Taylor Wimpey Polesworth,

Historic Environment Desk-based Assessment

660402

JUNE 2013

RSK GENERAL NOTES

Project No.: 660402-1 (01)

Title: Polesworth, Warwickshire Historic Environment Desk-based Assessment

Client: Taylor Wimpey

Date: June 2013

Office: Manchester

Status: Final

Technical Author O. Raybould reviewer H. Kelly

Signature Signature Date: 27/06/13 Date: 27/06/13

RSK Environment Ltd (RSK) has prepared this report for the sole use of the client, showing reasonable skill and care, for the intended purposes as stated in the agreement under which this work was completed. The report may not be relied upon by any other party without the express agreement of the client and RSK. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the professional advice included in this report. Where any data supplied by the client or from other sources have been used, it has been assumed that the information is correct. No responsibility can be accepted by RSK for inaccuracies in the data supplied by any other party. The conclusions and recommendations in this report are based on the assumption that all relevant information has been supplied by those bodies from whom it was requested. No part of this report may be copied or duplicated without the express permission of RSK and the party for whom it was prepared. Where field investigations have been carried out, these have been restricted to a level of detail required to achieve the stated objectives of the work. This work has been undertaken in accordance with the quality management system of RSK Environment Ltd.

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 Aims and objectives...... 1 Legislation and policy context...... 1 Statutory protection...... 1 Non-statutory protection ...... 2 Structure and Local Planning Policy...... 2 2 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ...... 3 Data sources...... 3 Site visit ...... 3 Geophysical survey ...... 3 Gazetteer ...... 4 Importance...... 4 Limitations of the assessment ...... 5 Data sources...... 5 Site visit...... 5 3 SITE BACKGROUND ...... 6 Geology / Mining...... 6 Topography and land use...... 6 Historic Landscape Characterisation...... 7 4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND...... 8 Site characteristics and historical development ...... 11 Historical map regression ...... 11 Aerial Photography ...... 13 Site visit ...... 13 Geophysical survey (RSK, 2013) ...... 14 5 BASELINE: KNOWN HERITAGE ASSETS ...... 15 Designated heritage assets ...... 15 Non-designated heritage assets...... 15 Previous assessments of the historic environment ...... 17 6 ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL...... 21 7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 22 Potential physical impacts ...... 22 Potential impacts to setting...... 22 8 REFERENCES ...... 23

FIGURES SITE PHOTOGRAPHS APPENDIX A: Gazetteer of Heritage Assets

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 RSK Environment Ltd (RSK) was commissioned by Taylor Wimpey to undertake a study of the historic environment (to include archaeology and cultural heritage) for a 6Ha proposed development site located between Grendon Road (B500) and St Helena Road in the parish of Polesworth, , National Grid Reference (NGR) 426767, 301829. 1.2 The site is being considered for development with private residential dwellings with associated private gardens, public open space and hardstanding. RSK has not viewed a proposed layout for the site. 1.3 This report provides an assessment of the historic environment baseline and the potential effects of the proposed development.

Aims and objectives

1.4 The aims of the assessment are: • to establish, from documentary sources, the known archaeological and cultural heritage interest in the development site; • to assess, from existing sources, the potential archaeological interest in the development site; • to provide an assessment of the significance of the known archaeological and heritage assets; and • to make recommendations with regards to the need for further archaeological assessment or mitigation, where necessary.

Legislation and policy context

Statutory protection 1.5 Table 1 summarises the statutory legislation relating to the historic environment and relevant to this report.

Legislation Key Issues

Ancient Monuments It is a criminal offence to carry out any works on or near to a and Archaeological Scheduled Monument without Scheduled Monument Areas Act (1979) Consent.

Planning (Listed No works can be carried out in relation to a listed building Buildings and without listed building consent. Designation of an area as a Conservation Areas) ‘conservation area’ introduces general controls over Act (1990) demolition and development within that area.

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

The 1996 Act defines ‘Treasure’ as any object that is at least 10% gold or silver, associated coins or groups of coins which are over 300 years old, objects formerly classed as ‘treasure Treasure Act (1996) trove’ (i.e. deliberately deposited items with a high content of gold or silver) and any objects found in association with the above. Any find of ‘Treasure’ must be reported to the local Coroner.

Under Section 25 of the 1857 Act, it is generally a criminal offence to remove human remains from any place of burial Burial Act (1857) without an appropriate licence issued by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), although recent legislative changes indicate that some cases are exempt from this requirement

Table 1: Historic environment, statutory legislation

Non-statutory protection 1.6 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, March 2012) forms a material consideration in planning decisions, requiring applicants to describe the significance of heritage assets potentially affected by development, including any contribution made by their setting. Where a site includes or has the potential to include heritage assets of archaeological interest, local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation.

Structure and Local Planning Policy 1.7 The NPPF states that in the case of development plan policies adopted before 2004 due weight should be given to the policies according to their degree of consistency with the NPPF framework. Policy ER1 of the Warwickshire Structure Plan, Natural and Cultural Environmental Assets, part (c) states: Development will only be permitted where it is consistent with protection of the environmental assets of the County and respect for the character and quality of its towns and countryside. Local plans should therefore include policies and land allocations which ensure that development does not involve significant loss of, risk of damage to, or adverse impact on the setting or character of any landscape, site, building, structure, artefact, feature, habitat, species or area of ecological, geological, archaeological, historical, recreational or other conservation interest of acknowledged regional or local importance unless there are overriding reasons for development.

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

2 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

2.1 This archaeological assessment was undertaken in accordance with Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Desk-Based Assessments, (Institute for Archaeologists, 2012) and the Institute for Archaeologists’ Code of Conduct (2012). 2.2 The study area consisted of the site of the development and a 1km buffer around it (Figure 1).

Data sources

2.3 Historic environment data has been collected for the study area from the following sources: • The Historic Environment Record (HER) maintained by Warwickshire County Council, for details of events and heritage assets (both designated and non- designated) in the study area; • The National Monuments Record (NMR) maintained by English Heritage for details of archaeological events and heritage assets in the study area; • Warwickshire County Record Office in for historical aerial photography, mapping and plans of the site; • Superseded Ordnance Survey mapping sequence; • Envirocheck site data; and • Modern aerial photography of the development site.

Site visit

2.4 Heritage assets known through desk-based sources and areas of proposed impact were visited, described and photographed. 2.5 A summary of site characteristics, visible archaeology and geographical/geological features which may have had a bearing on prehistoric land use as well as that which may constrict subsequent archaeological evaluation was noted. Records were taken on extant archaeological features, such as earthworks or structural remains, any negative features, soil discolourations or cropmarks, present land use, current boundary formation, evidence for previous land use, local topography and aspect, exposed geology, soils, watercourses, exposure, health and safety considerations, surface finds, and any other relevant information.

Geophysical survey

2.6 Geophysical survey was commissioned to seek to locate the extent previous mine workings and any features of archaeological significance within the survey area (RSK, 2013). Thus a two-stage approach was undertaken, as follows: 2.7 The area of previous mine working was determined through electromagnetic (EM) survey and, utilising these results, areas that had not been disturbed by previous mining

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

activity were surveyed with the magnetic gradiometry equipment in order to evaluate the archaeological potential at the site.

Gazetteer

2.8 A gazetteer has been compiled, using information from the data sources listed above. The gazetteer includes a summary of the known archaeological and cultural heritage resource within the study area. The gazetteer is included as Appendix A, and the location of each gazetteer site is presented on Figure 1.

Importance

2.9 The relative importance of each heritage asset has been determined to provide a framework for comparison. The categories of importance do not reflect a definitive level of significance or value of a heritage asset, but a provisional one based on the asset’s conservation values to provide an analytical tool that can inform later stages of archaeological assessment and the development of appropriate mitigation. 2.10 Some non-designated assets of archaeological interest are known to be of equivalent importance to designated heritage assets. Their relative importance means that they are treated as if they are designated assets. 2.11 The grading of importance of heritage assets is based on the criteria listed in Table 2.

Importance Definition

Assets and structures (designated or undesignated) of acknowledged international / national importance. High Examples include World Heritage Sites, Registered Parks and Gardens, Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and buildings of recognised international importance.

Assets and structures of acknowledged regional importance. Medium Examples include historic townscapes, and undesignated assets of value within the county HER.

