Westgate Road, possible medieval tanning pits

Westgate Road, possible medieval tanning pits

HER Number
16772
District
Newcastle
Site Name
Westgate Road, possible medieval tanning pits
Place
Newcastle
Map Sheet
NZ26SW
Class
Industrial
Site Type: Broad
Leather Industry Site
Site Type: Specific
Tanning Pit
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Form of Evidence
Physical Evidence
Description
A series of pits which may relate to small-scale tanning industry on the site were revealed during an excavation at the former Westgate Road parcel offices site in 2010. These are thought to have been in use from the 13th-16th century at which point the emphasis of the site appears to shift from industrial to domestic use. Medieval deposits forming a possible road surface and soil build-ups containing large amounts of pottery were also recorded. Linear gullys and more pits were located during a watching brief in 2011 to the south of the main site.
Easting
424871
Northing
563886
Grid Reference
NZ424871563886
Sources
WAA Archaeology, 2013, Former Parcels Office, Westgate Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne - Archaeological Excavation & Watching Brief