SNN107895 - Land Within the Northern Extent (1a) of The St Peter's Development Area, Northampton: Results of Archaeological Trial Trenching

Two evaluation trenches were opened to locate the potential continuation of the Saxon and medieval town defences. No significant features or deposits relating to the Saxon or medieval defences at Northampton were revealed. It is likely that all upstanding remains of the Saxon and medieval defences were destroyed by 19th and 20th century building activity. However, it is suggested that the alignment of the defensive ditches continues acorss the development area from their known remains in the south. This may be inferred from the depth of existing made-up ground, which in trench 1 was more than 2.8m deep, suggesting the trench may be located within the Saxon ditch. Similarly, the east-west fall in natural clay in trench 2 at a depth of 2.5-2.8m may represent the edge of the medieval defensive ditch. Both trenches contained remains of 19th and 20th century wall foundations and a 19th century well. All wall foundations can be associated with buildings shown on historical maps. The 19th and early 20th century wall foundations are of low significance as this part of the history of Northampton has been extensively mapped and the change and development of buildings recorded. The area has also been extensively disturbed and truncated by modern services, lowering the significance of the surviving remains.