Monument record MLI83894 - Medieval Industrial Activity, Church Lane, South Witham

Summary

Medieval industrial activity, at Church Lane, South Witham.

Type and Period (7)

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Full Description

Medieval remains were recovered during a watching brief to the rear of Sycamore House, suggesting that there may have been an industrial zone in the vicinity. {1}{2} 13 sherds of post-Roman pottery and a small quantity of bone fragments were recovered recovered in 2001, during trial trenching, conducted prior to the construction of a new housing development at 8 Church Lane, South Witham. {3}{4} Evidence for medieval industrial activity was identified in April 2002, during an excavation at 8 Church Lane, South Witham. There is substantial evidence for the site having been associated with the smelting and possible smithing of iron during the 12th and 13th centuries. The evidence is in the form of ironworking waste recovered the fills of several pits. The absence of any clear structural evidence does, however, suggest that production was being undertaken off-site, although nearby. Environmental analysis from the site has yielded evidence to support the theory that fine white bread was produced on the site, an activity which may be connected with the presence of the Templar preceptory nearby. Remains identified include bread wheat with lesser quantities of barley and rye. Possibly associated with this is a kiln or oven which was recorded in the southern part of the site comprising an oval cut and linear feature, possibly a flue. It may possibly have been a malting kiln used for parching grain, and appears to have been backfilled in the 15th century. A rectangular structure was recorded in the eastern part of the site.The structure had fragmentary walls, which defined a rammed limestone floor or yard, within which was a hearth or oven dating to between the 12th and 15th centuries. The walls showed signs of heat. It is not clear if the features had a domestic or industrial function (see PRN 36110 for the settlement record). Other features were recorded across the site, including walls, pits, a further hearth and post holes. The features appear to be broadly contemporary, and the recovered pottery (138 sherds) dates from the late 11th to the 15th centuries. {5}{6}

Sources/Archives (6)

  •  Report: University of Leicester Archaeological Services. 2002. Land to the Rear of Sycamore House, Church Street, South Witham. SHS W02.
  •  Archive: University of Leicester Archaeological Services. 2002. Land to the rear of Sycamore House, Church Street, South Witham. LCNCC 2002.311.
  •  Report: University of Leicester Archaeological Services. 2001. 8 Church Lane, South Witham. -.
  •  Archive: University of Leicester Archaeological Services. 2001. 8 Church Lane, South Witham. LCNCC 2001.448.
  •  Report: University of Leicester Archaeological Services. 2002. 8 Church Lane, South Witham. -.
  •  Archive: University of Leicester Archaeological Services. 2002. 8 Church Lane, South Witham. LCNCC 2001.448.

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Location

Grid reference Centred SK 9278 1928 (130m by 59m) Estimated from sources
Civil Parish SOUTH WITHAM, SOUTH KESTEVEN, LINCOLNSHIRE

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Events/Activities (2)

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Record last edited

Mar 21 2021 8:35PM

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