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Summary

The probable site of a castle built in 1221 by Faulke de Breaute. Documents from the Assize at Dunstable in 1224 record that he was said to have dammed the river unlawfully, presumably for the moat around the castle, resulting in flooding to surrounding property. The castle seems to have covered most of the area between St Mary's Church to the north and Lea Road to the south, with the River Lea at its eastern end and St Ann's Road to the west. The castle was subsequently demolished and the Court House built in the southern corner of its former area. This was a moated house, probably reusing part of the castle moat, which was apparently still extant in 1611.

Full Description

<1> J. Nicholls, 1780-1797, Biblioteca Topographica Britannica, p. 53 (Bibliographic reference). SBD10922.

Site of castle at Luton may be the bank & moat, now called Court Close, on south side of churchyard.

<2> F Davis, 1855, History of Luton, pp. 7-8; map, p. 144 (Bibliographic reference). SBD10887.

Faulke de Breaute built castle at Luton, 1221. Probably stood in meadow at east corner of churchyard, where site of large square moated mansion still plainly to be seen; meadow adjoining it surrounded by very high bank of earth & deep ditch. Castle no doubt demolished when Faulke de Breaute's fate decided, & Court House built on ruins. Meadow still called Court Close.
Map, p144: Earthwork shown.

<3> Bedfordshire Historical Record Society, Bedfordshire Historical Record Society, Vol. 9, 1925, p. 59 (Fowler & Hughes) (Serial). SBD10681.

1224 Assize at Dunstable: "Jurors say that Falkesius de Breaute threw up a dam wrongfully…by raising the dam, the water of Luton flooded 2 houses & a meadow of the Abbot & a tenement. And when the water is held up, the mill of the Abbot cannot grind. And that a certain highway there is obstructed by that dam."
Episode recorded by Matt Paris (Chron Maj iii, 20)

<4> W. Austin, 1928, History of Luton, Pt 1, pp. 101-102 (Bibliographic reference). SBD10898.

On south side of churchyard, between churchyard & Lea Road, many recollect a raised mound of considerable extent, surrounded by a good-sized ditch. In 1221, path ran diagonally from corner of churchyard to Lea Bridge; raised several feet above level of vicarage closes & known as "Church causeway". Ditch was described in 1221 as "deep moat" & was no doubt castle moat. It seems that Falk dammed river between vicarage & castle (ref. 3).
At some period after pulling down of castle, "Court House" erected, probably from castle stone-work. Gough said meadow was called "The Court" or "Manor Court Close" & had no doubt of its being the site of Falk's castle.
Leland, 1540: "part of old place standeth yet" - no doubt referring to Court House.
1707 terrier: churchyard described as "fended by water in part", & vicarage orchard as "fended by mote of water" - clearly the ancient moat of the castle.

<5> James Dyer, F Stygall, John Dony, 1964, The Story of Luton, pp. 63-64 (Bibliographic reference). SBD10900.

Faulke de Breaute's castle covered most of area from church to Lea Road, river forming boundary on E side & St Anne's Road on west. Substantial mound of earth still covered this area at beginning of present century; records show that castle moat bounded southern side.
Map, p64: Extent shown.
In 1221, Faulke de Breaute dammed river near castle.

<6> Ordnance Survey, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Record Cards, OS: TL 02 SE 22 (Unpublished document). SBD10879.

[TL 0960 2104] The site of the Court House, Luton 'a large square moated mansion', is also the probable site of a castle built in 1221 by Faulke de Brent. (`History of Luton' 1855 pp.7-8 (F Davis))
The court house was owned by the Rotherhams in 1611 and referred to by Leland in 1540. (`History of Luton' Vol.1 1928 p.102 (W Austin))
Indicated site falls under late 19c tenement houses scheduled for demolition. FDC 12-NOV-75

<7> F W Kuhlicke, Bedford Museum, Annotated OS 6" map (Map). SBD12671.

"Site of Fakes de Breaute's castle" marked at TL 0957 2112

<8> Luton Museum, Luton Museum Document, 1972 (Unpublished document). SBD10952.

TL 095 211. Site of Castle built by Flacasius de Breute, 13th century. (Dyer, story of Luton).

<9> Archaeology South-East, 2008, An Archaeological Evaluation on land at Vicarage Street, Luton; Site A, 2008/200 (Archaeological Report). SBD11709.

An archaeological evaluation revealed features & deposits of C13-C14 date, along with post-medieval features.

<10> The Bedfordshire Archaeological Council, 2017, Bedfordshire Archaeology, Volume 27, Vol. 27, 2017, pp. 245-266 (2009, Wes Keir et. al., Albion Archaeology) (Article in serial). SBD10809.

The excavations revealed features dating to the medieval and post medieval periods, the most prominent being a large ditch interpreted as part of the moat of Fulk de Breautés castle. Other features included a group of post-holes and gullies defining the footprint of a large building within the circuit of the moat, and a small post-medieval children's cemetery. Hints of earlier activity in the vicinity were provided by by small residual amounts of abraded late Iron Age and Saxo-Norman pottery, as well as fragments of brick that are probably Roman.
The following narrative is presented in chronological order by Phase. It includes the results of both the trial trench evaluation and the excavation, and integrates specialist finds reports. Elements within each Phase are usually referred to by a Group (G) number which represents an agglomeration of 'contexts' that are closely related both stratigraphically and interpretatively. Subgroup (S) and 'context' numbers are used where reference to specific features and deposits is necessary.
Phase 1: Undated Inhumations - Two inhumations G6 were partially exposed, and left in situ, in a trial trench at the north-east end of the site. They were situated a metre apart and aligned NE-SW, with their heads to the south-west.
No dating evidence was recovered, although their disposition suggests that they are likely to have been formal Christian inhumations. Their locaton, well beyond the boundary of the current churchyard, suggests that they could be of some considerable age, and may support the suggestion that Luton's earliest church was not on the site of the present-day St Mary's.

