Title: |
Desk-Based and Buildings Assessment at 79-85, High Street, Worcester |
Series: |
Worcestershire Archaeology unpublished report series
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Downloads: |
fieldsec1-235986_1.pdf (6 MB)
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Download
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Licence Type: |
ADS Terms of Use and Access
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DOI |
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Publication Type: |
Report (in Series)
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Abstract: |
A desk-based and buildings assessment was undertaken at 79-85, High Street, Worcester (NGR SO 8497 5484). It was compiled for ESA Architects on behalf of the Crown Estate, which intends to form an extended retail unit and to refurbish the upper floors of several rooms for residential use. The site lies within the centre of the Roman and medieval settlements, along the west side of High Street, which has been in existence since at least the 10th century. The buildings are all listed as Grade II (nos. 488858-488862). Previous archaeological investigations to the rear of no. 85 revealed an early 12th century stone undercroft with later alterations and an adjacent undefined stone structure. Excavations at Deansway adjacent have identified a full sequence of Roman, early medieval and medieval remains, including Roman domestic, industrial and agricultural activity, early Saxon agriculture, the later Saxon burh defences, medieval tenement plot divisions, frontage buildings and rear plot activity, both domestic and industrial, sealing the natural sand and gravel at c 20m AOD and overlain by minimal post-medieval and modern layers. Archaeological investigations in other adjacent sites on either side of High Street have also revealed a wealth of similar remains, indicating that the current site has the potential to address a number of research priorities, particularly regarding the Roman origins of High Street, activity within the Saxon burh, the medieval High Street and black plot activities. Further investigations are therefore recommended in the form of archaeological evaluation with trial trenches or test pits in those areas earmarked for groundworks as part of the development. Although the buildings within the site have been extensively altered, especially in the 19th century, they retain medieval and post-medieval fabric and thus further recording is recommended. |
Author: |
J Hughes
S Robson-Glyde
Tom Vaughan
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Publisher: |
Worcestershire Archaeology
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Other Person/Org: |
Historic England (OASIS Reviewer)
Worcester City SMR and UAD (OASIS Reviewer)
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Year of Publication: |
2009
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Locations: |
Site: |
79-85, High Street, Worcester |
County: |
Worcestershire |
District: |
Worcester |
Parish: |
WORCESTER |
Country: |
England |
Grid Reference: 384970, 254840 (Easting, Northing)
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Subjects / Periods: |
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Identifiers: |
OASIS Id: |
fieldsec1-235986 |
OBIB: |
Report Reference 1678 |
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Source: |
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Relations: |
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Created Date: |
18 Aug 2017 |