Christine Mahany came to Stamford in 1966 and carried out many excavations in the area. The most well-known was the site of Stamford Castle (below the ‘bus station), which took place between 1972 and 1976. Another was at St. Leonard’s Priory. Here, she is interviewed about saxon finds at a dig in Water Street.
“More traces of the Saxons found at Stamford
Although little more evidence of the lines of the old Saxon defences have come to light on the Water Street archaeological site at Stamford, the director of excavations (Miss C. M. Mahany) said this week that traces of saxon timber buildings were beginning to show.
Pottery finds
A fine example of a 14th century stone barrel-vaulted cess-pit has yielded a collection of pottery of that period.
One of the most interesting facts about the find, Miss Mahany said was that there was no Stamford ware among them.
This indicated that Stamford ware had died out by this time, probably around 1250.
The two main pots in the collection are a large cooking pot, thought to be from Bourne, and a polycrome jug imported from Western France.
Only six others
Miss Mahany explained that the jug could be dated so closely (1275 – 1300) because the French potteries where they were made had been excavated and no more pots were made after that date.
The jug has a matt surface decorated with boldly-painted birds
Only six similar pots have been found in England, and those mainly in costal areas.”
The Stamford Mercury, 1st March 1968.