Phase 2: The Medieval Castle - Evidence for medieval activity included a large ditch, believed to have been part of the moat of Fulk de Breauté's castle, and a group of post-holes and gullies defining the footprint of a building. Other features comprised a ditch connected to the moat, and three pits lying beyond its circuit. The Phase 2 pottery assemblage is mainly of 12th - to late 13th-century date.
Moat: The most prominent feature revealed on the site was a large ditch G2, aligned NE-SW and measuring up to 12m wide and 3m deep.
Two segments of the ditch were excavated, revealing marked differences in its primary fills. To the south, they predominantly comprised stony sand and clay silts, together with compact deposit of larger stones and sandy silt located on the south-east side of the ditch. To the north, however, a homogenous fill of compact chalky silt filled most of the base of the ditch. These deposits produced a small amount of pottery dated to the high medieval period,and a type of horseshoe nail thought to have been in use during the 11th to 13th centuries. Waterlogging of the deposits preserved an assemblage of plant and insect remains which indicate that the ditch held standing water, but may have been subject to periodic drying-out.
The ditch corresponds with the postulated location of the north-western arm of the moat of Fulk de Breauté's castle built in 1221. The castle site is thought to have extended from St Mary's Church to Lea Road (Dyer and Dony 1975, 47-8). Although the castle may only have survivied for a few years (Albion Archaeology 2005), its moat and mound at least partly lasted into the 19th century (Davis 1874, 30). Pecked lines marked on the 1842 town map are likely to indicate the then surviving parts of the southern and western corners of the castle bank or moat.
A small ditch G3, 1m wide and 0.45m deep, joined the north-western side of the moat. Its primary fill mostly comprised large, compacted flints, presumably placed to consolidate the base of the ditch, which is likely to have channelled water into the moat. A small amount of early medieval pottery was recovered form it.
Timber framed building: The remains of a large timber-framed building G1, measuring in excess of 12m long and 3.3m wide, was partiallyrevealed in the southern corner of the site, in what would have been the interior of the moated enclosure. Pottery recovered from deposits associated with the building date it broadly to the 12th-13th centuries; abraded sherds of Iron Age and Saxo-Norman pottery were also recovered.
Parts of two sides of the building were visible, defined by a 0.2-0.4m deep gully that contained several post holes to have held horizontal sill beams interrupted by vertical posts. However, the closer spacing of the posts near the northern corner of the building suggests the use of vertical earth-fast posts with an infill of planks or wattle in this location. Darker fills within several of the post-holes denoted the posts' erstwhile extent: the fills are likely to represent topsoil that entered the cavities left where posts had been removed.
Interior features of the building comprised two very shallow gullies with some associated post-holes and a large post-pit S2, located near the corner of the structure. The proximity of the two shallow gullies to the main wall gully suggests that they are most likely to have been associated with extra support for the wall. Measuring c0.9m in diameter and 0.52m deep, the post-pit is likley to have held one of the main supporting posts for the roof, and may have been associated with an internal aisle. A darker, charcoal-rich deposit within the fill of the pit that was partly encircled by several large stones is likely to represent the location of a removed post, c0.5m in diameter. The charcoal predominantly derives from oak timber, possibly an indication of the wood used in the construction of the building. Prunus (cherry species) was also present, possibly derived from wood burnt on a hearth or from smaller structural elements, such as wattling.
Pits: Three pits located outside the moated enclosure were also dated to the medieval period. Two of the pits (G5) contained distinctive dark grey silty fills, which produced substantial amounts of pottery and animal one; they are likely to have been used for the disposal of refuse. Both had nearly vertical sides and flat bases. The larger of the two, S17, was 1.7m in diameter and 1.2m deep; the other, S19, was 0.8m in diameter and 0.65m deep. The majority of the recovered pottery dates to the early-high medieval period, although a few later sherds within the upper fills of the larger pit indicate that it was finally backfilled during the late medieval / early post-medieval period (see below, Phase 3). A much shallower, oval pit G4 of unknown function was located adjacent to the north-west side of the moat.

