Monument record MLI70147 - Newport boundary ditch and rampart, Lincoln
Summary
Portions of a ditch with an inner rampart, built in the late 12th century, to enclose an extension of the city 'porta nova'.
Type and Period (4)
Protected Status/Designation
Full Description
PRN 70147
Portions of the west, north and east sections of an oblong earthwork (ditch with inner rampart), apparently also once joined along the south about 300 metres north of Newport Gate, and bisected by the course of Ermine Street, built in the late 12th century, to enclose an extension of the city 'porta nova', perhaps caused by evictions from the 'colonial' area. {1}{2}
The Newport earthworks were drawn in plan by Stukeley in 1722 and these earthworks are the remains of the boundary ditch around Lincoln’s medieval suburb of Newport. The bank and ditch were shown by Stukeley as major features and he records two circular towers at the north west and north east corners as well as walls on the insides of the ditches. No evidence of stone walls or towers has yet been identified during any archaeological excavations but there have been few excavations in the area. There is some question as to whether the bank and ditch were ever intended to be defensive as it is most likely that they were constructed as a permanent boundary dividing the suburb from the agricultural fields. If the ditch and wall shown by Stukeley were proved to be defensive, then these earthworks would be a rare example in England of a defended suburban market place. {6}
During excavations in 1937, the ditch and rampart at the north east corner were examined. Medieval pottery dating from the 14th century was recovered from the ditch. {2}
A limestone rich deposit was seen during a watching brief and it is suggested that this may represent upcast from the ditch. However, it may alternatively have originated during 18th century quarrying, and there was no datable material present to prove either suggestion. {4}{5}
Sources/Archives (6)
- <1> SLI4189 Scheduling Record: HBMC. AM 7. SAM 21.
- <2> SLI3972 Serial: 1938. The Lincolnshire Magazine. VOL II, NO 9, PP 255 FF.
- <3> SLI4050 Scheduling Record: HBMC. 1988. AM 107. SAM 21.
- <4> SLI11647 Report: Mike Jarvis Archaeological Services. 2007. 199 Newport, Lincoln: Archaeological Watching Brief. LNP07.
- <5> SLI11648 Archive: Mike Jarvis Archaeological Services. 2007. 199 Newport, Lincoln: Archaeological Watching Brief. LCNCC 2007.124.
- <6> SLI9142 Bibliographic Reference: Jones, Michael, J; Stocker, D.; and Vince, A.. 2003. The City by the Pool including LARA. RAZ 9.51.1.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SK 9750 7282 (300m by 190m) Centre |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | CASTLE, LINCOLN, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (2)
- Event - Intervention: Excavation of the Newport earthwork, 1937 (ELI9662)
- Event - Intervention: Watching brief at 199 Newport, Lincoln (ELI8116)
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External Links (0)
Record last edited
Mar 21 2021 8:35PM
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