Assets and structures of acknowledged local importance. Low Examples include historic (unlisted) buildings, assets of limited value registered in the county HER, and assets compromised by poor preservation.

Assets and structures known to be of low archaeological or historical importance. Negligible Examples include remains previously subject to large-scale destruction, assets with very little or no surviving archaeological or historic interest and assets which hold little intrinsic archaeological value.

Assets and structures of uncertain character, extent and/or date where the Uncertain importance cannot be ascertained.

Table 2. Criteria for determining importance of heritage asset

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

Limitations of the assessment

Data sources 2.12 Generally, information held by public data sources is usually considered to be reliable. Certain limitations, however, are made explicit: • The HER can be limited because opportunities for research, fieldwork and discovery depend on the situation of commercial development, rather than the result of a more desirable structured research framework; • There can often be a lack of dating evidence for sites; • Documentary sources are rare before the medieval period, and many historic documents are inherently biased; • Primary sources, especially older records, often fail to accurately locate sites and can be subjective in any interpretation.

Site visit 2.13 Any archaeological site visit has inherent limitations primarily because archaeological remains below ground level may have no surface indicators, and because land use involving long grass or scrub may mask extant earthworks or building remains.

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

3 SITE BACKGROUND

Geology / Mining

3.1 British Geological Survey (BGS) records indicate the geology of the site to be characterised by the succession recorded in Table 3.

Geological unit Description

Superficial Deposits No superficial deposits are shown to be present on the site.

Lower Westphalian Coal Grey mudstone and sandstone with seams of coal, ironstone Measures and fireclay

Table 3: Geology

3.2 Two thirds of the site (south and west) formerly formed part of an opencast mine, operational between 1952 and June 1955, with subsequent reinstatement in August 1955. Excavation took place to a maximum depth of 20.2m. The approximate extent of the opencast excavations is shown on Figure 2. The areas indicated are likely to represent the extent of workings in the coal seams (i.e. base of excavation) and therefore it is likely that much of the intervening areas would have undergone some degree of excavation and backfilling during restoration. Therefore, in addition to these natural strata, made ground should be expected in areas of the site. These areas have been defined by geophysical survey.

Topography and land use

3.3 The site is currently bordered with hedgerows on all sides and divided into two separate field areas for arable use. The site is overlooked by Hoo Hill, thus slightly sloping upwards to the east (photo 1). 3.4 The area around the site is predominantly agricultural. To the north of the site is bound by Grendon Road, the B5000, beyond which is Wood Park Farm, open fields and the Canal 80m north. To the east are open fields of Hoo Hill. St Helena Road bounds the site to the south and west, beyond which is residential housing associated with Polesworth village. Some residential housing bounds the site in the north-west corner.

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

Historic Landscape Characterisation

3.5 The proposed development site is defined in the Warwickshire Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) study as follows:

Ref. Description

Northern field

HLC UID HWA1854

Broad Type (FSC) Fieldscapes

Type (17) Other Small Rectangular Fields

Small rectilinear field with curvilinear boundaries. Ridge and furrow visible on Summary modern aerial photos suggest that once formed medieval open fields. Predominant Field Size Medium Field Shape Rectilinear Predominant Primary Boundary Morphology Curvilinear Predominant Secondary Boundary Straight Attributes External Boundary Morphology Following Line of transportation Percentage of Fields Lost Since 1880s 0% Percentage of Boundary Loss 0%

Associated None Monuments

Southern field

HLC UID HWA1851

Broad Type (FSC) Fieldscapes

Type (13) Large Irregular Fields

Summary Large Irregular Fields Predominant Field Size Very Large Field Shape Irregular Predominant Primary Boundary Morphology Curvilinear Predominant Secondary Boundary Sinuous Attributes External Boundary Morphology Following Line of transportation Percentage of Fields Lost Since 1880s 40% Percentage of Boundary Loss 30% MWA225 Monument: Site of Chapel of St Leonard MWA226 Monument: Obelisk on Site of Chapel of St Leonard Associated MWA4212 Monument: Site of Possible Iron Age Hillfort on Hoo Hill Monuments MWA5316 Monument: Trackway 50m east of Wood Park Farm MWA5317 Find Spot: Findspot - Roman pottery sherd MWA6509 Monument: Site of Gravel Pit on Hoo Hill

Table 5 Historic Landscape Characterisation

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

4.1 Time periods used in this report are as follows:

Period Start Ends Period Starts Ends Prehistoric Historic Palaeolithic 450,000 BC 12,000 BC Roman AD 43 410 AD Mesolithic 12,000 BC 4,000 BC Early 410 AD 1066 AD medieval Neolithic 4,000 BC 2,000 BC Medieval 1066 AD 1485 AD Bronze Age 2,000 BC 600 BC Post Medieval 1485 AD 1900 AD Iron Age 600 BC AD 43 Modern 1900 AD Present 4.2 Occupation sites are not common for the Palaeolithic period in general and none have yet been identified in North Warwickshire. The work of R. Waite in the area around Wolvey in north Warwickshire and Leicestershire and the English Rivers Palaeolithic Project 1994-1995 has informed picture of the Palaeolithic in the . Waite was responsible for a surface find of a hand axe palaeolith on ‘the edge of sand and gravel’ at SP340940 in Caldecote. Furthermore, a Palaeolithic core is recorded from Warton Hill, Polesworth (MWA12839) indicating that the landscape of the study area was exploited by hunter-gatherers during this period. 4.3 Scatters of Mesolithic period flint tools and debris have been found in many locations throughout the region, such as an axe from Baxterley, and Mesolithic implements from , Hartshill, and Mancetter. Nearer to the development site, archaeological fieldwork consisting of fieldwalking followed by 75 trial trenches was undertaken to evaluate an area of possible gravel extraction. Evidence for prehistoric occupation of the site from the Mesolithic to the Iron Age was found by the Warwickshire Museum on land at Kisses Barn Farm, Polesworth, in October 1992 (RSK IDs 27 & 57). Other Mesolithic finds were made on the eastern side of the site. 4.4 Occupation during the Neolithic developed in the form of farmsteads and the construction of monuments began, including the construction of standing stones, stone circles and stone burial chambers. No examples are recorded within 10km of Polesworth, however, numerous handaxes and lithic implements are indicative of a presence in the study area during this period, such as those at Drayton Bisset, ; and in North Warwickshire, Mancetter and a scraper from north-east of Stiper’s Plantation, Polesworth (MWA 12233). It appears that the majority of Neolithic activity in the region concentrated east of . 4.5 A common monument to the Bronze Age is the round barrow, a burial mound. Many are known in the county through aerial photography and upstanding examples survive at Ansley, Hartshill Hayes County Park, and Seckington. There are no known settlement sites in the vicinity of the site. 4.6 Artefact find-spots dating from the Bronze Age are common across North Warwickshire, Staffordshire, and Leicestershire. A Bronze Age presence is indicated near to the site

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

through the record of RSK ID 83, a barbed and tanged arrowhead from Market Street, Polesworth. 4.7 During the Iron Age period the establishment of large hillforts (defended settlements) is evident in the County. A possible example occurs near to the site at Hoo Hill (RSK ID 31). Oldbury Camp, a univallate hillfort is also known at Hartshill. 4.8 Territorial groupings formed at the end of the Bronze Age resulted in North Warwickshire being dominated by the Cornovii tribe during the Iron Age. The Iron Age landscape included a sequence of land divisions, which start as linear alignments of large pits in the late Bronze Age/early Iron Age such as at Lichfield in Staffordshire, and later replaced by ditch systems. Within these field systems sat individual farmsteads, typically comprising roundhouses set inside a pit-defined enclosure, an example of which is also known at Lichfield. 4.9 The initial wave of Roman occupation of Britain began in 43AD, and saw the establishment of a network of roads and some forts. Civilian settlements, administrative centres and wealthy villas were established. The establishment of towns in the Roman period was one of the more marked changes in the pattern of the landscape. Warwickshire lacks the large, major towns such as were to be found at Leicester. However, the county did contain a number of small towns which developed either from existing Iron Age settlements or which sprang up along the road system. Watling Street ran between LETOCETUM and High Cross, via Mancetter; was sizeable, but nearer to the site is evidence for Roman settlement at . 4.10 On the south of Watling Street, coal seams outcrop at Dordon Orchard, Grendon Common, and Baddesley Common. These are considered the most likely source of coal fragments that were recorded during archaeological excavations at Sakeoaks, via Mancetter [MANDUESSEDUM] (Slater and Lewis, n.d.). It is suspected, therefore, that the history of coal mining in the immediate environs of the proposed development site goes back at least to the Roman period. 4.11 Significantly, some scholars suggest that Boudica’s last battle was fought at Mancetter (Webster 1978). Nearer to the site, a possible Roman settlement is suggested 200m south east of Bramcote Hall in Polesworth (MWA220). 4.12 Watling Street Roman road follows the course of the modern A5 and passes through Dordon. North and south of Towcester, Watling Street ran between Fenny Stratford [MAGIOVINIUM] and a town to the east of Daventry [BANNAVENTA]. 4.13 During the period between the Roman withdrawal from and the Norman occupation, Warwickshire formed part of the kingdom of Mercia, ruled by the Anglo- Saxons. Many of the parish-names surrounding the site have their origins in the early Medieval period, and come from Old English (OE) indicating Anglo-Saxon origins (after Mills, 2003).