PHASE 3: Post-Medieval Disuse of the Moat, and Children's Cemetery - The moat was still at least partly open in the post-medieval period, during which time its fills appear to have been partially quarried out. Subsequently, the moat gradually filled up through a mixture of natural silting and waste disposal. By the end of this period a children's cemetery G8 had been established outside the moated enclosure, adjacent to St Ann's Lane, along with a well and pit (G7) that are likely to have been associated with properties that fronted onto Park Street.
Quarrying of the moat fills and seusequent infilling: Two adjacent cuts were clearly visible within the moat, the shape of which suggests that they are more likely to represent the deliberate quarrying of material from the moat rather than attempts to maintain its original form. They were filled by distinctive waterlogged deposits G2.01, generally consisting of dark brown clay-silts, up to 1.6m thick. These deposits appear to have formed over a relatively long period of time and contained a mixture of aquatic and terrestrial plant and insect remains, which indicate that the moat contained standing water but was also subject to episodic drying out.
Substantial quantities of artefacts were recovered from these deposits, ranging in date from the 12th to 18th centuries. These include leather shoe fragments of probable 14th or 15th century date; pieces of hipped ridge tiles, known as 'granny bonnets', that may date to the 16th or 17th centuries; and fragments of 18th century bottle glass found towards the base of the cuts. There as also an abundance of animal bone, derived from a mixture of food waste from cattle, sheep/goat and pig, as well as waste from more specialist processes such as horn-working. The carcass of non-food animals also appear to have been dumped within the moat, including a robust horse femur reminiscent of a carthorse.
Children's cemetery: A group of twelve graves (G8) was identified in a small area to the west of the moat, against the north-western edge of the excavated area. One grave was aligned NE-SW, but the rest were aligned NW-SE. Two of the graves could not be excavated, since they lay largely beneath the concrete foundations of the wall defining the western boundary of the site. The remains of eight individuals were recovered, aged up to four years old. In two of the graves the bone had effectively disappeared, presumably due to the adverse soil conditions. Coffin nails, mineralised wood and copper-alloy pins were found in many of the graves, indicating that the bodies had been wrapped in shrouds or winding sheets and placed within wooden coffins, which may also have been covered in fabric. A group of copper-alloy tacks was also found over-lying the upper torso of one of the inhumations; they may have been used to decorate and/or hold in place fabric covering the coffin.
Documentary research has identified that these graves formed part of a burial ground established by the Society of Friends (Quakers) in the late 18th century (Roger Sear pers. Comm). The burial ground lay adjacent to St Ann's Lane, within the area of a garden marked on the 1842 town map as plot 188, which was owned by Frederick and Charles Burr. This garden had previously been owned by John Brown, a member of the Society of Friends. In 1776, a Grave Order was issued for Sarah Brown - daughter of Daniel Brown of Luton, a baker - who had died on 6th August aged two months old. The grave was made in John Brown's garden at Luton (BRO FR2/9/11/1). In 1780, a Grave Order was issued for Han Pryor, aged 7 months, also to be buried in John Brown's garden (BRO FR2/9/11/7). Han was the daughter of Christopher and Mary Pryor, who were Quakers; a member of the Brown family had married an Ann Pryor, so there is likely to have been a family connection. It it possibly that other members of the Brown family, recorded in a Brown family tree (BRO X551/1), arranged for their children who died at a yound age to be buried in John Brown's garden at this time. These include John Brown's brother, Joseph, who lost his son William in 1751 (aged 1 year and 8 months); Richard, another brother, who lost two sons, William in 1758 (aged 1 year 3 months) and Daniel in 1766 (aged 5 years); and Jospeh Brown junior, who lost his first daughter, Mary, in 1785 (aged 4 months) and his second daughter, Maria, in the following year (aged 1 month old).
The infant's causes of death cannot be confirmed, but they may simply have succumbed to one of the common diseases of that era. On eof the skeletons showed signs of suffering from congenital syphilis, which is thought to have been a significant problem during the post-medieval period (Roberts and Cox 2003). Other epidmics at that time included plagus, typhoid and typhus, influenza, diptheria, and whooping cough, while smallpox, scarlet fever, cholera, tuberculosis and syphilis were also prevalent at that time (Dobson 1997).
Other features: Fragments of a tile and a possible skillet rim were recovered from the upper fill of Phase 2 rubbish pit S17 (G5), which became fully infilled by the late medieval/ early post-medieval period. A backfilled, brick-lined well and linear pit G7 were located to the south-west of the graves. Both produced pottery, brick and tile dating to the 17th and 18th centuries; the pit contained a particularly large amount of roof tile. These features are likley to have been associated with properties that fronted onto Park Street: their backyards are sown extending into the area of the site on the 1842 town map.

PHASE 4: Modern Development of the Site - The majority of the medieval and post-medieval features were truncated by remains associated with the 19th and 20th century development of the site. The moat probably underwent its final backfilling and was levelled during this period. Its upper deposits G2.02 were 1.4-1.6m thick and contained a mixture of medieval, post-medieval and modern pottery and building material.
The footings of terraced houses, first depicted on the 1901 Ordnance Survey map, were also revealed at the northern end of the site. These fronted onto the former location of St Ann's Road, which was repositioned further to the south during the redevelopment of the area in the late 20th century.

<11> Albion Archaeology, 2009, Land at the University of Bedfordshire, Park Square, Luton; Archaeological Trial Trenching, 2009/55 (Unpublished document). SBD11821.

The trenches contained two human burials and a considerable depth of post-medieval stratified archaeological deposits probably contained within a large pit or ditch. This may represent a quarry feature or the moat of de Breaute's castle. Its location in the approximate position of the moat's projected route and the dating evidence lend support to this hypothesis.

<12> The Bedfordshire Archaeological Council, 2017, Bedfordshire Archaeology, Volume 27, Vol. 27, 2017, pp. 267-281 (Nuala Woodley & Joe Abrams, Headland Archaeology) (Article in serial). SBD10809.

RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATIONS (2011, summarised)
PHASES 1 AND 2: Enclosed Industrial Area within the Medieval Castle Complex - Evidence was revealed of a series of land boundaries, with fences and ditches used to divide areas of activity. Phase 1 represents their construction and use, with their disuse in Phase 2. The features within these areas included relatively deep pits, suggesting that an industrial activity was taking place. Close study of the spatial arrangement of the boundaries allows for some recreation of how pedestrian traffic might have moved around this area, opening a window on life within the castle complex.
Pits: A cluster of four pits (G5) was identified, each of which was sub-rectangular in shape, with almost vertical sides and a flat base. The largest was 2.65m long, 2.10m wide and 0.55m deep. Three of the pits were arranged in a row on a NE-SW alignment, with a gully linking two of them. Two post-holes were situated on opposite sides of the southernmost pit and may have been associated with a temporary structure to cover the area.
A dark deposit of grey clay filled the base of three of the four pits in G5. This distinctive deposit is most likely to have been formed by activity broadly contemporary with the pits' period of use, although the precise activity remains enigmatic. The clay's stratigraphic position in the base of these features suggests that they were open at braodly the same time and became infilled by the same process.
The material overlying this clay was very different and contained domestic material characteristic of hearth sweepings and kitchen waste, including pottery sherds, ceramic building material, metallic objects, animal/fish bone and marine shell. The pits produced a considerable quantity of 12th-early 13th century pottery, dominated by Hertfordshire Grey-wares that may have been produced locally at manufacturing centres such as Hitchin and Toddington. The mixture of this material along with charred grain and wood charcoal is likely to have resulted form the deposition of household rubbish in the pits once they were no longer required for their original funcation. Along with that domestic rubbish were some pieces of what appeared to be a clay floor that had accidentally been fired, perhaps during the destruction of a building. It is unclear whether this resulted from the destruction of the castle, following de Breauté's departure, or from a less historic event.
Fence lines: Six post-holes (G2), averaging 0.3-0.4m in diameter and sharing a similar morphology, were positioned in two rows on a NNW-SSE alignment. The distances between them varied; on average they were c4m apart. This series of post-holes is interpreted as a fence line. The uniformity of the deposits that formed in the post-holes once the posts had rotted, or been removed, suggests that they were infilled at broadly the same time. Two small sherds of residual 10th-11th century pottery were recovered from the post-holes' backfill; such small quantities of residual pottery were also found on the adjacent sites (Keir, this volume; Archaeology South-East 2010), indicating earlier activity of an ill-defined nature in the vicinity. The fence line is likely to have been used to separate distinct activities within the castle complex.
Two shallow, circular post-holes (G4) were situated on the north side of those in G2 but produced no dating evidence. The post-holes may represent a further fence line which, along with G2, was part of a sequence of fences that enclosed the industrial activity area.
Boundary ditches: Three parallel ditches were recorded on a NNE-SSW alignment. G3 was the largest, measuring up to 2.2m wide and 0.35 - 0.45m deep; G1 and G6 were similar in depth but only c1-1.4m wide. Ditches G1 and G3 are both presumed to have terminated between the two excavation areas, since no trace of either was found in the other area.
The infill of the ditches contained two deposits that were quite distinct from each other. The pale yellow silty clay in G1, G6 and the south-west half of G3 was similar in character to that of the geological deposits into which the ditches were cut, suggesting that they became gradually infilled as a result of natural erosion. In contrast, the dark grey clay in the north-west half of G3 was of similar character to the deposit found at the base of pits G5, perhaps indicating that the waste from the pits was being tipped into these ditches.
The parallel alignment of the three ditches is typical of a system of contemporary, interconnected land boundaries. Along with the fence lines, the ditches may have been used to segregate the industrial area from the more domestic castle buildings, with the linear spaces between these ditches acting as passageways to and from this area without having to enter the work space where pits G5 were located.

PHASE 3: Later Additions to the Castle Complex and Abandonment
Replacement of the ditched boundary with a fence line: A series of post-holes (G12) were cut into backfilled ditch G6. Their infill was very similar to that of the surrounding ditch fill, and the post-holes were only clearly visible in section. They varied in size, but mostly had a diameter of c0.35m and were up to 0.6m deep. Two shallow post-holes G13 were also identified in ditch G3. The presence of post-holes in the backfilled ditches suggests the replacement of ditched boundaries with fences, which perhaps took place after the industrial area went out of use. Medieval pottery and building material was recovered from the post-holes, which were sealed by layer G10, suggesting that the change in type of boundary occurred within the medieval period.
Abandonment: The final fills of industrial pits G5 were very similar in character to the underlying geological deposits. This suggests that they were deliberately infilled at the end of their use, which is likely to have happened while the area was being levelled, perhaps after the castle complex was abandoned.
A uniform, 0.25m-thick layer of mid-brown silty clay (G10), c0.5-0.6m below the modern surface, sealed the medieval remains. This deposit would have formed once this part of the castle complex was converted to agricultrual uses, and is characteristic of a rich agricultural soil, possibly enhanced by manuring either deliberately or as a result of its being used as pastureland.

PHASE 4: POST MEDIEVAL TO MODERN - A large pit on the western limit of excavation contained fragments of tile and modern brick, and is likely to have been associated with terraced houses fronting on to St Anne's Road which are shown on the 1842 town map. Foundation 'scars' were also observed across the site, along with an L-shaped red brick foundation in the north-east corner; these are also likely to have been associated with the terraced houses.

<13> NMR/AMIE, HE NRHE Monument Inventory, 359708 (Index). SBD12367.

The site of the Court House, Luton, a large square moated mansion documented by Leland, is also the probable site of a castle built in 1221 by Faulke de Brent.

<14> Albion Archaeology, 2011, 4 Lea Road, Luton; Heritage statement (Archaeological Report). SBD13866.

<15> Albion Archaeology, 2011, Land at the University of Bedfordshire, Vicarage Street (Phase 2A); Archaeological Trial Trenching (Archaeological Report). SBD13867.

The archaeological potential of the current development was evaluated by two trenches. Trench 1 contained a number of archaeological features including three ditches and six post-holes of early medieval date, sealed beneath a buried former soil layer. Trench 2 contained one post-hole and a similar buried soil layer. All archaeological remains were found beneath a considerable depth of modern overburden.

<16> Headland Archaeology, 2011, Archaeological Investigation, Recording, Analysis & Publication at the University of Bedfordshire, Park Street, Luton (Phase2a); UPD & Assessment of Results (Archaeological Report). SBD11888.

Excavation of the site revealed further evidence of Fulk De Breaute's castle. This comprised a series of medieval boundaries (post fences as well as ditches) demarcating pieces of land. One of these demarcated pieces of land contained large pits typical of industrial activity. Datable material recovered from the disuse phase of these pits suggests they were in use, and became infilled during the early medieval period. Such remains are particularly valuable for the insight they may provide into life within the castle complex. The remains of 19th and 20th century occupation were also evident across the site.

Summary of Contextual data results:

Medieval (AD 1066-AD 1500)

Phase 1: Creation of boundaries and Industrial activity area

G1: Ditch
A portion of Ditch G1 measuring 6.30m in length, 1.40m wide and 0.32m in depth,aligned NNE-SSW, was revealed within the southern excavation area. Clearly, this ditch continued beyond the edges of the excavation. However, the north-eastern terminus of this ditch must lie just beyond the limit of the excavation as it did not continue into the northern excavation area.

G2: Post-hole boundary
Six post-holes, averaging a diameter of between 0.3m and 0.4m, formed a double linear boundary orientated NW-SE. The layout of the post-holes is typical of a fence line. This may have been re-instated which may have been re-orientated by moving the two post holes on the south-western side ([018], [022/024]), during construction; this resulting in the two post holes having fairly shallow cuts.

