Large pieces of ironstone which may once have formed part of Northampton Castle have been uncovered by archaeologists working at the town’s Chalk Lane Car Park. They were revealed by experts from MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) during an initial investigation of the car park, ahead of its transformation to deliver a new heritage park for Northampton.

Archaeologists from MOLA have carried out an initial investigation at Chalk Lane Car Park to discover more about the site’s history, carefully removing and preserving any artefacts discovered on site.

Situated at the entrance of the town from Northampton’s railway station, the Marefair Heritage Park regeneration scheme will unlock this space, providing the local community with much needed green space. This area of the town is steeped in heritage and history and is where the Northampton Castle once stood. The park will see new pathways, lighting, a playground, green space, heritage timeline poles, community garden, together with new trees, shrubs and wildflowers to enhance biodiversity.

Over a one-week period from 17 July, MOLA carried out a dig in the area where the heritage timeline poles are to be located. This revealed large pieces of Ironstone, likely quarried locally in Northamptonshire, which may relate to the demolition of Northampton castle in 1879. The remains of the castle were previously excavated in the 1960s, and Ironstone was identified in its construction.

The Ironstone uncovered by the team during the recent excavations was mixed with brick and modern pottery and located next to the trenches dug by archaeologists in the 1960s. This suggests it is the remains of rubble removed by archaeologists during the last excavations, more than 50 years ago.

The archaeologists also uncovered remains of a post-medieval wall belonging to a house built in the area while the castle ruins still stood. This, along with other excavations in the town centre, is helping us understand how the town developed around the castle in the centuries following the Civil War when its defences were removed.

The Council has long held ambitions to redevelop this area of the town to create a Heritage Park, an attractive, vibrant and modern destination at an important gateway position in the town centre.
As an exciting step of this regeneration scheme, it is great to be working with experts at MOLA to uncover the fascinating history in this part of our town. We look forward to continuing work with them to keep a watching brief on the project over the coming months as we bring forward this scheme.

Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council

As someone born and raised in Northampton, having the chance to excavate around such an important part of the town’s history is incredible. Seeing how the area developed over the centuries gives a greater understanding of the town’s past and the people who lived here.

Simon Markus, a Project Manager at MOLA

 

Click here to find out more about the transformation of Northampton Town Centre and regeneration schemes across the town.

Motorists are reminded Northampton’s Chalk Lane Car Park will be closed until 12 August to allow the Council and its contractors to reinstate the car park to a safe standard before reopening.

Vulcan Works, providers of office space and business support for companies and individuals working in creative and digital industries, marked its first anniversary on Wednesday, May 15 with a VIP event.

Officially launched in April 2023, Vulcan Works was created through transforming a Grade II listed former ironworks factory in Northampton town centre into a hub that provides office space, hot desking, meeting room hire and creative workspaces and workshops.

The £14 million project was funded by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), which facilitated a Local Growth Fund contribution of £6.3 million, together with £3.06 million from the European Regional Development Fund. Oxford Innovation Space was appointed to manage the space.

Over the last year, Vulcan Works has firmly established itself as a vital part of the local business community and economy, winning awards for innovation and its positive impact across Northamptonshire and providing a home to more than 30 different businesses. It has also nurtured 11 entrepreneurs through its fully-funded Vulcan Creatives programme. Other highlights include linking up with some trusted national partners, such as Barclays and Natwest, and local business support organisations like SEMLEP, The Marketing Meet Up, Northampton BID, NNBN and Digital Northants to offer practical business support, networking and workshops.

Staff, customers, stakeholders and suppliers who have all helped to make the centre a success were treated to drinks, cupcakes and live music from local artist Jake Brown at the anniversary event. There was also an exhibition showcasing some of the businesses based at Vulcan Works or taking part in the Vulcan Creatives incubation programme.

“There have been 75 jobs created through Vulcan Works and 33 businesses taking on space. Our coworking membership also sees a further 27 people regularly working out of the building. In addition to that, the first cohort of Vulcan Creatives have really brought something to the centre. At Oxford Innovation Space, the curation and animation of spaces such as the Vulcan Works Creative Hub is at the core of what we do and that is on evidence a year on from opening the Hub.”

Tim Smith, Deputy Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Space

“On behalf of West Northamptonshire Council, I would like to say how thrilled we are to have a place like Vulcan Works in the heart of Northampton, in the Cultural Quarter. What we have seen over the last year is businesses large and small choosing Vulcan Works as a place to work, which means they are also choosing Northampton as a place to do business.

We have also seen Vulcan Works win two awards, which really demonstrates how we have all succeeded in our vision and what we wanted to achieve with the centre. Now, rather than looking back, we want to look forward. We want to see this place attract more businesses who are choosing West Northamptonshire as a place to do business.”

Cllr Daniel Lister, West Northamptonshire Council Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure

“This event is a celebration of Vulcan Works and what it means to the wider community. It is our chance to thank everyone who has done so much for the centre and, through the exhibition, showcase the wonderful things being created or provided at Vulcan Works on a daily basis. It is also an opportunity to recognise our key stakeholders and those who work in partnership with us to make our events, workshops and masterclasses possible. I also, personally, would like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Vulcan Works for making everything we have achieved over the last 12 months possible. Together we have managed to create something special and I look forward to seeing what the next year and beyond will bring.”

Centre Manager Garrick Hurter

Email info@vulcanworks.co.uk to find out more about Vulcan Works or request a tour.