Abstract: |
Excavations traced the development of a large area within the town centre from Middle Saxon times through to the end of the Middle Ages. Ten house-sites were traced throughout this period, but the principal significance of the site lies in showing how a neighbourhood evolved. Small amounts of prehistoric, Roman and Early Saxon material were found, followed by a Middle Saxon church with evidence for mortar mixers. Clusters of Late Saxon sunken huts showed some industrial evidence (ironworking, ?bone-working) but no formalized street planning until 11th or 12th century. Stone buildings appeared in later 13th; early in 15th the whole street was reconstructed, perhaps with some two-storey houses, even though these were artisan dwellings associated with tanning, drying etc. A bad fire after 1500 destroyed the street which then fell into dereliction. Many specialist appendices treat the pottery, coins, architectural, industrial and environmental evidence. |