Monument record MLI23602 - Medieval Settlement of Spalding

Summary

Medieval settlement of Spalding.

Type and Period (15)

  • (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
  • (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
  • (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
  • (Medieval - 1300 AD? to 1499 AD?)
  • (Medieval - 1200 AD to 1499 AD)
  • (Medieval - 1300 AD to 1499 AD)
  • (Early Medieval/Dark Age to Post Medieval - 1000 AD to 1599 AD)
  • (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1299 AD)
  • (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1300 AD to 1599 AD)
  • ? (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1300 AD to 1599 AD)
  • (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1300 AD to 1599 AD)
  • (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1400 AD to 1599 AD)
  • (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1350 AD to 1599 AD)
  • (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
  • (Medieval - 1100 AD to 1539 AD)

Protected Status/Designation

Full Description

[This record only details the archaeological evidence for medieval settlement in Spalding. For general settlement information, please see (PRN 23603), and see (PRN 23604) for archaeological evidence in the post-medieval period.] FOR EASE OF USE THIS RECORD HAS BEEN SPLIT INTO SOME STREETS/AREAS WITH SMALLER STREETS BEING GROUPED TOGETHER TOWARDS THE BOTTOM OF THE RECORD CHURCH STREET and adjacent streets During trial trenching at TF2500 2255 (PRN 23602a) a large ditch, aligned east/west and thought to be a boundary ditch, was recorded. The fill consisted of domestic debris including 14th-15th century pottery, slag, hammerscale, animal bone and environmental remains. Slag and hammerscale are suggestive of metalworking in the vicinity, while a house mouse jawbone suggests the presence of a building nearby. Stratigraphically earlier undated pits and a gully, aligned east/west, are thought to be medieval also. The site is therefore thought to be domestic in nature, probably in plots aligned at right angles to the river and defined by boundary ditches. {1}{2} Trial trenching at TF 2481 2249 (PRN 23602k) recorded evidence for medieval occupation. Augering revealed a layer of mortar over stone, which could indicate the presence of deeply buried structural remains. The remains of foundations constructed from faced limestone blocks were also noted. The spindle whorl and iron smithing slag that was found indicates some industrial activity may have been taking place here. Domestic occupational evidence includes 13th-14th century sherds, including one sherd of an imported French type that may indicate a settlement of some status. Brick, tile and animal remains were also found. Environmental sampling yielded yet more domestic evidence, as well as industrial, consisting of food waste and hearth sweepings. It would also appear that this area suffered from episodic flooding, probably from the River Welland. {18}{19} Trial trenching was undertaken off Halmergate, TF 250 225 (PRN 23602n). The trenches exposed a range of cut archaeological features (pits and ditches) dating to between the late medieval period and the modern era. One of the pits (dated to late 14th to 15th century) was particularly rich in environmental and industrial evidence; containing abundant plant and animal remains, and numerous hammerscale fragments, indicating that iron smithing was occurring in the near vicinity. The excavations also produced evidence for a 19th century garden wall. {24}{25} An archaeological scheme of works was implemented during and following groundworks associated with the construction of a new rectory on land at Halmer Gate, Spalding. The work consisted of an archaeological watching brief (Event ELI6458) and an examination of dressed stone fragments found scattered on the site (Event ELI6459). Only two archaeological features were exposed in the watching brief: a section of a 15th or 16th century refuse pit (PRN 23602q) and a feature of 19th century date, possibly a refuse pit, which had disturbed earlier Medieval material. An examination of dressed and worked stone fragments found on the site concluded that a number of them probably originated as parts of the former Benedictine priory (PRN 22355) and the nearby Church of St Mary and St Nicolas (PRN 22383). In total, 59 fragments of medieval to post-medieval date were recorded (PRN 23602r).{28}{29} SWAN STREET Trial trenching at the former tyre depot at Swan Street TF 2461 2275 (PRN 23602b) revealed a series of well-defined flood deposits cut by a series of pits. Pottery recovered from these features and flood horizons shows two distinct phases of activity separated by silt deposits associated with the flooding of the nearby river. The earliest phase of activity dates to the late twelfth to fourteenth century, while the later phase dates to the thirteenth to fourteenth century. Evidence for earlier activity may be sealed below these deposits. Pottery types include Toynton and Bourne wares. {3}{4} A watching brief at the former tyre depot TF 236 227 (PRN 23602c) identified several archaeological features, mostly of medieval and post-medieval date. The watching brief identified some evidence of medieval structures, predated by a series of well-defined flood deposits (associated with the flooding of the River Welland) and surfaces, which at depth were cut by a series of pits. Pottery recovered from the surface layers suggest that the earlier buildings dated to the 14th to 16th century while the flood horizons (and associated pits) falling into the 13th to 14th century range. {5}{6} Trial trenching at TF 2465 2280 (PRN 