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Summary

This record covers the probable medieval core of the town around the Market Place and along South Gate, North Gate, East Gate and West Gate.

Full description

PRN 65283
[Note - this record contains information from PRNs 60879, 64195 and 60883 now deleted.]

THIS IS THE RECORD FOR THE MEDIEVAL CORE OF SLEAFORD. IT IS DEFINED THE LINE OF CHURCH LANE TO THE NORTH AND THE JUNCTION OF SOUTH GATE AND BOSTON ROAD TO THE SOUTH. IT ENCOMPASSES THE MARKET PLACE, SOUTH GATE AND PARTS OF EAST GATE, WEST GATE AND NORTH GATE. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TOWN OF SLEAFORD SEE ALSO THE RECORD FOR THE GENERAL SETTLEMENT (PRN 65283) AND THE TWO POST MEDIEVAL QUARTER RECORDS, PRNS 65284 AND 65285.

This record covers the possible extent of the medieval core of Sleaford. The area it covers is an approximation, based on the extent of medieval burgage plots shown on 18th and 19th century maps. {5}
Excavations at the Market Place in 1978 revealed a number of Saxon features (PRN 65283a). These include a rectilinear arrangement of timber slots enclosing an area of approximately 11m x 6m. Other parallel slots appear to be associated with it. The function of this structure has only been guessed, but the layout of the slots seems unsuitable for supporting a roof and therefore it is likely to represent an unroofed enclosure rather than a building. It is suggested that it may have been an animal pen, possibly one of several suggesting a market on the site. Alternatively the presence of charcoal flecks and possible pot-boiler stones may point to a domestic function. Other features uncovered include post holes and a large east-west ditch, thought to be of similar date to the rectangular features, and several pits. Pottery recovered from the site includes a large amount that is broadly described as 'Pagan Saxon' although this is thought to be residual (see PRN ?????). Quantities of shelly wares were found in the same features, however Stamford ware was absent except in the pits suggesting that the other features date to a time when it was not available. An 8th-9th century date is therefore suggested for most of the features with the pits being of later date, probably dating to the century prior to the Conquest. {1}
Two sherds of medieval pottery (PRN 65283b) were recovered during a borehole survey at Navigation Yard. {2}{3}
During the construction of a lobby to the Legionnaire's Club, Watergate (TF 0675 4582), a block of dressed stone (PRN 65283c) was observed about 1 foot below the present ground surface under the building. The stone is thought to be of medieval or early post medieval date. {4}
During the rebuilding of Boots shop (approx. TF 0684 4560) in 1971, a Cistercian ware cup was found (PRN 65283d). Six glass vessels were also found, although no date is given for these. {6}{7}

<1> Mahany, Christine, 1979, 'Excavations in the Market Place, 1978' in South Lincolnshire Archaeology 3: Sleaford, pp 20-27 (Article in Serial). SLI11940.

<2> Archaeological Project Services, Aug 2006, Borehole Survey, Navigation Wharf, Sleaford, SNY04 (Report). SLI11027.

<3> Archaeological Project Services, Aug 2006, Borehole Survey, Navigation Wharf, Sleaford, LCNCC 2004.183 (Archive). SLI11028.

<4> NORTH KESTEVEN RECORDS, NK 57.82 (Index). SLI2114.

<5> Simon Pawley, 1990, Sleaford and the Slea, - (Bibliographic Reference). SLI11124.

<6> Sleaford SMR cards, TF 04 NE; AQ (Index). SLI3265.

<7> Malcolm G. Knapp, Drawing of Cistercian ware cup found during re-building of Boots, - (Graphic Material). SLI11955.

Monument Types

• BEAM SLOT (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 700 AD? to 899 AD?)
• DITCH (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 700 AD? to 899 AD?)
• ENCLOSURE (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 700 AD? to 899 AD?)
• POST HOLE (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 700 AD? to 899 AD?)
• QUARTER (Early Medieval/Dark Age to Medieval - 700 AD? to 1539 AD)
• PIT (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 900 AD? to 999 AD?)
• FINDSPOT (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)

Associated Finds

• LOOMWEIGHT (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 700 AD? to 899 AD?)
• SHERD (Early Medieval/Dark Age - 700 AD? to 1065 AD)
• CUP (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• DRESSED STONE (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• SHERD (Medieval - 1200 AD to 1499 AD)

Associated Events

• Excavations at The Market Place, Sleaford in 1978
• Borehole Survey on land at Navigation Wharf, Sleaford

Protected Status

• Conservation Area

Sources and further reading

Related records

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