SNN111535 - Archaeological observation of works and historic building recording at Manor House, Manor Farm, Hardwick, Northamptonshire

MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) carried out archaeological observation and recording on the excavation of foundations of a new extension at Hardwick Manor house. The work also included a historic building assessment report on the existing extension through the owners photos and plans. The house was constructed in the 14th century with 15th and 16th-century modifications. The former great hall, which stood on the eastern side, was destroyed in the 17th century. Within the northern trench, the foundations revealed a 15th-century pottery sherd. A rubble layer contained plaster and a late 17th-century pottery sherd, suggesting an extension with internal timber framing and a possible brick/stone outer shell stood at the location. Restoration work, including a date-stone marked 1775, saw the construction of a single-storey brick extension with a cellar and a thatch roof at this location. This was expanded in 1887 to a two-storey building with a slate roof.