23602e) revealed medieval occupation evidence. Pits and postholes dating from the 10th- 15th century were recorded. Environmental sampling showed the presence of rare cereal grains and seeds of wetland plants. Flood deposits were also identified, evidence suggests that this area was prone to sporadic flooding through the medieval period, however the flooding must have been sporadic enough to allow for at least intermittent activity here. {22}{23} NEW ROAD Trial trenching was undertaken at 18-19 New Road TF 247 228 (PRN 23602d). A number of layers, a dumped deposit and a pit dating to between the 12th and 14th centuries were identified. The dumped deposit showed evidence of heating processes, and contained material indicating agricultural / pastoral activities, including cereal processing, being undertaken in the near vicinity of the site during the medieval period, although 'structural' evidence for these procedures were not found. Agricultural and/or pastoral land-use continued throughout the medieval period, until a phase of levelling and building construction occurred in the 17th century. {7}{8} A watching brief at TF 2476 2277 (PRN 23602p) revealed evidence for late medieval and post medieval deposits. Flood deposits, containing 14th-16th century pottery were recorded. Two hearths were also identified, perhaps indicating saltmaking. The tile which made up one of the hearth's was unglazed, it has a relief stamp decoration depicting a central heraldic shield enclosed in a circular band. The tile also shows no wear, indicating that perhaps it is waste. {26}{27} An archaeological excavation and watching brief at 18 New Road (TF 2475 2284) revealed medieval structural deposits relating to at least two buildings (PRN 23602t). The first building was first constructed during the 12th-14th centuries, when it was a stone-built structure incorporating a sunken basement or undercroft. A brick-built extension was added to the rear of the building in the 13th-15th centuries. This building continued in use throughout the post-medieval period (see PRN 23604u). In the 19th century it was remodelled, probably in brick, and the undercroft became a cellar. In the 20th century the site was converted into a garage and all traces of the medieval building were buried. The second building was probably of timber-frame construction and appears to have had a short life-span. Pits, gullies, post holes and wall fragments surrounding these buildings suggest that they were accompanied by a range of outbuildings of possible domestic or agricultural function. {32}{8} MARKET PLACE Excavations behind the White Hart Hotel TF 2480 2272 (PRN 23602f) revealed 14th and 15th century occupation. One trench revealed mid to late 13th century occupation below a layer of silt, which indicated abrupt severe flooding. Stone of a medieval date had been reused in an 18th century building. {9}{10} TF 2480 2272 (PRN 23602g) Medieval green glazed costrel is recorded as being found in Red Lion Street. Held in the Spalding Gentleman's Society Museum and drawn by H. Healey. {11} VINE STREET/BRIDGE STREET and adjacent streets A series of deposits were noted during trial trenching on land off Vine Street TF 24765 22511(PRN 23602l) which were sealed by post medieval remains. The earliest of these deposits was a pit and occupation layer dating to the eleventh to twelfth centuries. Two medieval cobbled surfaces were also revealed, the earliest of which dates to the twelfth to thirteenth centuries. Flood deposits were also recorded. The earliest remains may relate to the construction and earliest occupation of Spalding Priory. {20}{21} During trial trenching on Bridge Street TF 2480 2259 (PRN 23602m) an unidentifiable feature, a posthole, and pit or ditch were recorded. {13}{14} SHEEP MARKET During trial trenching at the sheep market TF 245 226 (PRN 23602o) medieval deposits were recorded. These deposits contained pottery, brick and tile of 13th to 15th century and the foundations of a north to south medieval wall, possibly 15th century. It is possible that the nearby medieval priory or other medieval buildings but this could not be proven because of the small size of the site. {15}{16} TF 2510 2240 (PRN 23602h). Handle in rough fabric, buff with dark grey core containing a great deal of sand found. Few specs of green glaze on upper surface. Deep stab marks down centre slashing either side similar to one seen in Grimston, Norfolk, kiln site. {17} TF 2487 2271 (PRN 23602j) medieval pottery was found in a trench at Harrington House. {17} A watching brief on land at Westlode Street (TF 2497 2283, PRN 23602s) revealed medieval occupation deposits including pits and ditches as well as medieval pottery. {30}{31} Medieval deposits and features were located during excavations carried out in January to May 2008, in the grounds of Ayscoughfee Hall (TF 24897 22332; PRN 23602v). Although a modest assemblage (mostly residual?) of late Saxon and Saxo-Norman pottery was recovered from deposits overlying probable alluvium in trenches on the south lawn, the stratigraphic evidence for contemporaneous activity was sporadic, comprising a single feature of uncertain origin. Layers of 13th to 16th century date were encountered in both trenches, with pits of 12th/mid 13th to 15th century date concentrating at the northern end of the trench nearest to the house. The latter trench contained a stone wall (possibly late medieval), which might, at one time, have formed a property boundary. Excavations in a small area to the rear (east) of the house revealed undated deposits (possibly medieval), including a stone surface, which predated eighteenth century structural remains. {33}{34}

Sources/Archives (34)

