Medieval layer and pit, Tenterfield Road (EHER 16763)

Evidence of medieval features was very limited, consisting of a soil accumulation in one trench and a single pit in another, both dated to the 12th-14th century. From the lack of medieval activity across the site it is clear that the Carmelite Friary did not extend into the development area.

January-February 1996. Trial trenching. Only two features can be dated to the medieval period, a soil accumulation layer in Trench C, and pit 5 in Trench D. The medieval pottery recovered from both these features has a date range of 12th-14th century, but was abraded (i.e. it has been damaged through reworking of the soil), and might actually be later in date. However, the absence of post-medieval pottery indicates that the features are dated within the later medieval period. This date corresponds with that of the friary, which was founded in 1292. From the small amount of medieval activity identified on the site it can be conclusively stated that the Carmelite Friary did not extend into the development area nor was there any evidence for burials or a watermill. It is likely that the eastern boundary of the friary precinct is marked by the lane to the west of site and the boundary wall on its west side. The lack of structural or other occupation activity in the medieval period suggests that the site area was open ground immediately to the east of the friary precinct. It may have been given over to gardens (possibly servicing the friary) or, as the site name implies, a tenter-ground for stretching cloth . These activities would leave little archaeological evidence, and it appears that any medieval evidence has been disturbed by post-medieval levelling. <1>