Site Event/Activity record ECH5883 - Excavations at Norton Priory playing fields in 1974 (Phase 3)

Following the discovery of an estate map of 1757 which appeared to show a moat system surrounding the Priory, a geophysical survey was undertaken by the DofE in advance of the construction of playing fields. The moat was also investigated through the excavation of 15 trenches; by machine and by hand at its junction with the monastic drain. This proved that the moat, 10m wide and 2m deep, was contemporary with the drain which has been dated elsewhere to the 13th century. Nearby was a 'stanks' system which by means of large wooden beams lowered into a masonry frame maintained a level of water that would flow down the drain. The moat was filled during the last quarter of the 18th century as part of the landscaping of the grounds of the Georgian house. A collection of 18th century pottery (including Chinese porcelain, local course-wares, Staffordshire ware) was recovered from the ditch in addition to glass ware. An area near the tile kiln was also examined, no traces of structures were found, but pits providing clay for the tiles were recorded. Addtionally, the discovery of large quantities of iron slag in a gulley attests to iron-smelting in the 14th century, indicating that the northern part of the Priory complex was used for semi-industrial activities. A further length of the monastic drain, some 18m long, was excavated to the west of the Priory. Buildings were associated with the drain. Also, a trench to the south-west of the Priory recorded massive post-holes, probably a building and potentially temporary accommodation erected during the construction of the Priory in masonry. The northern part of the west range undercroft was also excavated revealing a series of floor surfaces demonstrating a build-up of circa 50cm during the medieval period. The undercroft was divided by a wall in the late 13th century/early 14th century, the wall cutting an earlier circular stone-lined cistern.