Summary of 2002 projects

12-13 CHURCH STREET, TAMWORTH, STAFFORDSHIRE
NGR: SK 2065 0411

An evaluation excavation at the rear of the plot revealed intercutting features. Those which produced datable material were of the later thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. There was also a soil layer of medieval date. One post hole was found, suggesting that there may have been medieval structures on the site. The evaluation suggested that there may then have been a hiatus in use of the site as only one pit, of seventeenth century date, was found before a deep soil accumulation and deep pits containing eighteenth and nineteenth century remains.

The nature of the deposits is such that the possibility of the survival of earlier remains, including Saxon, cannot be excluded. It is possible, also, that the apparent hiatus may be illusory as several features produced no datable material and as the area evaluated was limited.

Stone, R., 12-13 Church Street, Tamworth, Staffordshire, Report on an Archaeological Evaluation, February 2002, Marches Archaeology Series 227

THE SWAN HOTEL, LICHFIELD, STAFFORDSHIRE
NGR: SK 115 096

An evaluation excavation was carried out at the rear of the Swan Hotel. Trench 1 produced evidence relating to probable burgage plots dating from the 13th -14th centuries. The evidence uncovered has shown that there were different activities taking place within each burgage plot during the medieval period and that a wall probably replaced a fence as the boundary between the plots in the late medieval or early post-medieval period. It seems likely that the Swan Hotel only occupied one burgage plot in the medieval period and that the other plots were used for different activities.

Trench 2 produced a medieval 'soil' similar to the layers seen in Trench 1 which dated from the 14th century. A footing running east to west could represent part of a medieval building which has been robbed out in the seventeenth century. Two post-holes and a scoop excavated in the south of the trench may be associated with this footing [15].

Wainwright, J., The Swan Hotel, Lichfield, Staffordshire, A Report on an Archaeological Evaluation, February 2002, Marches Archaeology Series 228

BYRKLEY PARK, EAST STAFFORDSHIRE
NGR: SP 166 233

An archaeological watching brief was maintained on ground works associated with the construction of a new national football training centre. The core site was previously occupied by Byrkley Lodge, a late eighteenth century country house and service block, replaced in the 1880s by the Bass family with a mansion and new service block. The late nineteenth century stable gatehouse and some minor ancillary buildings were recorded prior to demolition.

The ground plan of the nineteenth century Lodge and service block and part of the ground plan of the eighteenth century service block were identified, the remains of this earlier Lodge having been removed by its replacement. A ha-ha to the south of the eighteenth century Lodge was identified, but no other garden features. Documentary research provided a ground plan of the nineteenth century service block, a 1952 sale catalogue and several photographs of the nineteenth century complex.

Stone, R. & Nash, A., Byrkley Park, East Staffordshire, Report on a Programme of Archaeological Works, June 2002, Marches Archaeology Series 243

8 MARKET PLACE, BREWOOD, STAFFORDSHIRE
NGR: SJ 8835 0880

This area, north of the church, has long been thought to be the site of the 'Bishop's Palace'. Two evaluation trenches at the rear of the site found that no substantial activity had been carried out on the site prior to the 19th century.

Appleton-Fox, N., 8 Market Place, Brewood, Staffordshire, A Report on an Archaeological Evaluation, December 2002, Marches Archaeology Series 268