East Road, Northallerton, North Yorkshire
SE 3702 9371; (Mark Randerson); watching brief, evaluation and excavation; between 17th August 2000 and 2nd March 2001; ERN99
In Area 1 post-medieval pitting was recorded at the project formation level.
In Area 2 post-medieval activity comprised a stone-lined well, numerous brick wall foundations, a cobbled lane surface and numerous pits, all recorded at the project formation level. One group of pits, of probable early post-medieval date, yielded what appeared to be specialised faunal waste, probably sheep feet bones, suggesting a commercial rather than a domestic origin. Medieval pitting, land boundaries and two wells (one an earlier version of the post-medieval structure) were also recorded.
In Area 3 post-medieval structural remains, including a yard surface, and much evidence of pitting were recorded at the project formation level. Of particular interest were a large number of small pits of post-medieval date containing exclusively fish bones, again suggesting commercial activity. Medieval pitting and land boundaries were recorded at the lower level.
In Area 4 post-medieval structural remains and pitting were recorded at the project formation level. Medieval structural remains, probably the remains of a dwelling, pitting and land boundaries were recorded at the lower level. In addition, evidence of probable Roman field or property boundaries, in the form of a ditch, a gully and a line of stakeholes, was recorded at the lower level. The medieval structure and the evidence of Roman occupation of the site were amongst the most significant findings of the whole archaeological project.
In Area 5 a post-medieval brick floor was recorded in advance of the open area investigations. What is likely to have been a 'witch bottle' was recovered directly beneath the floor. In addition, an unlined post-medieval well and pitting were recorded at the project formation level. Medieval pitting and land boundaries were recorded at the lower level.
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