G3: Ditch boundary
A ditch, on the same orientation of NNE-SSW as G1, measured 32m in length, 1.65m (on average) in width and had a depth of 0.35-0.45m. Only a single fragment of building material was recovered from the primary fill of the ditch (SG3). As with G1, no terminus was revealed but the ditch was thought to terminate below the baulk area as it did not appear in the excavations on the south of the site.

G4: A further boundary
Two shallow post holes situated on the NW edge of the site may suggest a further boundary orientated NE-SW.

G5: Industrial pits
Four pits were identified in the centre of the excavation towards the east, two of which were joined by a gully ([045] and [049]). Each of the pits had a sub-rectangular, regular cut with the largest being 2.65m long, 2.1m wide and 0.55m deep. Whilst three of the pits seem connected ([045], [049] and [054]), the fourth ([037]) was slightly separated, but was associated with the others by comparison. Two post holes were situated to the NE and SW of pit [045] and may have been associated with a temporary structure to cover the area.

G6: Boundary ditch
A smaller, further ditch running parallel to G3 represented a long-lived boundary which, along with G3, may have segregated off the area containing G5 [see G6.1 for description of continued use].

Phase 2: Industrial activity area in use

G3.1: Towards the NE end of the ditch, the backfill suggested waste material from G5, whilst the fill on the SW side suggested a 'cleaner' silting up over time. Only a small amount of building material and a single sherd of pottery were recovered from the fill, as well as animal bone.

G5.1: The lower fills of the pits in G5 contained a large amount of pottery and lithics, and also contained evidence of metalwork and building material. The greatest concentration of pottery came from (052) within pit [049]. These lower fills may suggest dumping of rubbish within the pits once they had gone out of use.

G6.1: The fill within the ditch was relatively sterile, containing only two sherds of pottery and evidence of metalwork. This was similar to the backfill G3.1.

Phase 3: Later additions and abandonment

G1.1: The single fill of the ditch suggested a silting up over time and contained a small amount of molluscs.

G2.1: The fills of the post holes [018] and [022/024] suggest a rapid backfill whilst the remaining suggest a longer lived use, with gradual silting over time.

G4.1: No artefacts were recovered from the post holes to give any solid dating information, but by comparison it is suggested they were contemporary with the surrounding features.

G5.2: The upper fills of the pits in G5 also contained medieval pottery although considerably less than that in G5.1. The greatest concentration of pottery came from (046) within pit [045]. The final fills of pits [037] and [045] appear to be a re-deposited glacial deposit which has been used to complete the backfilling of the pits. These fills suggest a deliberate infilling at the end of their use, perhaps before a change of use of the land at the site.

G6.2: A series of post holes were cut into the backfilled ditch (G6/6.1) and varied in size and depth, suggesting a replacement of the ditch boundary with a fence line.

G6.3: Medieval pottery and building material was contained in the backfill of the post-holes (G6.2), suggesting that even though this was a long-lived boundary, its lifespan was likely contained to the Medieval period.

G10: Buried soil
Below the modern surface, at c. 0.5-0.6m, a layer of mid brown silt clay with a depth of 0.25m was observed across the site and sealed the early medieval remains. The formation of this deposit seems to represent the abandonment of the industrial activity area and suggests a change of use of the land within the castle complex; perhaps to an area of agriculture which was used for keeping livestock etc.


The site also had evidence of undated and modern activity - see report.

<17> Albion Archaeology, 2012, 4 Lea Road, Luton, Bedfordshire; Archaeological Excavation, Recording, Analysis and Publication (Archaeological Report). SBD13868.

The excavation confirmed the location of the south-west arm of the moat of Fulk de Breaute's 13th-century castle. It was revealed to be similar in character to the north-west arm of the moat excavated in 2009 - appearing to be largely filled with deposits that had accumulated during the post-medieval and later periods.

The Castle Moat
A large, WNW-ESE aligned ditch was partially revealed in the southern end of the site. It corresponds to the postulated southern-most arm of the moat belonging to Fulk de Breaute's 13th-century castle.

Initially, a small segment [107] was excavated by hand to confirm its nature. Due to its excessive depth and with the agreement of the CBCA, a larger section [117] was then excavated by machine, which identified that the moat was at least 3m deep and at least 5m wide. Its full width continued beyond the southern limits of the site.

The moat was filled with four distinct deposits, similar in character to those excavated during the 2009 excavation of the moat to the north-west (ref.). The primary deposit (118) was a loose mid grey sandy silt with frequent stones likely to be derived from weathering and slumping of the sides of the moat. The secondary deposit (119) was a black, humic clay silt, up to 0.9m thick, which is likely to have accumulated over a considerable length of time. It contained two fragments of post-medieval peg tile (25g). This deposit was similar to waterlogged deposits sampled in the moat sections excavated in 2009. These contained a considerable amount of medieval and post-medieval artefacts and were thought to be derived through a mixture of natural silting and waste disposal during the post-medieval period.

The upper two deposits (120 and 121) of mid-grey and light orange-brown clay silt probably represent deliberate back-filling of the moat. They contained five pieces of post-medieval roof tile (234g), and three base and lower body sherds (45g) from a black-glazed earthenware mug or butter pot (fabric code P03). These deposits are likely to be associated with the levelling and development of the area for terraced housing in the late 19th century, as shown on the 1901 OS map.

Modern features - see report.

<18> Headland Archaeology, 2015, Archaeological Investigation, Recording, Assessment, Analysis, Publication and Archiving at Fairview House; Updated Project Design & Assessment of Results (Archaeological Report). SBD12533.

