SNN112314 - Archaeological excavation at Leathermills Sluice, Ecton, Northamptonshire, December 2018

MOLA Northampton was commissioned by FAS Heritage to undertake an archaeological excavation at Leathermills Sluice, Ecton, Northamptonshire in advance of restoration work to the existing sluice and ancillary structures. The excavation found evidence for a 13th century stone-built mill building with internal dividing walls and a surviving floor surface. The medieval watermill was replaced by a slightly larger mill structure in the 16th century that continued in use until the early to mid-19th century when it fell into disuse and was eventually demolished. A third undated rectangular structure was sited close to the medieval mill building. This building had no visible internal features and its function is unclear. An upstanding 19th century barrel arched, stone-built boat house/shelter lay to the west side of the postmedieval mill. The excavated structures were explored sufficiently to characterise them but were not fully excavated, instead being re-buried to preserve them in situ.