Monument record 10665 - Medieval Postholes and Gully (Possible Market Stall), 76 - 88 Northgate Street

In 1971, the north end of the terrace of shops and flats on the east side of Northgate St, just to the south of Little Abbey Gateway, was demolished, offering an opportunity to investigate this area archaeologically (1). In the west part of the site was a worn medieval sandstone cobbled surface (CHER 10664). Also found were postholes and a gully (this monument), and a substantial cess pit (CHER 10666).Cut through the cobbling were a series postholes and gully, possibly a drain, running north - south.

The postholes appeared to the excavator to be of medieval date, but did not seem to be part of a permanent or substantial building; they concluded that the surface probably represents a broadening of Northgate St. and the posts might be of booths associated with markets held outside the Abbey Gate (1, 2, 3).

<1> multiple authors, 1977, Excavation Reports and Sites Observed, 5/29-33 Ward T E 1977 (Article in Journal). SCH5800.

<2> multiple authors, 1973, Excavation Reports and Summaries, 1/20 Ward T E 1973 (Article in Journal). SCH5782.

<3> Thomas Ward, 1975, Excavations at 76 - 88 Northgate Street (DRAFT) (Unpublished Report). SCH6713.