Excavation of the site revealed further evidence of Fulk de Breaute's castle. This comprised a section of the moat, which showed a sequence of initial excavation, followed by an accumulation of occupation material relating to Fulk's Castle, followed by demolition material relating to Fulk's abandonment of the Castle. We interpret these physical remains as the manifestation of a recorded historical event - the destruction of Fulk's castle in 1224. The demolition is followed by thetrestle bridge, affording access to the interior of the castle complex. A phase of recutting follows the demolition of the trestle bridge, after which a dead hedge designed to stop animal and human access to the moat was inserted. Ultimately, the moat became infilled, un-maintained and was abandoned and levelled.
A regionally significant asemblage of structural timbers and structural masonry were recovered, both show clear evidence of Anglo-Norman design as would be expected in Fulk's Castle. Datable material was recovered from the entire stratigraphic sequence.

<19> Council for British Archaeology, 2012, South Midlands Archaeology, Volume 42, Vol. 42, 2012, p.3 (Serial). SBD14155.

Archaeological trial trenching was undertaken in January 2011 on behalf of the University of Bedfordshire. The Phase 2a site is located approximately halfway along the north side of Vicarage Street and forms part of a wider redevelopment of the University of Bedfordshire's Park Square Campus in Luton. The two trenches contained a number of early medieval archaeological features, sealed beneath a buried former soil. The features probably represent a large structure of early medieval date, contemporary with the castle of Fulk de Breauté.

<20> Council for British Archaeology, 2005, South Midlands Archaeology, Volume 35, Vol. 35, 2005, p.11 (Serial). SBD14148.

Four evaluation trenches failed to reveal any archaeology.

<21> Headland Archaeology, Headland Archaeology Annual Statement, p.22 (Article in serial). SBD12995.

Headland has been working closely with the University of Bedfordshire on the construction of a new library at Park Street, Luton. This was the site of a castle belonging to a powerful Anglo-Norman called Fulk de Breauté, one of King John's favourite knights. Fulk was of obscure Norman parentage and there are a number of colourful stories about his life. He was mentioned as being a ruffian, responsbile for illegally holding castles and upsetting the peace of the realm, his acts even coming to the attention the peace of the realm, his acts even coming to the attention of Pope Honorius III.
Built between 1216 and 1221, the castle is described in historic documents as being surrounded by a rectangular moat and an earthen bank. Our investigation found that the upper section of the moat had been removed during post-Medieval development on the site, but its lower levels had survived 2m below the current ground level, together with a number of timbers preserved for 800 years in the peaty soil. These timbers included the remains of the original drawbridge which showed signs of French carpentry. Large fragments of carved stone, cut to Norman dimensions, have been recovered from the site, typical of masonry we would expect from a castle. Other finds recovered from the moat include a French jeton (coin).
History tells us that when the very moat we have been excavating was first filled in the early 13th century, Fulk overfilled it damaging the local Abbot's barn and stock of corn. True to form, he was unrepentant.
The findings go beyond the site itself. The discovery of a drawbridge at this location is very significant for our understanding of both the castle and the layout of roads into and out of medieval Luton. The bridge is located adjacent to present-day Park Street, still the main street into Luton and on the south-west edge of the castle precinct. This entrance faces towards the main road into the town and away from the contemporary Church of St Mary to its immediate northwest. Our graphics and illustration team used the results of the excavation to prepare an artist's impression of what the castle may have looked like.

<22> Archaeological services University of Durham, 2010, Land at the University of Bedfordshire, Park Square, Luton. Palaeoenvironmental Analysis., p. 1 (Archaeological Report). SBD13344.

The results of the plant macrofossil analysis indicated that oats, hulled barley and cf. bread wheat were the main cereals used during the medieval occupation of the site, with other economic plants including flax and hops. Barley and what continued to be important crops during the post-medieval use of the site, with evidence that hemp was also cultivated. The moat held standing water in both the medieval and post-medieval periods, although there appeared to have been episodes of drying-out, possibly as a result of silting up of the feature. The local palaeoenvironment was relatively open during the medieval period, but abundant remains of trees and shrubs were recorded in the post-medieval moat fill. The remains included those of fruit trees, introduced species such as mulberry and fig, and herbaceous plants which may have been planted for ornamental or medicinal purposes.
The insect remains in the medieval moat fill indicated the presence of standing water, with emergent vegetation and elevated nutrient levels, but the small medieval moat re-cut fill contained a diverse insect fauna. This comprised three main elements: wood (probably ash), dung (probably cattle or sheep) and calcareous grassland.
The mollusc assemblages from the moat fills comprised a small collection of terrestrial and freshwater species; predominantly terrestrial from context (509) and predominantly freshwater from context (526). Although the numbers of remains recovered were rather few for interpretation, there is a suggestion from both samples that the moat was subject to drying out.

<23> Luton Museum, Accession Register, 2008/63; 2009/13 (Unpublished document). SBD10775.

2008/63 - Land at Vicarage Street, Luton. Site Code VSL'08. TL 096 211. Evluation of site of Fulk De Breaute Castle, 13th century.
2009/13 - Material from an evaluation and excavation of Land at the University of Bedfordshire, Park Square, Luton. Site code: UB1500. TL 0952 2111. Material expected medieval.

<24> Archaeology South-East, 2010, Land at Vicarage Street, Luton; Post-excavation assessment and updated project design report, pp 29 - 30 (Archaeological Report). SBD13956.

The main results of the excavation relate to the High Medieval period between AD 1250 - 1400 and appear to represent a single, short-lived, phase of use of the site. The features are too late in date to be associated with the short-lived castle of Falkes de Breaute (1221 - 1224/5), yet may be associated with the later moated 'court house' built on the site and which still stood in 1540 (SMR 185, TL0960 2104). A closer inspection of the documentary sources may help disentangle the history of occupation in the area and the exact sequence of dismantling as the moat and mound were apparently in existence in the early 20th century.

