NHER 55429 (Monument record) - Medieval and post-medieval deposits and features

June 2010. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation prior to proposed remodelling of area.
The excavation revealed a 19th century timber revetment and refuse deposits intended to raise and stabilise the ground level and formalise the reclamation alongside the river. There are extant remains that may also be a later phase of construction. Within the former channel of the River Nar and Blubberhouse Creek dump deposits encountered could be associated with the canalisation of the Nar. No evidence of the former whale oil factories were revealed. Finds from the site comprised post-medieval to modern period roof tile.
See report (S1) for further details. The results of this work are also summarised in (S2).
S. Howard (HES), 13 April 2011.

August-November 2010. Watching Brief.
Monitoring of landscaping works.
The groundworks revealed medieval ditches, dumped material and two hollows. Many of the medieval features contained fragments of fired silt and clay associated with possible hearth structures as well as slag, which could indicate industrial activity such as iron smithing within the vicinity. Two ditches, a bank, metalled trackway and buried soil were dated to the post-medieval period. One of the ditches may be the remains of the Civil War defences of the town. Finds from the site included a small quantity of mainly local medieval pottery and tile dating to between the 12th and 15th century and post-medieval brick and tile.
See report (S3) for further details. The results of this work are also summarised in (S4) and (S5).
The associated archive has been deposited with the Norwich Castle Museum (NWHCM : 2010.316).
S. Howard (HES), 12 April 2011. Amended by P. Watkins (HES), 11 May 2019.