Monument record MLI70047 - Medieval occupation, Bishop Grosseteste College, Lincoln

Summary

Excavation on the site revealed late 11th to 12th century quarry pits, a stone well and a timber structure. New structures were erected in the late 13th to early 14th century and probably included a blacksmiths workshop.

Type and Period (4)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Full Description

PRN 70047 Medieval remains including structures were initially identified during trial trenching. {3}{4} An excavation which was carried out on the site of the extension of Bishop Grosseteste College library revealed evidence for reoccupation of the site during the late 11th to the early or mid 12th century. There were three large quarry pits, and some smaller pits, including a possible cess pit, and a stone well. There also appeared to be a timber structure to the west of the quarry pits, oriented east to west. It had no evidence for east or west walls, and had no internal flooring, suggesting a function relating to the quarrying. The evidence suggests that the site was hurriedly occupied during this phase whilst quarrying for stone for more permanent structures was being carried out. It is suggested that this colonisation occurred when large numbers of people were moved from the area where the castle, and possibly the cathedral were to be built. All the buildings of this phase appear then to have been demolished, and a new phase of construction begun. There were three of four new structures erected, and new metalled surfaces were created. In the late 13th to early 14th century only one of these structures appears to have stayed in use. The others were demolished, and only one was replaced. Its substantial floor suggests housing of stock. The evidence would seem to support the idea of a basically poor or peasant population. Evidence of smithing and the recovery of horse shoes on the site suggests the presence of a blacksmith. The site may have been used for accommodation and stabling for travellers. The final abandonment of the settlement in the 14th century would appear to correlate with the gradual shrinkage of the population which began in this area at that time. {1}{2}

Sources/Archives (5)

  •  Report: City of Lincoln Archaeology Unit. 1997. Library Extension, Bishop Grosseteste College, Newport, Lincoln: Archaeological Excavation. BGB95.
  •  Archive: City of Lincoln Archaeology Unit. 1997. Library Extension, Bishop Grosseteste College, Newport, Lincoln: Archaeological Excavation. LCNCC 84.95.
  •  Report: City of Lincoln Archaeology Unit. 1995. Bishop Grossteste College, Newport, Lincoln: Archaeological Evaluation. BGA95.
  •  Archive: City of Lincoln Archaeology Unit. 1995. Bishop Grossteste College, Newport, Lincoln: Archaeological Evaluation. LCNCC 41.95.
  •  Article in Serial: F.N. Field and I. George. 1995. Archaeology in Lincolnshire. VOL 30 P 48.

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Location

Grid reference Centred SK 9769 7279 (78m by 76m)
Civil Parish CASTLE, LINCOLN, LINCOLNSHIRE

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Related Events/Activities (2)

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Record last edited

Mar 21 2021 8:35PM

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