buildings, which were consolidated during the Regency period (c.1790-1820), when the whole building was re-faced in sandstone and renovated internally in contemporary style. No trace of earlier structures was found. Most of the rear areas of the complex were demolished with rebuilding in the early 1950s. A small early 19th century building at 12 College Street, to the rear of the site is also proposed for demolition. The internal fabric of the building and a few yards which characterise it to the east were not accessible for inspection, though externally they appear to comprise a number of 18th or 19th century walls and a small building documented as an inn from the early 18th to the 20th century.