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

Parish/ Town Derivation Translation Morphology name OE pers name + Enclosure of a man called Polleswyrth Polesworth worth Poll (c.1000) OE pers name + Farmstead or village of a Atherstone Aderestone (1086) tun man called Aethelred Grendon OE grene + tun Green hill Grendone (1086) OE pers name + Tree of a man called Aldulvestreu (1086) treow Ealdwulf OE pers name Seccandun (l.C9th) Seckington (genitive –an) + Hill of a man called Secca Sechintone (1086) dun

Table 6 Place-name origins within vicinity of proposed development

4.14 Place-name evidence suggests that the landscape was settled by Anglo-Saxons (rather than Anglo-Scandinavians), however, that is not to say that it wasn’t previously settled, and the places renamed in Old English tongue. However, loomweights of Anglo Saxon date have been recovered from Atherstone to the south of the site. 4.15 was a Benedictine nunnery. It was founded in the 9th century by St. Modwena and King Egbert. The first abbess was Edgytha (daughter of King Egbert, now St. Editha). In the Anglo Saxon period the Abbey was a Minster Church, and a major site of the period. The small monastic community served a large surrounding area, and were supported by their own estates; thus the influence of the Abbey was felt for a large distance, and also likely had considerable influenced over the development of the immediate landscape. 4.16 After the Dissolution the site of Polesworth Abbey passed to Francis Goodere, whose son Sir Henry fashioned a manor-house out of, or on the site of, the Abbess's Lodgings, west of the cloisters. This mansion was replaced about 1870 by the vicarage, but some material from the manor-house was re-used in it. 4.17 Neither Polesworth nor Dordon are referenced in the Domesday Survey (Williams A & Martin GH, 2002). Polesworth, however, is a medieval settlement, being granted a market charter. The majority of the known heritage assets in the gazetteer relating to built heritage (or former built heritage) within the village. 4.18 Atherton, Shuttington and Warton are all settlements recorded to be established in the Medieval period, and there are also shrunken/deserted villages recorded at Grendon, Austrey and Baddersley Ensor. 4.19 , half a mile north-west of Polesworth church was rebuilt by Sir Thomas Cokayne in 1509, as a semi-defensive demesne. 4.20 Under an Act of 1771 some 840 acres in Warton were inclosed; and in 1806 another Act was passed for inclosing 450 acres in Polesworth and Grendon. 4.21 Ridge and furrow, earthworks indicative of medieval agricultural practice, areknown within the site boundary (RSK ID 89), and also north of Pooley Hall, Polesworth.

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

4.22 The landscape became partially industrialised in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries with the establishment of mills (corn), collieries and associated mineral railways, brickworks, lime kilns and smithies. In 1934 88 acres of Polesworth between the Watling Street and the Kettle Brook were united to .

Site characteristics and historical development

4.23 Documentary sources (Slater and Lewis, n.d.) record a visit to the ‘California Colliery’, in the proposed development site boundary, by Howell in 1858. The pit was sunk in 1856 and closed by 1858 due to instability and safety concerns. It is inferred, due to the fact that there was no corresponding slag heap, that the shaft was exploited using the ‘skip’ rather than the ‘cage’ method, in that the slag must have been picked out and sent back down the shaft. 4.24 The California Colliery shaft is recorded adjacent to St Helena road in the south of the site, and was later open cast mined according to a Coal Authority plan, thus removing any archaeological evidence of this initial exploitation of the site. 4.25 A summary of observations on land use, and development of the site throughout the later historic and modern periods, based on available historical mapping, aerial photography, and a site visit is presented as follows:

Historical map regression 4.26 Enquiries at Warwickshire Archives identified that the proposed development site is not represented on any Estate Plans, or an Enclosure Award, however a seventeenth century county map source was consulted. The historical map regression is therefore an assessment of county scale mapping, tithe mapping, a Coal Authority plan, and superseded Ordnance Survey mapping. 4.27 Two heritage assets are added to the gazetteer as a result of the historical map regression, RSK IDs 87 & 88 (see Figure 1 for location of heritage assets).

Richard Bloome’s ‘Mapp of Warwickshire with its Hundreds’, 1673

4.28 The townships of Polesworth, Grendon, and Hall End are apparent.

Tithe mapping: The Hamlet or Township of Polesworth, 1850

4.29 The proposed development site is divided over five fields. To the west of the site, at the junction between Grendon Road and St Helena Road, a discrete plot has since been sold off, and is currently developed. The east-west orientated field boundary currently preserved within the site is a remnant division evident on the tithe mapping. There are no structures annotated within the site boundary on the tithe mapping. 4.30 The plots within the proposed development site are not numbered, therefore no indication of former land-use can be inferred from the accompanying apportionment document; it is likely that the proposed development site itself was therefore common land. 4.31 Outwith the site boundary, Woodpark Farm to the north is annotated extant. To the south of St Helena Road are two fields named in the apportionment document as

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

‘limekiln piece’. In the wider region, is the Trent Valley Railway, , the , and the hamlet of Polesworth.

Superseded OS sequence / Coal Authority Plans

1885 & 1903 1:2500 OS 4.32 Site is divided over two fields, divided by single east-west boundary, as present. No internal features of note. External field boundaries are apparently ditched, possibly containing water. 4.33 Outside the site boundary in the vicinity, Wood Park Farm to the north is established, as is the hamlet of St Helena to the south. Limekiln and limekiln bridge are annotated to the north west of the site. All adjoining fields are undeveloped, open agricultural farm land. 1924 1:2500 OS / contemporary Coal Authority Plan (Figure 2) 4.34 Three roofed structures are annotated within the site boundary; two together in the north east (RSK ID 88), straddling the central dividing field boundary, and a third positioned centrally against the same field boundary within the northern field (RSK ID 87). The precise function of the structures is unknown from the OS mapping, however, Coal Authority records indicate the ‘St Helena North’ open cast site comprised multiple seam workings within the site boundary around this period. The opencast mine last extracted coal in 1955; the extent of this is not shown on OS plans. The third structure standing on its own is located within the coal board site boundary, and it is therefore likely that this building is related to these extraction works. 4.35 Outside the site boundary, Park Avenue is established to the south, and the extent of St Helena expanded accordingly. New buildings are also apparent to the north east of the site, fronting on to Grendon Road. 1938 1:2500 4.36 One small structure within the site boundary assumed associated with the coal working is no longer annotated. 4.37 Outside the site boundary, more buildings are established on Park Avenue, as well as fronting Grendon Road. 1956-7 1:2500 4.38 No change within site boundary, other than a track annotated from Grendon road to the two remaining structures within the site boundary (although this was presumably established earlier, but not annotated). The location of the track would suggest the structures within the site are associated with Wood Park Farm. 4.39 Outside the site boundary, buildings fronting Grendon road are extended along St Helena Road (opposite the site), to meet St Helena; new buildings are also added to the east side of St Helena Road, within the northern field, the remainder of which comprises the site. 1972 & 1975 1:2500 4.40 The easternmost of the two structures within the site boundary is extended.

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

4.41 Outside the site boundary, the structures to the east of St Helena Road, bordering the site north west corner, and also the new structures to the south of the site adjoining St Helena are redefined (apparently demolished and rebuilt on a denser layout). 1988-90 1:2500 OS 4.42 Two structures within the site boundary are removed. 1994-97 1:2500 OS 4.43 No further changes are evident within and outside the site boundary.