The site lies within the projected site of the castle of Flakes de Breaute which was built c AD 1221 and is thought to have been demolished in AD 1224/5. Recent excavations by Albion Archaeology to the south at St Mary's church have revealed the northern line of the castle moat: a 10m wide ditch. The projected line of the southern moat is along Park Viaduct, immediately to the south of the site. The site therefore lies within the site of Falkes' castle.

The two excavated ditches are enigmatic as they are too short to be landscape boundaries, yet clearly respect each other or a third, unknown, feature. Their function is unclear: they do not divert water anywhere although they may have drained the immediate locality, they are too small to be part of a moat, and the natural clay and gravels they are dug through are of little value so they are unlikely (and the wrong shape) to be quarries. Why they were dug as two discontinuous sections separated by a very narrow causeway is unclear - are they even strictly contemporary: the narrow width of the causeway between the two ditches suggests they are not, although they are both dug along exactly the same alignment? There is no indication of what landscape feature they were respecting, with no remains of any posts or walls.

The problem of the excavated ditches is compounded by the 1976 excavations and the difficulties in locating where exactly those trenches lay. It appears that there were at least two additional ditches excavated in 1976, although the surviving documentation is unclear as to their location, orientation or size. It may be that further searches through the Luton Museum stores indicate further pieces of the 1976 archive, however the information we have at present is too uncertain to allow any reconstruction of trench locations. All we can say os that there appear to have been further ditches in the immediate vicinity which appear to have been of similar date and filled in a similar manner and that they are most likely to have been underneath the present foundations.

Artefacts and ecofacts from all four medieval features appear to indicate the site lay fairly close to a source of domestic refuse, although the level of household waste was low. The presene of fish and oyster indicated some level of the diet, however the assemblage is small, and the animal bone assemblage both small and generally uninformative. It may be that these are outlying features relating to the moated 'court house', although that building is believed to have stood until at least 1540 whereas the material we have is from a fairly tight date range in the High Medieval period.

The presence of large quantities of possibly unused building material is intriguing, and its disposal in the rapidly backfilled ditches was originally interpreted as being association with the dismantling of Flakes de Breaute's castle. The features however post-date the known dates of the castle by some years and it would seem clear that they do not relate to it. The features may relate to the later moated 'court house' built on the site, although there is little evidence for this structure beyond documentary sources. The materials disoposed into the ditches may indicate the construction techniques of nearby structures.

<25> Archaeology South-East, 2008, Land at Vicarage Street, Luton; An Archaeological Evaluation, p11 (Archaeological Report). SBD14072.

The archaeological horizon was truncated, in most areas, by modern services. Overlying the natural were undated and post medieval layers. Cutting the layers were 19th century wall footings. These structural remains almost certainly relate to the buildings shown on Ordnance Survey plans 1901 and 1938 (Meager 2008).
No significant archaeological features or deposits were encountered on the site.

Protected Status: None recorded

Monument Type(s):

• BRIDGE (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• GULLY (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• PIT (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• PIT? (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1066 AD to 1900 AD)
• POST HOLE (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• BUILDING (12th Century to 13th Century - 1100 AD to 1299 AD)
• CASTLE (13th Century to 16th Century - 1221 AD to 1539 AD?)
• MOAT (13th Century to Post Medieval - 1221 AD to 1900 AD)
• DITCH (13th Century to 15th Century - 1250 AD to 1400 AD)
• MANOR (14th Century to 16th Century - 1300 AD? to 1599 AD)
• FLOOR (19th Century to 20th Century - 1800 AD to 1999 AD)
• WALL (19th Century - 1800 AD to 1899 AD)

