SNN110238 - First phase archaeological excavation, recording, analysis and reporting in the basements of Delapre Abbey, Northampton: The evaluation of an accumulated soft layer beneath The Drawing Room

The part-excavation of an accumulated layer of material was undertaken in the sub-floor compartments beath the 18th-century drawing room of Delapre Abbey. Originally thought to be a centuries-long, gradual accumulation of material, the excavation has shown that it is more likely to have been a demolition deposit associated with 18th/19th century re-building of the south wing of the house. The excavation revealed a length of wall that formed part of the 'lost' 16th-17th century south wing built by the Tate family after the Dissolution. A range of finds from the demolition layer around it include architectural fragments dating from the medieval abbey and that lost Post-Dissolution wing, together with fittings relating to its former post-medieval interior decor.