SNN104686 - Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment of Land at Castle Station, Northampton

Northamptonshire Archaeology carried out an archaeological desk-based assessment of land at Castle Station, Northampton, which occupies part of the site of the medieval castle. The study was carried out to inform proposals to make better use of the access to the present station. Northampton Castle was probably built in the early 12th century, occupying part of the late Saxon town. It was a major royal castle through the 12th and 13th centuries, but during the 14th century royal visits declined. Thereafter it was used as a jail, but following the Northampton fire of 1675, the jail and court was moved to the town and the castle buildings and walls were used as a stone quarry to supply the rebuilding of the town. It survived as a ruin until the late 19th century, when much of the castle was demolished and the ground level reduced by quarrying to form the level area still occupied by the rail station and associated goods yard; the latter now forming the extensive station car park. The study shows that the development area takes in much of the former Outer Bailey of the castle, which was defended by a bank, wall and ditch. There are no records that any medieval buildings had stood within this area, which may primarily have served as a gathering ground for troops and the stage for major events such as tournaments. The proposed development are includes a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This comprises a mound that includes the only surviving part of the outer bailey of the castle, where the medieval ground surface could be intact, although the limited extent of this area leaves the archaeological resource it contains of limited value. The area of raised car aprk to the west of this is much lower but may contain some truncated archaeological remains. In addition, the corner on the eastern side of the junction of St Andrews Road and Marefair may contain part of the inner bailey defences, and it has been speculated that there may have been a gateway in this area. Finally, the former Postern Gate, which is a listed building, is a rebuilding of a gateway originally located on the western side of the castle, and the redevelopment could be utilised to enhance its setting and appreciation either in its present location or elsewhere.