Medieval to post-medieval land use, Vicarage Lane (EHER 47135)

Trial trenching in 2004 recorded a medieval and post-medieval ditch running parallel to the street frontage, which probably marks the rear boundary of a building plot alongside South Street. Medieval pits and 16th century post holes, possibly forming a fence, were also recorded.

July 2004. Trial trenching. Archaeological investigation by trial trenching revealed medieval and post-medieval remains dating from the 13th to the 16th century in the East of the site, near South Street. Modern building foundations had disturbed the street frontage, but Trench 2, 17m back from the frontage, was expanded to allow investigation of a larger area. A medieval and post-medieval ditch running parallel to the street frontage probably marks the rear boundary of a building plot alongside South Street. Medieval pits and 16th century post holes, possibly forming a fence, were also recorded. Trial trenches in the main part of the site, behind the frontage areas, revealed only a single medieval field boundary ditch. The archaeological investigation confirms the presence of medieval and post-medieval occupation alongside South Street from at least as early as the 13th century. The medieval building plots to the West of South Street do not appear to have extended more than 25m back from the frontage, and the main part of the development area would have been open land. <1>