Excavation of the Medieval Waterfront at King Stable, Eton, Berkshire

The Oxford Archaeological Unit (OAU) carried out an excavation in 1997 on a site alongside the north bank of the Thames in King Stable Street, Eton, Berkshire, on behalf of Eton College. The evidence indicated that the site probably served as a working area for properties fronting the approach (later High Street) to the north side of Windsor Bridge from the 12th century onwards. Evidence was also found of a succession of timber revetments constructed to consolidate the riverbank, although these were evidently lightweight constructions, and did not serve as major wharfage. Late medieval and post-medieval activity on the site was characterised by low intensity craft or industrial pursuits, prior to the development of the site in the 18th century and the construction of a malthouse.