AOC Archaeology Group

AOC Archaeology have completed the fieldwork at Blacksmith’s Corner, Tattershall, on behalf of Tesco Stores Ltd; the work preceded the construction of a Tesco store on the site. The site is located close to the centre of Tattershall, a village with origins in the Saxon period.

The earliest phase of activity identified on site occurred during the early Roman period, primarily consisting of ditches that may form part of a field system laid out in a gridded or ladder pattern. This activity continued into the late Roman period with the alteration of some of the field system. The site appears to have been abandoned for much of the next 500 years with the next phase of activity dated to AD 1066 - 1200, although this activity consisted of only a single ditch. The very low level of activity continued throughout much of the medieval period with only occasional pits and a pond being recorded.

A dramatic increase in activity occurred on the site in the mid 15th century, coinciding with the rebuilding of Tattershall Castle and the construction of Tattershall College and Holy Trinity Church at the behest of the Lord of the Manor, Ralph de Cromwell, Lord High Treasurer to Henry VI. These building works appear to have been associated with economic and population expansion at Tattershall.

 

The late medieval activity on site comprised of a series of pits, a barrel well and a series of postholes which may have been associated with a structure. The barrel well was the most notable feature on site; this comprised of a single coopered oak barrel placed so as to be partially below the water table. This barrel and was held in place by a series of roughly hewn pieces of wood, presumably off cuts. The base of the barrel had been removed and any water would also be filtered through the staves. It is possible that this late medieval activity represents a relatively temporary use of the site during the Ralph Cromwell’s building work at Tattershall Castle and elsewhere in the town.

 

The post-medieval period saw a marked decrease in activity on site with cattle burials suggesting pastoral farming was occurring in the locality. Little activity dated to the Victorian period or later was observed on the site.
The archaeological works provided an insight into the land use of the area during the Romano-British period and how this part of Tattershall developed during a very important phase of the development of Tattershall during the 15th century. AOC Archaeology are now completing the final analysis of the artefacts recovered with the aim of future publication and dissemination.