More information : TA 190 285. Hedon. Founded as a borough-port during the first half of the twelfth century by the Counts of Aumale, the town was laid out on a grid pattern and at the height of its wool and hide trade prosperity could boast three churches and was three times its present size. It declined when the narrow creek leading to the Humber silted up and its trade shifted to Hull. Two of the three churches, St James' and St Nicholas', fell into disuse and were removed shortly after 1476, leaving St Augustine's as the sole modern survivor. The former Hedon Haven, a canalised stream that allowed ships to come
right into the town, and its separate arms or 'havens', are still visible as silted channels. Excavations in 1972 failed to locate the eastern haven of the medieval port. (1-3)
TA 186 285 etc. Hedon medieval town. Scheduled No HU/193. (4)
Additional reference (5)
Excavation report for 1975-76. (6)
Evolution of the new town plan.
TA 189 285. Trial excavations by D H Evans for the Humberside Archaeology Unit revealed five main periods of continuous occupation on a site on the N side of Fletchergate, ranging from the 12th to the 20th century. The three earliest periods were:
1) 12th to early 14th century; 6 superimposed floor surfaces of timber buildings were encountered.
2) Early 14th century; the level of the street frontage was raised and part of a substantial timber building on stone wall sills and individual padstones was uncovered, parallel to the street.
3) Mid 14th to 16th century; the frontage was raised with a massive clay raft and a new terrace of buildings erected. The W end of this range had an L-shaped plan and may have had an industrial use, as a large rectangular setting for a vat or cistern was found, sunk into the clay platform. This terrace was demolished in the 16th century. A detailed archive report is available from the Humbs Archaeol Unit. (7)
Stephen Count of Aumale granted a hospice at Hedon in 1115. This was later described as lying in a loft, granted by Stephen in free burgage. (8) |