Aerial Photography 4.44 One site has been added to the gazetteer as a result of the aerial photograph assessment (RSK ID 89). Historical Photography 4.45 A 1970s aerial photograph of the site of RAF Handforth also depicts the proposed development site. Resolution is poor however two features of possible archaeological origin are discernable (Figure 1). Modern Photography (1999 – 2010, Google Earth) 4.46 Modern aerial photography annotates a pasture field. With a low sun when the photo was taken, earthwork visibility is very good, such that, shadows are cast. Parallel ridge and furrow is very clear in the eastern half of the northern field (RSK ID 89). Although the form is not indicative of medieval ploughing, the apparent conformity to an earlier field boundary suggests the earthworks date to pre-1885. 4.47 The line of the former track between Grendon Road and the structures within the site boundary is visible, but the extent of the structures themselves are not. 4.48 In the southern field, equally-spaced and parallel crop marks are indicative of land- drainage. Site visit

4.51 One heritage asset has been added to the gazetteer as a result of the site visit (RSK ID 90). 4.52 The site was visited by a qualified archaeologist in April 2013. Access was afforded to all areas of the proposed development site. Under pasture, surface visibility for earthworks was very good (photos 1 - 4). 4.53 The site was observed as rising in height gradually and continually towards Hoo Hill, overlooking the site to the east (photo 1). 4.54 In the north west of the site are well-preserved ridge and furrow, measuring 4m (ridge to ridge) and 0.15m in height (furrow base to ridge top). These are straight in form and most likely post-medieval in date (photo 2). The extent of the earthworks is consistent with a former field as annotated on 1850 tithe mapping. 4.55 Current external field boundaries to the site are large U-shaped ditches, measuring 1.5m x 1.5m, and a hedge. The internal east-west field boundary is a hedge/fence

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

(photos 3 & 4). There are no surface remnants of former field boundaries as indicated on historic mapping. 4.56 Natural stonework and bricks are evident within the hedgeline at the mapped location of former structure RSK ID 87, however no surface earthworks are discernable (photo 3). To the east, a raised trackway is well-preserved as a surface earthwork running from a gateway to the field from Grendon Road, towards the former location of the two structures (RSK ID 90) (photo 2), however there is no surface evidence for the structures (photo 4). 4.57 In the southern field comprising the site, there is no surface evidence for former open cast mining, although the ground surface is noted as more uneven than that to the north. Geophysical survey (RSK, 2013)

4.58 Electromagnetic data have confirmed that the majority of the site is compromised through previous open cast mine workings. The remainder of the site was subject to gradiometry survey (Figure 3). 4.59 A small previously undisturbed area is identified to the west, however, no archaeological potential is indicated by gradiometry survey. 4.60 In the north eastern portion of the site, in the northern field the location of the trackway (RSK ID 90) leading to two former structures (RSK ID 88), and ridge and furrow earthworks (RSK ID 89) area all identified. 4.61 In the southern field are further ridge and furrow earthworks, discrete surface or subsurface metalwork interpreted plough-scars, land-drainage, and a geometric arrangement of subsurface features of possible archaeological origin.

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

5 BASELINE: KNOWN HERITAGE ASSETS

Designated heritage assets

5.1 No designated heritage assets are located within the proposed development site boundary. 5.2 There are no Registered Parks and Gardens, or Registered Battlefields located within the study area. 5.3 Polesworth is a Conservation Area. The eastern boundary of Polesworth Conservation Area lies c.0.2km west of the proposed development site (Figure 1). 5.4 The Remains of Polesworth Abbey (RSK ID 1), and Polesworth Bridge (RSK ID 2) are both scheduled monuments, located c.0.8km to the north west of the proposed development site. (Polesworth Bridge is also a grade II listed building). 5.5 There are a total of 16 listed buildings located within the study area (RSK IDs 2 – 17). The majority of these are located to the north of the River Anker, in Polesworth; however The Obelisk on Hoo Hill, overlooking the site in the field directly to the east is grade II listed (figure 1). “During the building of the railway [St Leonard’s Chapel] was discovered, gravestones and skeletons were found and an obelisk erected nearby” (Clark, 1846). 5.6 Of the 18 listed buildings, four are grade II* listed, and the remainder are grade II.

Non-designated heritage assets

5.7 The NMR/HER records 69 non-designated heritage assets located within the study area, presented in Appendix A / Figure 1, summarised by period as follows: Prehistoric periods 5.8 A site of medium importance due to comparative rarity are the Mesolithic implements excavated at Kisses Barn Farm (RSK IDs 27 & 57). There is also evidence for Neolithic occupation of the site (RSK ID 28), as well as Iron Age remains (RSK IDs 29 & 57). 5.9 There is no evidence for Bronze Age occupation at Kisses Barn, however, an arrowhead of this period is recorded from the west of the study area (RSK ID 83). 5.10 To the east of the site, at Hoo Hill, an enclosure is visible as a crop mark, and interpreted as a possible Iron Age hillfort (RSK ID 31). 5.11 In addition are two (as yet) undated heritage assets, a crop-mark enclosure (RSK ID 26), and a trackway (RSK ID 30) both of which could potentially date from the prehistoric period. Roman period 5.12 There is a single sherd of pottery dating from the Romano-British period recorded within the study area (RSK ID 70), located on Hoo Hill.

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Early Medieval period 5.13 Polesworth Abbey was established in the early Medieval period, however only one non- designated heritage asset is known in the study area dating from this period: RSK ID 43, a mound to the east of Polesworth Church. Medieval period 5.14 Incorporating the proposed development site is the possible area of a medieval park (RSK ID 62). Two farms within the possible park are Wood Park Farm and Park Farm. There are earthworks to the north and north east of Park Farm which potentially delineate the park. 5.15 Near to the site, again on Hoo Hill, documentary evidence cites a medieval chapel of St Leonard (RSK ID 20). “Chapel of Hoo situated between Polesworth and Grendon. This (now demolished) chapel was dedicated to St Leonard, and endowed with land by Roger de Grendon, in King Henry I or King Stephen's time (1100-54). It is also recorded in the reign of John (1199-1216) and priests are recorded in 1535” ( Dugdale W, 1730, Antiq. of Warwickshire) . 5.16 At Stiper’s Hill, north of the site and the River Anker, is a possible site and associated earthworks of a castle built soon after the conquest (RSK ID 61). 5.17 The majority of known non-designated heritage assets dating from the Medieval period in the study area relate to Polesworth Abbey, the cloisters (RSK ID 24), burials (RSK ID 46), the gatehouse (RSK ID 56), Polesworth Abbey Church (RSK ID 65), and the Abbess’ lodgings (RSK ID 66). 5.18 Polesworth is a medieval settlement, and many listed buildings date from this period. Accordingly, the outline of the interpreted medieval settlement is a non-designated asset (RSK ID 58), as is the location of the former market (RSK ID 59). Within the settlement are records of specific industrial activities, such as a tile kiln (RSK ID 22) and a water mill (RSK ID 45). 5.19 Finally is a medieval cross fragment recorded from High Street (RSK ID 67). Post-medieval period 5.20 The vast majority of the known non-designated historic environment resource in the study area relates to built assets of the post-medieval period. Some are extant and therefore ‘locally-listed’ buildings, including a library, chapels, pubs, a shopping complex, and a market (RSK IDs 39, 42, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 63, 64, 68, 69, 75, 78, 79, 80 & 81); whilst many are demolished (site of) and include, amongst other things, a manor house (RSK IDs 21, 23, 25, 44, 74, 76, 77 & 84). 5.21 Many sites are derived from historic mapping and comprise former industrial activity, such as pottery kilns (RSK IDs 18 & 71), a lime kiln (RSK ID 36), a smithy (RSK ID 40), a corn mill (RSK ID 54), a clay pipe factory (RSK ID 72), and a steam mill (RSK ID 73). 5.22 Sites relating to the extractive industry include a colliery (RSK ID 60), gravel pits (RSK IDs 32 & 35 on Hoo hill), and a mine shaft (RSK ID 33). A reservoir (RSK ID 34) may also be a former gravel pit. 5.23 Relating to post-medieval communications, and of regional importance, are the Coventry Canal (RSK ID 85), and the Trent Valley Railway (RSK ID 86).

