SNN110251 - Archaeological strip, map and sample investigation: Fish Alley, 29 High Street, Bozeat, Northamptonshire

Archaeological investigation was carried prior to the preparation of foundations for two new houses on land on the northeast side of Fish Alley, off High Street, Bozeat, Northamptonshire. The investigation uncovered a large medieval pit, possibly a stone quarry, in the southern part of the new building footprint. There were two fills present, each containing domestic waste. The lowermost fill was dated by pottery to the 11th / 12th century, the other to the 12th/ 13th century. A gully leading to the pit had also been in-filled in the 12th/ 13th century. Above the features was a layer of garden soil which was dated to the 13th/ 14th century. The 11th to 13th century deposits contained a quantity of burnt cereal grain, together with seeds from a small number of cultivated legumes, enhancing knowledge of the medieval agrarian economy at Bozeat. Another stone quarry of unknown date occupied the northern and eastern part of the excavation area. The quarry was backfilled in the mid-19th century, when a row of cottages was built on the southeast side of the site. There was evidence of the demolition of the cottages, which took place in the late 20th century.