SNN112688 - Historic building recording at Delapre Abbey, Northampton, March 2021

MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) was commissioned by Budworth Hardcastle, on behalf of Northampton Borough Council, to undertake a programme of historic building recording at Delapre Abbey. This was required to better understand the structure prior to any conservation decisions regarding its future management. The wall presents many differing constructional phases which can largely be attributed to different construction materials used. It is clear the current arrangement has been in place since the 18th century and it may be that this is a remnant of a pre-Dissolution layout. Some changes have been made to the various sections of wall, including a brick inner skin being added in the 19th century. Overall the current garden wall layout has been in place since the mid 18th century at least. It is possible the garden was established following the Bouverie family’s purchase of the estate, as part of their modernisations at this time. But it cannot be ignored that it is possibly a remnant of the Abbey’s arrangement. In all it is perhaps a combination of both, and the Bouverie family rebuilt/renewed the walled garden following their purchase but kept an older plan form.