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5.24 Finally, are miscellaneous heritage assets, such as a wall (RSK ID 41), a garden (RSK ID 48), and some pottery sherds (RSK ID 19). Modern period 5.25 Abbey Croft public open space is a non-designated heritage asset (RSK ID 47). 5.26 In addition, four further non-designated heritage assets have been added to the gazetteer as a result of this assessment (historical map regression, aerial photography assessment, and a site visit) (RSK IDs 87 – 90).

Previous assessments of the historic environment

5.27 Records held by the HER and the NMR indicate 26 separate previous historic environment assessments within the study area. The assessments are summarised in Table 7.

ID / Event Date Author / NGR Results

EWA1 1977 SK 26298 Excavation of house foundations and Polesworth: a North - 01994 research along Potters Lane Warwickshire country 1986 pottery

EWA6746 / 1336112 1999 Warwickshire SMC was granted for trial holes to be Archaeological Museum cut within the Scheduled area. A series Observation at SK 26115 of trenches to the north and south of Polesworth Bridge, 02365 the bridge were observed, and in the Polesworth event, all outside the scheduled area. Part of the 1776 eastern bridge approach wall on the northern side of the bridge and a pre 1776 wall on the south side

EWA6976 / 1365742 2000 Warwickshire Documentary sources were drawn upon Polesworth Vicarage: Museum to recount the history of the vicarage. A Rapid SK 26319 Archaeological 02405 Assessment

EWA7040 / 2001 Warwickshire Archaeological investigation following 1334569 / 1337232 Museum restoration work to north and east cloister walls. Trenches revealed 4 Polesworth Abbey SK 26346 burials, details of medieval/post- Cloister: Trial 02382 medieval building work/finds and reuse trenching & recording of stonework.

EWA7769 2006 Nottingham Analysis by denrochronology produced Polesworth Abbey Tree-Ring two dated site chronologies and dated Gatehouse, Dating one sample individually. Polesworth, Laboratory Commissioned by English Heritage. Warwickshire: tree- SK 26293 ring analysis of 02554 timbers

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ID / Event Date Author / NGR Results

EWA847 / 1056715 1992 Warwickshire Archaeological fieldwork consisting of Kisses' Barn Farm, Museum fieldwalking followed by 75 trial Polesworth SK 2785 0228 trenches was undertaken to evaluate Archaeological an area of possible gravel extraction. Evaluation Evidence for prehistoric occupation of the site from the Mesolithic to the Iron Age was found.

EWA9078 / 2006 Warwickshire Four phases of archaeological 1504429 / 1543049 Museum observation were undertaken within the SK 26330 Abbey Church and the Scheduled Area Archaeological of the Abbey. Recording at 02410 Polesworth Abbey

EWA9083 / 1516406 2006 Warwickshire A programme of documentary research Polesworth Abbey Museum and building survey was undertaken on Gatehouse: a SK 26299 the gatehouse, in advance of a documentary history 02554 potential conservation project. This and an historic involved a review of the documentary building survey and resources, a recording and analysis of analysis the historic building fabric and a programme of tree-ring dating.

EWA9352 2005 Warwickshire Observation of foundation trenches with Observation at 29 Museum the medieval settlement; no High Street, SK 2640 0259 archaeological features were Polesworth recorded. A piece of 17th to 18th- century clay pipe was recorded with 18th-century pottery.

EWA9452 / 1193549 2009 Warwickshire Negative watching brief within an area Watching Brief at 52 Museum associated with medieval tile and post- Potters Lane, SK 2605 0199 medieval pottery production. Polesworth

EWA9473 2007 Warwickshire Three trenches to the west and Evaluation at Museum southeast of the vicarage were Polesworth Abbey SK 2630 0240 excavated in October 2007. Trenches to the west revealed three early graves belonging to a pre-late 13th century cemetery, overlaid by a late-13th/early- 14th-century building range. Another building range of similar date was identified to the south, aligned east- west. Another building was identified to the southeast of the vicarage; this may have been part of the Abbess' Lodging or a guest hall.

EWA9474 2007 Stratascan Geophysical survey carried out in Geophysical Survey at SK 26367 September 2007 across the supposed Polesworth Abbey 02392 cloister area in the vicarage garden. It revealed blocks of probable building remains to the south of the probable frater, to the east of the site of the chapter house and north of the redorter

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ID / Event Date Author / NGR Results excavated in 1959.

EWA9503 1996 J. Lovie Site visit carried out as part of review Site visit to Abbey SK 26531 into Warwickshire's historic parks and Croft, Polesworth 02431 gardens.

EWA6770 / 1336142 1999 ULAS A watching brief of foundation trenches Archaeological SK 26147 for an extension and garage. A brick Watching Brief at 2A 02379 wall with stone footings, probably from Bridge St, Polesworth the C18th century, was noted.

EWA4161/ 1096027 1996 Warwickshire Four trenches were excavated to the Archaeological Museum geological natural. No archaeological Observation at 27/29 SK 2640 0261 finds or features were recorded. The High Street area may have been truncated in the 19th/20th centuries during construction of the dwellings.

EWA6197 / 1502009 1997 Warwickshire Further observation of topsoil stripping Further Museum was halted as no archaeological finds Archaeological SK 2641 0258 or features were noted. The frontage Observation at 27/29 appeared to have been truncated in the High Street 19th/20th century as was the case to the rear.

EWA9120 / 1541697 2008 Warwickshire Observation of groundworks in Archaeological Museum proximity to the site of a medieval tile observation at 21 SK 26137 kiln; no evidence for a kiln or medieval Potters Lane, 01916 or post-medieval features were Polesworth recorded. A number of 19th and 20th century sherds and clay pipes were found, potentially produced locally.

EWA2553 / 1306144 1998 Warwickshire Observation of topsoil stripping and Archaeological Museum excavation of service trenches. Observation at 39-45 SK 2607 0251 Bridge Street

EWA6748 1999 Warwickshire Arch Obs of a water mains renewal. Dordon Reservoir Museum The first section from Bramcote Hall to Water Mains SK 26892 Station Road revealed no evidence of Renewals, Polesworth 03641 archaeological features or finds. However, only the section from the pumping station to Station Lane was trenched. In Potters Lane large quantities of pottery, mostly C18 in date were found.

630329 1959 Warwickshire Report deals with both Morris' and POLESWORTH Museum Mytum's excavations. Morris found ABBEY SK 26300 traces of building between church and Excavation 02400 river.

630331 1976 Warwickshire No evidence of the 10th century POLESWORTH Museum nunnery was found. ABBEY AND HIGH SK 26300

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ID / Event Date Author / NGR Results STREET 02400 Excavation

762153 1986 Atherstone Excavation in advance of residential OFF POTTERS - 87 Archaeological development revealed a post-medieval LANE, Society pottery kiln dump. POLESWORTH SK 263 019 Excavation

1056593 1993 Warwickshire Four trial trenches excavated. POLESWORTH Museum Field Evaluation in advance of a library LIBRARY Archaeology extension took place within the Unit precincts of Polesworth Abbey. Evaluation SK 2620 0250

1057366 1994 Warwickshire Observations maintained on seventeen TITHE BARN, HALL Museum Field foundation trenches located no COURT Archaeology archaeological activity which predated Unit the barn. Watching Brief SK 262 025

1444050 2002 Warwickshire Monitoring of internal groundworks ABBEY CHURCH OF Museum Field recorded a medieval coffin and later ST EDITHA Archaeology structures. Unit Watching Brief SK 2632 0242

1539298 2008 Warwickshire Evaluation in advance of a proposed LAND TO THE EAST Museum Field graveyard extension found evidence of OF ST. EDITHA'S Archaeology extensive disturbance from open-cast CHURCHYARD Unit coal mining in the 1950s. Evaluation SK 2642 0247

1545738 2007 Warwickshire Three trenches excavated following POLESWORTH Museum geophysical survey, revealing monastic VICARAGE SK 263 025 structures and burials. Evaluation

Table 7 Previous Assessments of the Historic Environment within the Study Area

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6 ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL

