Discoveries At Our New Site

Work began at our new site a fortnight ago and in that time we've made two fascinating (and fairly important) discoveries. Firstly, in the first half of the 19th century, there was a 'whim-gin' or 'horse-gin' coal mine at the site which we now know gave the name 'Hell Hole' to the field. 

The second discovery is rather older and equally important. Running alongside the south part of the mine area we've discovered a medieval cobbled surface which could be a track or something else. Whatever it turns out to be, from pottery finds we know it was in use in the 13th or 14th centuries! We have a couple of months to investigate further before the land returns to grazing use for the rest of the year. 

Part of the cobbled surface

 

 

South Staffordshire Whiteware dating to the 13th or 14th century. Just some of the 40+ potsherds discovered lying on top of the cobbled surface.

 

 

Marsh Park, Brierley Hill

We were asked by the Friends of the Park to try and uncover the remains of an observation tower from the Second World War. The tower was in place over the duration of the war to look out for enemy bombers but was demolished sometime shortly afterwards. Fortunately for us, the foundations are just under the surface so digging will not be too difficult. The park itself was commenced just after the First World War and celebrated its centenary in 2021 after the well known Marsh and Baxter family donated the land for the benefit of the local people. As some of you older members might know they were very well respected local butchers with a Royal warrant for supplying pork. The dig will take place every Sunday over the next few weeks. Anyone wishing to join us is most welcome.