An archaeological excavation carried out by University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) at Hood Building (former Manor School), South Street, Ashby de la Zouch. The work was undertaken in April 2022 on behalf of The Hood Building Ltd in advance of the construction of an extension on the western side of the building. The excavation comprised two areas, covering a combined area of c.156 square metres and was located within the historic core of the town. All Archaeological Features investigated. The excavation has revealed the presence of archaeological features dating from the Roman to the Post-medieval periods, with a focus of activity in the late medieval period. The excavation comprised two areas, covering a combined area of c.156 square metres and was located within the historic core of the town. Limited evidence of Roman and Saxo-Norman activity was identified, the main evidence of activity on the site dates to the 14th to 15th centuries. Initially a central north-west to south-east aligned boundary ditch was constructed, defining two plots of activity. Either side of the ditch were numerous refuse pits, a fence, two bread ovens, a hearth, and two wells. By the late 15th Century the evidence indicates that there was a phase of major clearance of the area, consisting of demolition and removal of a building on the street frontage, and clearance of the yard areas. This corresponds with a period of major work to Ashby Castle. A large brick-lined drain was constructed during this period, it is uncertain what building this drain served. The excavation has enhanced the understanding of medieval activity within the historic core of Ashby-de-la-Zouch. It has revealed evidence of how the southern extents of the settlement developed over the medieval period, adding to the understanding of the town's layout and development.
Peters Joseph (Sat,) studied this question.