6.1 The archaeological potential of the study area is dominated by built assets of Medieval and post-Medieval date, most densely concentrated in Polesworth. 6.2 Previous archaeological assessments, the results of which are indicative of archaeological potential, are biased towards Polesworth and Polesworth Abbey. 6.3 The NMR/HER record no known heritage assets within the site boundary, however, a walkover survey, assessment of historical mapping and aerial photography indicate surface earthworks in the form of a post-medieval trackway (RSK ID 90) and ridge and furrow (RSK ID 89) (photo 2), and also the below-ground remains of three modern structures preserved within the site boundary (RSK IDs 87 & 88) (photos 3 & 4). 6.4 Geophysical survey results suggest the potential for the archaeological preservation of a geometric field system/agricultural marks of unknown date (Figure 3). 6.5 The archaeological potential of the site is summarised, by period, as follows: Prehistoric - Roman 6.6 Records for known heritage assets dating to the prehistoric periods is scant within the immediate area of the proposed development site. The historical background of the region suggests that the prehistoric population was concentrated south of modern-day Atherstone, and west of the M42. Whilst it is acknowledged that this bias may be a reflection of previous studies into the historic environment, it appears that the area of the proposed development was most likely exploited throughout the prehistoric periods (as indicated by remains at Kisses barn), settlement evidence within the boundary of the proposed development is unlikely. 6.7 There is no evidence for Roman period remains within the site boundary. It is most likely that any preserved Roman archaeology is concentrated nearer to Watling Street, and in Mancetter and Dordon. Early Medieval - Medieval 6.8 Poleworth is a Medieval township and most likely has roots in the preceding early Medieval period. The extent of any preserved settlement remains dating to these periods will be concentrated within the limits of the present town. 6.9 The estate supporting the monastic community in the Medieval period would have comprised an agricultural landscape, including the proposed development site. 6.10 The interpreted geophysical anomalies of possible archaeological origin may relate to a field system predating the modern one as annotated on historic mapping. It is possible that the features date to the early Medieval or Medieval periods. Post Medieval - Modern 6.11 Later historic mapping indicates that surface and below ground archaeological remains dating to the post-medieval and modern periods are preserved within the site boundary. However, such remains are of low archaeological significance.

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7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Potential physical impacts

7.1 Desk-based and non-intrusive assessments have indicated the limited archaeological potential and significance of known heritage assets within the boundaries of the proposed development site. 7.2 Ridge and furrow identified within the site boundary may mask archaeological features that are not evident on the results of the geophysical survey. 7.3 There are also areas of previously undisturbed ground around the periphery of the site. 7.4 The Assistant Historic Environment Officer, providing archaeological information and advice for Warwickshire County Council have been consulted with regards the need for further archaeological assessment and mitigation relating to an application to develop this site. 7.5 WCC are of the opinion that the site contains archaeological potential, primarily relating to the Medieval use of the site as Wood Park which contained a chapel, and may contain associated features such as a lodge. There is also the potential for previously unknown features of an earlier date. 7.6 WCC therefore consider that if the application were to come forward a condition would be attached to any consent relating to archaeology. 7.7 It is anticipated that the condition comprise a programme of intrusive archaeological evaluation (trial-trenching), confined to areas defined in the geophysical survey as unaffected by previous open cast mining activity.

Potential impacts to setting

7.8 The 250m stretch of Grendon Road located between Polesworth Conservation Area and the site is developed with residential housing, thus the setting of the Conservation Area will not be materially altered as a result of development at the proposed site. No mitigation is required.

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8 REFERENCES

English Heritage, 2006, Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MoRPHE)

Institute for Archaeologists, 2010, Code of Conduct.

Institute for Archaeologists, 2012, Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Desk- Based Assessment.

Clark, 1846, ‘descriptive text’ from HER record MWA225

Mills AD, 2003, Dictionary of Place Names . Oxford University Press.

RSK, 2013, Dordon, Polesworth, Warwickshire: Geophysical Report , Unpublished RSK Report 293750

Slater TR & Lewis PL, no date, Field and Forest, A Historical Geography of Warwickshire and Worcestershire , Worcestershire Archives

Warwickshire Historic Landscape Characterisation

Williams A & Martin GH, 2002, Domesday Book: A complete Translation , Alecto Historical Editions, Penguin Books, London.

Webster G, 1978, Boudica: the British Revolt Against Rome, AD 60 , Routledge

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FIGURES

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

Photo 1. General site shot, from Hoo Hill. Looking west

Photo 2 . Ridge and furrow earthworks (RSK ID 89) running east – west, and a raised earthwork trackway running south from Grendon Road (RSK ID 90. Looking north.

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

Photo 3. Location of former structure (RSK ID 87). Looking west

Photo 4. Location of two former structures (RSK ID 88). Looking north west.

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APPENDIX A GAZETTEER OF KNOWN HERITAGE ASSETS

RSK IMPORT- ID NMR ID HER ID NAME DESCRIPTION STATUS NGR E N PERIOD ANCE Polesworth Abbey, a nunnery house governed by Early an abbess. The Abbey dates to the Early medieval Medieval period and lies 200m east of Bridge to 1 309881 MWA203 Polesworth Abbey Street, Polesworth. SM SK 2632 245 Medieval High Polesworth Bridge over the River Anker was first built in the Medieval period. It is situated on DWA604 / Bridge Street, 225m north west of Abbey Green SM / Post- 2 309917 MWA212 / ANKER BRIDGE Park, Polesworth. LBII SK 26096 2320 medieval High

NUMBER 2 AND ATTACHED WALL AND SCHOOL HOUSE AND ATTACHED WALL Former school. Front range, the Old School, was AND THE OLD completely rebuilt 1818; the rear ranges, Nos.I Post- 3 DWA606 SCHOOL and 2, are early/mid C19 LBII SK 26199 2589 medieval High Church, originally part of a Benedictine nunnery DWA607 / CHURCH OF ST church, C11 origins. Early Cl2 nave and north 4 1300173 MWA5645 EDITHA aisle, C14 tower has C17/C18 top. LBII* SK 26332 2433 Med High FORMER SUNDIAL APPROXIMATELY 40 DWA608 / METRES EAST OF Post- 5 MWA208 THE VICARAGE Former sundial. C17. Sandstone. LBII SK 26367 2387 medieval High Includes that part formerly listed as No. 32 and Nos. 30 (Gate House), No. 34. Row of 3 houses. Late C15/early C16 6 1300163 DWA609 32 and 34 High Street with later alterations. LBII* SK 26310 2562 Med High

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RSK IMPORT- ID NMR ID HER ID NAME DESCRIPTION STATUS NGR E N PERIOD ANCE Building of uncertain purpose, associated with the adjoining Abbey gatehouse [qv], now partly a dwelling. Part of a group of attached buildings. Possibly late Cl6, with later alterations, coursed Post- 7 DWA610 No 22 High Street sandstone rubble. LBII* SK 26291 2554 medieval High

TAME BARN APPROXIMATELY 45 METRES SOUTH OF HIGH STREET AND 120 METRES NORTH DWA611 / WEST OF CHURCH Post- 8 309889 MWA211 OF ST EDITHA Barn. C17/early C18 LBII SK 26237 2526 medieval High POLESWORTH CONGREGATIONAL Post- 9 1501430 DWA612 CHURCH Nonconformist chapel. Dated 1828. LBII SK 26231 2557 medieval High Vicarage. Rebuilt about 1870 but with some DWA622 / reused elements from a C16 manor house, on the Post- 10 MWA8913 THE VICARAGE site of the Abbess's lodgings. LBII SK 26322 2405 medieval High Abbey gatehouse, now gatehouse and flat above. Abbey Gatehouse and Part of a group of attached buildings. Late C14; Post- 11 1300152 DWA623 No.24 High Street upper part partly rebuilt C17 LBII* SK 26291 2554 medieval High

DOVECOTE APPROXIMATELY 85 METRES SOUTH OF HIGH STREET AND 100 METRES NORTH Dovecote, 17th century with brick walls on stone DWA624 / WEST OF CHURCH base and tiled roof with lantern. Restored and Post- 12 309900 MWA210 OF AT EDITHA used as a store room for adajacent library. LBII SK 26242 2497 medieval High Housed subsequently shop and dwelling now bars and restaurant. Mid C18 with late C19 Post- 13 DWA625 FOSTERS YARD alterations. LBII SK 26031 2189 medieval High

