SNN114513 - Archaeological Observation & Recording: The Shrubbery Care Home, 66 College Street, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire

In July 2021 KDK Archaeology Ltd undertook a programme of Observation and Recording at The Shrubbery Care Home, 66 College Street, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire in order to fulfil Condition 4 of planning permission for the development of the site. Six footings trenches were excavated in order to construct two new extensions to the existing buildings. Several archaeological features were identified at the eastern side of the footprint for the south-eastern extension. These included the foundation of a stone wall, a large area of excavation possibly the result of land clearance or demolition, and a pit containing a bovine skeleton. The demolition of the wall foundation was dated to approximately the 11th century due to pottery directly overlying the stones. This indicates the presence of a stone structure that may have existed during the early life of the castle, or that possibly pre-dates the castle. The large excavation and the pit containing the animal skeleton both pre-dated this feature. Although the site has been truncated by modern activity, the medieval remains have been protected by their depth, so it is possible that other features survive in the immediate vicinity.