SNN103908 - Excavations at Derngate, Northampton 1997-2000

The Oxford Archaeological Unit carried out a limited area excavation and watching brief on the site of the former Girls School at Derngate, Northampton (SP 758 602), during 1997. A further watching brief was maintained on all subsequent phases of building development on the site. A clay and earth bank that formed part of the medieval city defences was excavated. Several medieval quarry pits were identified across the site: pottery from the quarry fills indicated that the pits were open in the early medieval period. Later medieval rubbish pits were cut into the infilled quarries. Medieval and post-medieval soils were recorded across the site, although no evidence was found support the existence on the site of the late medieval grange building known as 'the Towre'. Nineteenth century walls and garden features associated with the properties that fronted onto Derngate were also recorded.