SNN107932 - Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment of Land at Castle Station, Northampton

Castle Station lies within the Saxon and medieval boundary of Northampton and there has been considerable arcaheological and documentary work undertaken within and around the area. To the south and east there was considerable Saxon occupation, including the probable minster church and ecclesiastical focus around St. Peter's, and there is evidence that this settlement extended within the site. Northampton Castle was probably built in the early 12th century, occupying pat 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 fire of Northampton in 1675 the jail and court were 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 railway station and associated goods yard; the latter now forming the extensive station car park. Although much of the castle was destroyed in the 19th century, it is possible that deeply buried remains relating to the former bailey ditches may survive in parts of the site. The ground level of a car park at the south of the site, within the former outer bailey, has not been reduced to such a great extent and there may be some survival within this area. A SAM within the south eastern corner is the only remaining part of the castle that has not been reduced in height. This desk based assessment was commissioned by West Northamptonshire Development Corporation on behalf of Network Rail ahead of proposals for works including relocating the station buildings and other development.