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RSK IMPORT- ID NMR ID HER ID NAME DESCRIPTION STATUS NGR E N PERIOD ANCE Nos 24 - 30 (even) Row of 4 cottages. C17 with C19 and late C20 Post- 14 DWA630 Bridge Street alterations. LBII SK 26166 2459 medieval High DWA631 / Post- 15 MWA213 No 64 High Street Cottage. C16 or earlier origins, and C17 LBII SK 26460 2557 medieval High WALL EAST OF SOUTH EAST CORNER OF NAVE OF CHURCH OF ST Wall. Probably C11 and medieval with later 16 DWA632 EDITHA alterations. LBII SK 26355 2425 Med High

OBELISK ON THE SITE OF ST Obelisk. C19. Sandstone. Inscribed 'SITE OF DWA689 / LEONARD'S CHAPEL THE CHAPEL OF ST. LEONARD AT HOO Post- 17 MWA226 AT SK 2713 0185 DEMOLISHED 1538 30TH HENRY Vlll'. LBII SK 27130 1850 medieval High

The site of a pottery kiln, used for the firing of Post-Medieval Pottery pottery ware, dating to the Post Medieval period. Post- 18 MWA8128 Kiln, Polesworth It was situated north of Potters Lane, Polesworth. SK 2617 200 medieval Low Findspot - pottery sherds dating to the Imperial Findspot - Imperial period were recovered from Potters Lane, Post- 19 MWA8749 pottery sherds Polesworth. SK 26275 1976 medieval Negligible The site of the Chapel of St. Leonard, which was Site of Chapel of St built during the Medieval period. It lies 350m 20 309914 MWA225 Leonard south of the sewage works, Polesworth. SK 2715 180 Medieval Medium The site of a timber-framed house, known as 'Little Jim's Cottage'. It was built in the Post Site of 'Little Jims Medieval period and was situated on Fairfields Post- 21 MWA2473 Cottage', Fairfields Hill Hill, Polesworth. SK 2600 201 medieval Low The site of a tile kiln that produced patterned tiles. Site of Medieval Tile The ki ln was Medieval in date and was situated in 22 MWA276 Kiln in Potters Lane Potters Lane, Polesworth. SK 2612 196 Medieval Low

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RSK IMPORT- ID NMR ID HER ID NAME DESCRIPTION STATUS NGR E N PERIOD ANCE Site of 'The Ark', Grendon Street, Post- 23 MWA2477 Polesworth SK 2608 221 medieval Low The site of the cloisters of Polesworth Abbey Site of Cloisters of dating to the Medieval period. They were 24 MWA5646 Polesworth Abbey situated 200m east of Bridge Street, Polesworth. SK 2634 238 Medieval High Site of P.Med timber Post- 25 MWA2479 house, Bridge Street SK 2612 240 medieval Low Poss Cropmark Enclosure to SE of 26 MWA4459 Sandy Way Cottage SK 2778 123 Undated Uncertain Mesolithic Finds at A flint scatter of artefacts dating to the early Kisses Barn Farm, Mesolithic period. They were excavated from a Early 27 1211500 MWA5761 Polesworth location 350m southwest of Kisses Barn Farm. SK 2748 214 Mesolithic Medium

Neolithic possible 28 MWA5763 Ring Ditch and Pottery SK 2748 237 Neolithic Uncertain Possible Iron Age Features at Kisses 29 MWA5765 Barn Farm SK 2748 238 Iron Age Uncertain A trackway that is visible as a crop mark on aerial photographs and which is of unknown date. The Trackway 50m east of end of the trackway lies 50m east of Wood Park 30 MWA5316 Wood Park Farm Farm. SK 2739 162 Undated Negligible A hill top enclosure, possibly a hillfort, dating to Site of Possible Iron the Iron Age that is visible as a cropmark. It is 31 MWA4212 Age Hillfort on Hoo Hill situated on Hoo Hill, east of Polesworth. SK 2736 171 Iron Age Medium The site of a gravel pit from which gravel was extracted. It was used during the Imperial period and was marked on the Ordnance Survey map of Site of Gravel Pit NE 1885. It was situated 350m northeast of Wood Post- 32 MWA6508 of Wood Park Farm Park Farm. SK 2719 202 medieval Negligible

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RSK IMPORT- ID NMR ID HER ID NAME DESCRIPTION STATUS NGR E N PERIOD ANCE Site of Mine Shaft in Post- 33 MWA6501 Dordon SK 2604 125 medieval Negligible Site of Reservoir in Post- 34 MWA6517 Dordon SK 2615 103 medieval Negligible The site of a gravel pit from which gravel was extracted. It was in use during the Imperial period and was marked on the Ordnance Survey Site of Gravel Pit on map of 1885. It was situated on Hoo Hill, 175m Post- 35 MWA6509 Hoo Hill north of Wood Park Farm. SK 2724 173 medieval Negligible The site of a lime kiln, a kiln in which lime is made. It dated to the Imperial period and was situated on the northern side of Limekiln Bridge, Site of Lime kiln in Polesworth. The lime kiln is marked on the Post- 36 MWA6520 Polesworth Ordnance Survey map of 1885. SK 2648 205 medieval Low The site of a pound, a pen where livestock would be rounded up. It dated to the Imperial period Site of Pound in and was situated immediately south of Bassett's Post- 37 MWA6519 Polesworth Bridge, Polesworth. SK 2625 205 medieval Low The site of a canal basin, an open area of water where vessels could load and unload goods. It Site of Canal Basin S dates to the Imperial period and was situated Post- 38 MWA6506 of Bulls Head Bridge 120m south of Bulls Head Bridge, Polesworth. SK 2581 217 medieval Low 19th and 20th Century Outbuildings and Post-Medieval Pottery, Bridge Street, Post- 39 MWA8185 Polesworth SK 2611 245 medieval Low The site of a blacksmiths workshop where metal would have been worked. It dated to the Imperial period and was situated immediately northeast of Site of Smithy at Bulls Head Bridge, Polesworth. It is marked on Post- 40 MWA6521 Polesworth the Ordnance Survey map of 1901. SK 2587 230 medieval Low

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RSK IMPORT- ID NMR ID HER ID NAME DESCRIPTION STATUS NGR E N PERIOD ANCE The foundations of a brick wall dating to the Post Medieval or Imperial period. The foundations Wall at 2A Bridge were recorded on the east side of Bridge Street, Post- 41 MWA8758 Street Polesworth. SK 26147 2363 medieval Negligible Post- 42 MWA7504 Polesworth Library SK 2621 248 medieval Low Early medieval Mound E of to 43 MWA7495 Polesworth Church SK 2634 239 Medieval Low Site of Manor House at Polesworth Post- 44 MWA207 Vicarage SK 2627 241 medieval Low The site of a watermill that was first built in the Medieval period and used for milling corn. It continued in use until the 20th century. The site is 150m northwest of Abbey Green Park, Medieval 45 MWA209 Site of Polesworth Mill Polesworth. SK 2618 227 to Modern Low Burials, Polesworth Abbey Cloister, 46 MWA8965 Polesworth SK 26340 2404 Medieval High Public open space identified by Jonathan Lovie in 1997. Contains remains of Polesworth Abbey; churchyard, vicarage and former Abbey Abbey Croft, public gatehouse. Recommended for inclusion on Local 47 MWA12497 space, Polesworth List by Lovie. SK 2653 243 Modern Negligible Post- Dorden Hall garden, medieval 48 MWA12574 Dorden Garden; no details given. SK 2706 82 to Modern Low Range of P.Med timber houses, Bridge A range of Post Medieval timber-framed houses Post- 49 MWA2480 Street, Polesworth on Bridge Street, Polesworth. SK 2616 246 medieval Low

