Post-medieval made ground and pits on land to the rear of 127-129 High Street (EHER 46748)

Trial trenching and archaeological excavation in 2007 recorded a substantial layer of 17th century made ground, and some 18th century refuse pits.

April-May 2007. Archaeological excavation. In the post-medieval period a substantial layer of made ground accumulated across the site. Localised deposits dating from the late 15th-16th century were identified. However across much of the site this accumulation was represented by a homogenous layer of 17th century date. This suggests a change of land use, possibly indicating that the site was now under cultivation. This change in land use could be associated with a contraction of the town in this period. By the 18th century there is more obvious activity on the site, with a number of cut features being recorded. This later pitting is associated with the dumping of domestic waste and pottery, suggesting more intensive occupation nearby. Pottery of this date was recovered from three pits in a row near the north-west edge of the excavation. <1> <2>