SNN110748 - Archaeological evaluation at The Abbey Centre, Daventry, Northamptonshire, September 1998

Eight trial trenches were excavated in the car park areas surrounding the former Abbey Centre and at the frontage onto Abbey Street. No early/middle Saxon features were located, but two sherds of residual pottery were recovered. An early medieval ditch at the Market Square frontage may relate to an early system of property boundaries. A single medieval pit was located in the area to the west of Abbey Centre. To south-east of the Abbey Centre an extensive area had been totally destroyed by a large robbing/quarry pit of 19th century date. To the immediate north of this there was an area of good preservation; two substantial stone walls and areas of contemporary metalling were located. Related soil horizons contained 12th-14th century pottery, and a layer containing demolition debris is of a 15th century or later date. These building remains lie within the precinct of the former priory, but insufficient evidence was recovered to identify the form and function of the building represented. At the frontage onto Abbey Street ground levels had been heavily truncated and there was extensive disturbance from post-medieval buildings