NHER 67209 (Monument record) - Remains of medieval building

April 2023. Casual Observation.
A section of a substantial flint wall was discovered during removal of a hedge. The wall was excavated for a length of 1.7m, revealing a section of flint and mortar wall running parallel to the river. The western (river-side) face is knapped flint and is slighlty sloping whereas the eastern side is vertical and has traces of possible plaster or mortar. The upper surface is quite level mortared flint. Excavation was halted at a depth of 40cm when a layer of possible occupation debris was encountered. The ground around the wall was probed, indicating that the section of wall likely continued for about 10m, with a possible wall at right angles from what appeared to be the southern end.

The depth and care of construction indicates this was likely a foundation for a substantial building of some status. There is no evidence for a structure in this location on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map (S3) or of the Tithe map (S4), which indicates that it was demolished sometime before 1839. There is also no evidence of a structure here in an 1891 oil painting (S5). The style of construction and the absence of brick indicates that the building most likely dates to the 14th or 15th century. Further documentary research and/or is required to confirm the date, form, and possible use of the building. However, its location approximately 50m northwest of St Peter's church (NHER 15422) indicates that it could be the remains of a former manor house, rectory, or outbuiling associated with such a high-status holding.
See unpublished document (S1) and photographs (S2) for further details.
H. Hamilton (HES), 02 June 2023.