  •  Report: Archaeological Project Services. Nov 1999. Land to the rear of Old Acres Mill, Spalding. SAM99.
  •  Archive: Archaeological Project Services. Nov 1999. Land to the rear of Old Acres Mill, Spalding. LCNCC:268.99.
  •  Report: Pre-Construct Archaeology. 2003. Former Tyre Depot, Swan Street, Spalding. TDSS03.
  •  Archive: Pre-Construct Archaeology. 2003. Former Tyre Depot, Swan Street, Spalding Archaeological Trial Excavation Report. LCNCC:2003.2.
  •  Report: Pre-Construct Archaeology. Sept 2003. Former Tyre Depot, Swan Street, Spalding - Archaeological Watching Brief. FTSS03.
  •  Archive: Pre-Construct Archaeology. Sept 2003. Former Tyre Depot, Swan Street, Spalding - Archaeological Watching Brief. LCNCC: 2003.240.
  •  Report: Archaeological Project Services. August 2003. Archaeological Evaluation at 18 - 19 New Road, Spalding. SPNR03.
  •  Archive: Archaeological Project Services. 2003-06. Archaeological Investigations at 18 - 19 New Road, Spalding. LCNCC: 2003.264.
  •  Article in Serial: SYMONDS, J.. 1988. FENLAND RESEARCH. Page 31-8.
  •  Article in Serial: 1988. TRUST FOR LINCOLNSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGY FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT. Page 9.
  •  Index: Parish card index of the former South Lincolnshire Archaeology Unit. SPALDING. -.
  •  Report: Archaeological Project Services. June 2000. Evaluation on land at 18/19 Bridge Street & 1 Market Place, Spalding. PBS00.
  •  Archive: Archaeological Project Services. June 2000. Evaluation on land at 18/19 Bridge Street & 1 Market Place, Spalding. LCNCC: 2000.99.
  •  Report: Lindsey Archaeological Services. Sep 2003. Archaeological Evaluation at the Junction of Station Street and Sheep Market, Spalding. SSR03.
  •  Archive: Lindsey Archaeological Services. Sep 2003. Archaeological Evaluation at the Junction of Station Street and Sheep Market, Spalding. LCNCC: 2003.323.
  •  Index: SMR FILE. SPALDING. TF 22 SE: L, 1967, Healey, H.
  •  Verbal Communication: HEALEY, R.H.. 1997. Verbal report from Hilary Healey. 1997.
  •  Report: Archaeological Project Services. 2002. Land between 9 and 15 Church Street, Spalding. SCS02.
  •  Archive: Archaeological Project Services. 2002. Land between 9 and 15 Church Street, Spalding. LCNCC: 2002.186.
  •  Report: Pre-Construct Archaeology. Feb 2000. Land off Vine Street, Spalding. VSW 00.
  •  Archive: Pre-Construct Archaeology. 2000. Land off Vine Street, Spalding. LCNCC: 2000.28.
  •  Report: Archaeological Project Services. 2004. Evaluation at Swan Street, Spalding. SSSSP04.
  •  Archive: Archaeological Project Services. 2004. Evaluation at Swan Street, Spalding. LCNCC: 2004.132.
  •  Report: Pre-Construct Archaeology. June 2003. Proposed New Parsonage, Land Off Halmer Gate, Spalding. HGS03.
  •  Archive: Pre-Construct Archaeology. June 2003. Proposed New Parsonage, Land Off Halmer Gate, Spalding. LCNCC: 2003.111.
  •  Report: Lindsey Archaeological Services. 2004. The Punch Bowl public house, 37 New Road, Spalding. PBS04.
  •  Archive: Lindsey Archaeological Services. 2004. The Punch Bowl public house, 37 New Road, Spalding. LCNCC 2004.41.
  •  Report: Pre-Construct Archaeology. Mar 2005. Archaeological Watching Brief at the New Rectory, Land off Halmer Gate, Spalding. HGSP03.
  •  Archive: Pre-Construct Archaeology. Mar 2005. Archaeological Watching Brief at the New Rectory, Land off Halmer Gate, Spalding. LCNCC 2004.160.
  •  Report: Thames Valley Archaeological Services. 2006. Land at Westlode Street, Spalding. WSS05/03.
  •  Archive: Thames Valley Archaeological Services. 2006. Land at Westlode Street, Spalding. LCNCC 2006.43.
  •  Report: Archaeological Project Services. 2006. Archaeological Excavation and Watching Brief on Land at 18-19 New Road, Spalding. SPRN03.
  •  Report: NAU Archaeology. 2009. An Archaeological Excavation at Ayscoughfee Hall Gardens, Spalding, Lincolnshire. SAHG08.
  •  Archive: NAU Archaeology. 2009. An Archaeological Excavation at Ayscoughfee Hall Gardens, Spalding, Lincolnshire.

Map

Find a placename, postcode or grid reference

Map layers

Base layers

Info

Record list

Tools

Location

Grid reference Centred TF 2483 2255 (665m by 760m) Estimated from sources
Civil Parish SPALDING, SOUTH HOLLAND, LINCOLNSHIRE

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (22)

Please contact the HER for details.

External Links (0)

Record last edited

Mar 21 2021 8:35PM

Feedback?

Your feedback is welcome. If you can provide any new information about this record, please contact us.