SNN103617 - Desk-Based Assessment and Archaeological Trial Excavation of Land off Kingswell Street and Woolmonger Street Northampton

An archaeological evaluation of land off Kingswell Street and Woolmonger Street was carried out by Northamptonshire Archaeology in advance of the proposed redevelopment of the site. The evaluation comprised a desk-based assessment and archaeological trial excavation. The potential for significant archaeological remains within the application area, particularly those relating to the development of the late Saxon and medieval town, was highlighted by the desk-based assessment. However, trial excavation has shown that much of the site has been extensivley truncated by modern development, from the mid 19th century onwards, and well-preserved archaeological remains appear to be largely confined to the eastern edge of the site, beneath the car park. These remains, which broadly date to the 13th and 14th centuries, consisted of a stone wall, a possible hearth, a bread oven or kiln and a series of deposits, some of which appeared to contain cess and other domestic refuse. These remains were partly masked by a layer of soil that probably accumulated in the late medieval to early post-medieval period, and it is likely that further features survive beneath this layer. Mechanical removal of this layer could not be carried out due to Health and Safety constraints. Later activity on the site consisted of the remains of a possible house dating to the late 17th century, fronting on to Kingswell Street, a pit of a similar date, and the extensive remains of 19th century buildings. No evidence was found for the 'lost' medieval lane, 'Lewnyslane' connecting Woolmonger Street and Kingswell Street.