Associated Finds

• FBD14570 - ANIMAL REMAINS (Unknown date)
• FBD12054 - FISH REMAINS (Unknown date)
• FBD12055 - NON MARINE MOLLUSCA REMAINS (Unknown date)
• FBD12053 - PLANT MACRO REMAINS (Unknown date)
• FBD14558 - WINDOW GLASS (Unknown date)
• FBD14560 - FLAKE (Prehistoric - 500000 BC to 42 AD)
• FBD12187 - SHERD (Late Bronze Age to Late Iron Age - 800 BC to 42 AD)
• FBD18439 - SHERD (Late Iron Age to 6th Century - 100 BC to 599 AD)
• FBD18437 - SHERD (Late Iron Age to Roman/Romano-British - 100 BC to 409 AD)
• FBD12594 - BOWL (1st Century - 10 AD to 11 AD)
• FBD12595 - JAR (1st Century - 12 AD to 13 AD)
• FBD12188 - BRICK (Roman/Romano-British - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• FBD18444 - BRICK (Roman/Romano-British - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• FBD18442 - FLUE TILE (Roman/Romano-British - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• FBD18443 - TEGULA (Roman/Romano-British - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• FBD12185 - SHERD (9th Century to 12th Century - 850 AD to 1150 AD)
• FBD14551 - PIN (11th Century to 12th Century - 1000 AD to 1199 AD)
• FBD12189 - SHOEING NAIL (11th Century to 13th Century - 1000 AD to 1299 AD)
• FBD12192 - ANIMAL REMAINS (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12604 - ANIMAL REMAINS (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD18448 - ANIMAL REMAINS (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12208 - BRICK (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1066 AD to 1900 AD)
• FBD12596 - BROOCH PIN (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12601 - DAUB (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD18451 - DAUB (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12052 - DAUB (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1066 AD to 1900 AD)
• FBD18458 - FISH REMAINS (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12602 - FLOOR (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD14563 - FLOOR TILE (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12207 - FLOOR TILE (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1066 AD to 1900 AD)
• FBD18454 - HORSESHOE (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12194 - INSECT REMAINS (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD16366 - INSECT REMAINS (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD18457 - MARINE MOLLUSCA REMAINS (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12598 - NAIL (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD14553 - NAIL (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD18450 - NAIL (Medieval - 1066 AD? to 1539 AD?)
• FBD12195 - NON MARINE MOLLUSCA REMAINS (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD16367 - NON MARINE MOLLUSCA REMAINS (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1066 AD to 1900 AD)
• FBD18456 - OYSTER SHELL (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12603 - PEG TILE (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12193 - PLANT MACRO REMAINS (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12605 - PLANT MACRO REMAINS (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD16365 - PLANT MACRO REMAINS (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1066 AD to 1900 AD)
• FBD18455 - PLANT REMAINS (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD18446 - RIDGE TILE? (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD14562 - ROOF TILE (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12597 - ROVE? (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD14566 - SHERD (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1066 AD to 1900 AD)
• FBD18449 - SLAG (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD14556 - SPINDLE WHORL (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD14555 - STRAP (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12599 - STRIKE A LIGHT? (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12205 - TILE (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1066 AD to 1900 AD)
• FBD12600 - WORKED OBJECT (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD14561 - ARCHITECTURAL FRAGMENT (12th Century - 1100 AD to 1199 AD)
• FBD18447 - FLOOR TILE (12th Century to 15th Century - 1100 AD to 1499 AD)
• FBD18445 - PEG TILE (12th Century to 16th Century - 1100 AD to 1599 AD)
• FBD12186 - SHERD (12th Century to 13th Century - 1100 AD to 1299 AD)
• FBD18440 - SHERD (12th Century to 13th Century - 1100 AD to 1299 AD)
• FBD14549 - SHERD (12th Century to 15th Century - 1100 AD to 1499 AD)
• FBD12593 - JUG (13th Century - 1200 AD to 1230 AD)
• FBD12190 - LACE TAG (13th Century to 14th Century - 1200 AD to 1399 AD)
• FBD12191 - MORTAR (VESSEL) (13th Century to 16th Century - 1200 AD to 1539 AD)
• FBD12048 - SHERD (13th Century to 14th Century - 1200 AD to 1399 AD)
• FBD14554 - SOLE (13th Century - 1200 AD to 1299 AD)
• FBD12049 - TILE (13th Century to 14th Century - 1200 AD to 1399 AD)
• FBD18441 - SHERD (13th Century to 14th Century - 1250 AD to 1375 AD)
• FBD12203 - SHERD (14th Century to 15th Century - 1300 AD to 1499 AD)
• FBD12200 - SHOE (14th Century to 15th Century - 1300 AD to 1499 AD)
• FBD12209 - SKILLET (14th Century - 1300 AD to 1399 AD)
• FBD14552 - JETTON (15th Century - 1400 AD to 1499 AD)
• FBD14557 - CLAY PIPE (SMOKING) (16th Century to 20th Century - 1500 AD to 1999 AD)
• FBD12201 - RIDGE TILE (16th Century to 17th Century - 1500 AD to 1699 AD)
• FBD12206 - RIDGE TILE (16th Century to 17th Century - 1500 AD to 1699 AD)
• FBD14550 - SHERD (16th Century to 18th Century - 1500 AD to 1799 AD)
• FBD14568 - CLAY PIPE (SMOKING) (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
• FBD12354 - INSECT REMAINS (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
• FBD12355 - NON MARINE MOLLUSCA REMAINS (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
• FBD12353 - PLANT MACRO REMAINS (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
• FBD14567 - ROOF TILE (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
• FBD12357 - KNIFE (16th Century to 17th Century - 1550 AD to 1699 AD)
• FBD12204 - SHERD (17th Century to 18th Century - 1600 AD to 1750 AD)
• FBD18453 - WINDOW GLASS (17th Century to 18th Century - 1600 AD to 1799 AD)
• FBD14559 - BOTTLE (18th Century to 19th Century - 1700 AD to 1899 AD)
• FBD18452 - BOTTLE (18th Century to 19th Century - 1700 AD to 1899 AD)
• FBD12202 - SHERD (18th Century - 1700 AD to 1799 AD)
• FBD14565 - TILE (18th Century - 1700 AD to 1799 AD)
• FBD12356 - SHERD (18th Century to 19th Century - 1750 AD to 1800 AD)
• FBD14569 - SHERD (18th Century to 19th Century - 1770 AD to 1800 AD)
• FBD12358 - ANIMAL REMAINS (19th Century to Mid 20th Century - 1800 AD? to 1950 AD?)
• FBD12050 - BRICK (19th Century to 20th Century - 1800 AD to 1999 AD)
• FBD12051 - FLOOR TILE (19th Century to 20th Century - 1800 AD to 1999 AD)

Associated Events

• EBD1026 - Archaeological investigations on the western edge of the site of Faulk de Breaute's castle, Park Square, Luton
• EBD615 - Youth House, St Mary's Road, Luton; An Archaeological Evaluation (Ref: 04/114)
• EBD997 - An Archaeological Evaluation on land at Vicarage Street, Luton; Site A (Ref: 2008/200)
• EBD1110 - Archaeological Investigation, Recording, Analysis and Publication at the University of Bedfordshire, Park Street, Luton (Phase 2a): UPD & Assessment (Ref: BULC11)
• EBD1145 - Land at the University of Bedfordshire, Vicarage Street (Phase 2a), Luton (Ref: 2011/12)
• EBD1277 - Fairview House, University of Bedfordshire, Park Street, Luton (Phase 3 - Library and Learning Resources Centre) - UPD
• EBD1438 - Trial Excavations south of Vicarage Street
• EBD1077 - Land at the University of Bedfordshire, Park Square, Luton; Archaeological trial Trenching (Ref: 2009/55)
• EBD1150 - 4 Lea Road, Luton; Heritage Statement (Ref: 2011/23)
• EBD1907 - Land at the University of Bedfordshire, Park Square, Luton. Palaeoenvironmental Analysis. (Ref: 2428)
• EBD1892 - Land at Vicarage Street, Luton; Post-excavation assessment and updated project design report (Ref: 2010051)
• EBD2393 - Land at Vicarage Street, Luton; An Archaeological Evaluation (Ref: 2008201)

Sources and Further Reading

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