Series: Northampton Devel Corp Archaeol Monogr

Neo causewayed enclosure in Northants, built and rebuilt several times before 2500 BC, little trace of activity within but maintained for 1000 years on an indefensible site at junction of soil types. Domestic refuse. Also BA cremation cemetery, then Iron Age, RB, and Saxon settlement traces. Specialist report. Very early 14C dates.

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.