SNN112208 - The Hospital Chapel of St John, Northampton

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken during the refurbishment of the Hospital Chapel of St John, Northampton. Floors dated to the 18th and 19th centuries were removed to insert under-floor heating and new flooring. During the course of the watching brief post-medieval makeup layers were excavated and an early occupation or floor level was exposed. Pottery, probably dating to the 13th century, was found beneath this surface, which was cut by the south wall of the building. Outside the building, service trenches exposed a substantial medieval wall that was shallowly buried and, to the east of the chapel, this was encroached upon by human burials of post-medieval date. The work facilitated a re-appraisal of understanding of this important medieval monastic building and enabled aspects of its history to be updated.