Post-Medieval Archaeol 30

Excavations at The Green, Northampton, in 1983 revealed up to three tanneries, which are described and discussed. Earlier excavations immediately to the north at St Peter's Street had uncovered evidence of two further tanneries. These are reassessed in the light of the evidence from The Green. The phase of tanning activity can be divided into two, sub-phase 1 being dated c. 1470--1550 and sub-phase 2 being dated c. 1550--1700. Evidence of earlier activity in the area, principally of late Saxon to medieval date, was uncovered, but the main phase of tanning activity coincided with a period of dereliction. The tanneries were composed of circular and rectangular pits. The animal bone evidence would suggest that cattle and horse hides and sheep skins were all being processed, despite contemporary prohibitions of this practice. All of the tanneries were small, the largest comprising thirty-six to thirty-seven pits. Many of the pits contained deposits of lime and ash which were used in the de-hairing process. Chemical analyses of soil samples from the pits suggest that they were used both for pre-tanning operations and for tanning itself. The archaeological findings are amplified by documentary evidence that a number of tanners were working in the area from the sixteenth century onwards. Two streets with names linked to tanning (Tanner Street and Barker Street) were located nearby. Includes specialist reports on

refers to the detailed report placed in the archive of Northampton Development Corporation's Archaeological Unit

Excavations in 1987--8 and 1995 revealed elements of the southern, eastern and western defences of the Hull Citadel. This was a triangular artillery fortification constructed between 1681 and 1690. It occupied a site at the confluence of the rivers Hull and Humber. Research has identified documentation of the construction process, permitting its sequence to be summarised. The archaeological record focused on the construction of brick and masonry scarp walls along the south front; casemated features and passages to the east, and the curtain and north bastion on the west side of the enceinte. This is complemented by detailed documentary evidence which extends to parts of the structures beyond the reach of excavation, or which had been removed at the demolition of the Citadel. Archaeological and documentary evidence also illustrates the conversion of the Citadel to serve as an arsenal, and its rearmament during the Napoleonic Wars. It was levelled in 1865. Redevelopment of the area has usually respected the position of the major masonry structures, and a small part of the east bastion has been reconstructed.

Annual review of fieldwork undertaken. Investigations are arranged under the following sections: ecclesiastical buildings; military and naval earthworks and structures (with a subsection on wrecks); towns and corporate buildings; villages; manors, country houses and associated works; farms and small domestic buildings; industry (with subsections for industry types); communications; and sports and amusements. They are listed alphabetically within these sections by country, then by county or unitary authority.