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

RSK IMPORT- ID NMR ID HER ID NAME DESCRIPTION STATUS NGR E N PERIOD ANCE The Red Lion, an inn dating to the Imperial period The Red Lion, Bridge which originally had a thatched roof. The inn is Post- 50 MWA2481 Street, Polesworth situated on Bridge Street, Polesworth. SK 2614 250 medieval Low 18th/19th century house, High Street, A house built in the Imperial period which is Post- 51 MWA2489 Polesworth situated in High Street, Polesworth. SK 2637 258 medieval Low Nethersole School which was built in the Post Medieval period. Part of the school was rebuilt in Nethersole School, the Imperial period. It is situated 50m north of Post- 52 MWA7850 Polesworth High Street, Polesworth. SK 2624 259 medieval Low A building constructed during the Imperial period as a school. It is built of red and black bricks that are arranged in a chequered pattern. The School House, building is situated on the corner of Bridge Street Post- 53 MWA216 Polesworth and High Street in Polesworth. SK 2620 257 medieval Low The site of a corn mill that was built during the Site of Corn Mill E of Imperial period. It was situated east of Bridge Post- 54 MWA6505 Polesworth Bridge Street, Polesworth. SK 2613 227 medieval Low The Chetwynd Arms, an inn built in red brick with Chetwynd Arms, a tile roof with a stable block to the rear. It was Market Street, built during the Imperial period and is situated on Post- 55 MWA2476 Polesworth Market Street, Polesworth. SK 2601 219 medieval Low A gatehouse associated with Polesworth Abbey which is Medieval in date. The walls are constructed in ashlar except over the gateway Medieval Polesworth Abbey where they are of timber. The gatehouse is to Post- 56 MWA204 Gatehouse located 200m east of Bridge Street, Polesworth. SK 2629 255 medieval High An archaeological survey at this site found Early Mesolithic to Iron Age evidence of features and finds dating from the Mesolithic features, Kisses' Barn Early Mesolithic to the Iron Age. It is to the to Late 57 MWA5760 Polesworth northeast of Swing Bridge, Polesworth. SK 2762 225 Iron Age Medium

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

RSK IMPORT- ID NMR ID HER ID NAME DESCRIPTION STATUS NGR E N PERIOD ANCE Polesworth Medieval The possible extent of the medieval settlement 58 MWA9573 Settlement based on the Ordnance Survey map of 1885. SK 26040 2242 Medieval Low

Possible site of market Weekly market granted to the Abbey in 1242. 59 MWA13149 place, Polesworth Location uncertain. SK 2618 246 Medieval Low A colliery is shown on the Polesworth tithe map c.1850. The site is situated approximately 65m to Post- 60 MWA12238 Colliery, Polesworth the south west of Bull's Head Bridge. SK 25830 2221 medieval Low Site of Stiper's Hill Possible site and associated earthworks of castle 61 MWA13154 Castle, Polesworth built soon after the Conquest. SK 2712 269 Medieval Uncertain Site of Wood Park, 62 MWA13158 Polesworth Possible site of a medieval park. SK 2708 174 Medieval Negligible Medieval Spread Eagle Inn, Historic inn opposite gate house to Polesworth to Post- 63 MWA13194 Polesworth Abbey. SK 2629 258 medieval Low A timber framed house dating to the Post 32 High Street, Medieval period is situated on High Street, Post- 64 MWA215 Polesworth Polesworth. SK 2630 255 medieval Low The parish church of St. Editha which is Medieval in date. The church was associated with Polesworth Abbey Polesworth Abbey. It is located 200m east of 65 MWA205 Church Bridge Street, Porlesworth. SK 2635 243 Medieval Medium Site of Abbess's Lodgings at 66 MWA206 Polesworth Abbey SK 2634 242 Medieval High Find spot - a fragment of a cross dating to the Findspot - Medieval Medieval period which was found 40m south of 67 MWA219 cross fragment High Street, Polesworth. SK 2638 253 Medieval Negligible A nonconformist Baptist chapel, built in the Baptist Chapel, The Imperial period, is situated at the junction of The Post- 68 1501429 MWA2454 Gullet, Polesworth Gullet and Fairfields Hill, Polesworth. SK 2600 200 medieval Medium

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

RSK IMPORT- ID NMR ID HER ID NAME DESCRIPTION STATUS NGR E N PERIOD ANCE Congregational A nonconformist chapel built in brick with a tile Chapel, High Street, roof. It was built in the Imperial period and is Post- 69 MWA2486 Poleshill situated on High Street, Polesworth. SK 2620 250 medieval Medium Findspot - Roman Romano- 70 MWA5317 pottery sherd SK 2730 170 British Negligible Site of Pottery Kiln, Post- 71 MWA5705 Potters Lane SK 2620 200 medieval Low

The site of a factory that made clay pipes. It was Site of Clay Pipe built in the Post Medieval period and continued to Post- Factory in Potters be used until the Imperial period. The factory medieval 72 MWA6117 Lane was situated on Potters Lane, Polesworth. SK 2620 200 to Imperial Low A steam mill which was built during the Imperial period for the purpose of grinding corn. It was Steam Mill, Market situated on the western side of Market Street, Post- 73 MWA218 Street, Polesworth Polesworth. SK 2603 208 medieval Low The site of a timber-framed thatched building that Site of P.Med timber was divided into three cottages. It was built in the house, Bridge Street, Post Medieval period and was situated on Bridge Post- 74 MWA2485 Polesworth Street, Polesworth. SK 2622 258 medieval Low Stiper's Hill Farm, Stiper's Hill Farm, a house built in the Imperial Stiper's Hill, period which is situated on Stiper's Hill, northeast Post- 75 MWA2490 Polesworth of Polesworth. SK 2729 265 medieval Low Site of 18th Century A house dating to the Imperial period. The site of Post- 76 MWA2484 House, High Street the house is on High Street, Polesworth. SK 2622 256 medieval Low Site of 18th century The site of two houses built in brick during the houses, High Street, Imperial period and situated on the High Street, Post- 77 MWA2488 Poleswort Polesworth. SK 2625 256 medieval Low Shopping complex, Bridge Street, Post- 78 MWA2483 Polesworth SK 2620 255 medieval Low

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

RSK IMPORT- ID NMR ID HER ID NAME DESCRIPTION STATUS NGR E N PERIOD ANCE 19th century house, A house built from brick with a tile roof. It was Bridge Street, built during the Imperial period and is situated on Post- 79 MWA2482 Polesworth Bridge Street, Polesworth. SK 2616 253 medieval Low House/shop, Bridge 80 MWA2478 Street, Polesworth SK 2613 243 n/a Low A market place, a two-storey building built in brick Polesworth Market, that dates to the Imperial period. It is situated on Post- 81 MWA2474 Market Street Market Street, Polesworth. SK 2603 206 medieval Low

Archaeological observation of topsoil stripping in Arch Obs nr 43 the vicinity of a medieval tile kiln and post- Post- Potters Lane, medieval pottery kilns revealed no archaeological medieval 82 MWA7975 Polesworth features and no finds SK 2702 197 to Modern Negligible Late Findspot - Bronze Age Find spot - a barbed and tanged arrowhead of Neolithic arrowhead in Bronze Age date was found 60m west of Market to Early 83 MWA221 Polesworth parish Street, Polesworth. SK 2599 210 Iron Age Negligible The site of a house built of red brick with a tile Site of 18th Century roof which was constructed in the Imperial period Post- 84 MWA2487 House, High Street in High Street, Polesworth. SK 2623 255 medieval Low

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

RSK IMPORT- ID NMR ID HER ID NAME DESCRIPTION STATUS NGR E N PERIOD ANCE

Canal started in 1768 to take the coal mined near Coventry to the Trent and Mersey Canal at Fradley Heath, but only the Coventry-Atherstone section, representing half of the proposed length,was completed when money ran out in 1778. A meeting of several canal companies in 1782 led to an agreement for them to complete the Fradley-Fazeley section, and the Coventry Canal Company raised funds to complete the remainder, which was completed in 1790. This completed the last link between the Severn, Trent, Mersey and Thames. The canal is open, Post- 85 1340358 MWA4373 COVENTRY CANAL although the Griff Arm has closed. SK 430284 298091 medieval Medium

Several schemes had been promoted to use the Trent Valley as a ` avoiding route', and thus cutting the running time between London and the North-West, before the Trent Valley Railway was authorised in 1845. It opened in 1847 between Rugby and Stafford, where it joined the Grand Junction Railway. The line TRENT VALLEY played a major role in the development of Post- 86 1369254 RAILWAY industry North of the line. SK 424218 304649 medieval Medium 87 Structure 1 Structure evident on 1924 OS mapping SK 426759 301862 Modern Negligible 88 Structures 2 & 3 Structures evident on 1924 - 1975 OS mapping SK 426876 301842 Modern Negligible Evident on modern aerial photography, and 89 Ridge and furrow observed during walkover survey SK 426826 301887 Modern Negligible Raised earthwork tracway leading between Grendon Road and RSK ID 88, evident on 1956 - Trackway south of 1975 OS mapping and observed during walkover 90 Wood Park Farm survey SK 426856 301884 Modern Negligible

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)

Taylor Wimpey Polesworth, Warwickshire, Historic Environment DBA 660402-1 (01)