1097673. Cite this using datacite

Title:

Flood Alleviation,Gog and Fishers Brook,Stratford Road,Warwick Archaeological Watching Brief

Series:

Archaeology Warwickshire unpublished report series

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.5284/1097673

Publication Type:

Report (in Series)

Abstract:

The work undertaken involved the examination of early map evidence as well as records of archaeological remains in the area and local historical journals and other publications. An experienced archaeologist was made available for each day of ground disturbance when notified by the client in accordance with the WSI and the provision of a suitably qualified team in order to undertake the recording of the structure. Prior to the commencement of flood alleviation works, the existing structure of Fishers Bridge was recorded (EWA 9491). Fishers Bridge RecordingPrior to the commencement of flood alleviation works, the existing structure of Fishers Bridge was recorded (EWA 9491). The internal structure of the bridge arch was recorded in detail in several phases because of health and safety considerations given to access arrangements. The initial phases provided a scale drawing of the available internal faces of the arch and a photographic record. In a survey of Warwickshire Bridges in 1997 (WMFS 1997), dating of the bridge wasnot known. Historic research undertaken with the assistance of Steven Wallsgrove, did not reveal any documentary sources that could provide any useful information about the bridge. The recording exercise carried out in 2010 concurred with the earlier 1998 recording by R. Cragg. Two phases of extension were visible along with numerous repairs. The latest phase of extension is likely to have taken place in the later 19th-century as it utilised blue bricks. The bridge measured 19.5m E-W and 7m N-S . The earliest phase of construction was identified in the centre of the Bridge . Sandstone blocks had been used in the 1.5m high, arched structure. The sandstoneblocks had been painted at some time with white paint or plaster. A later phase of bridge was evidenced by the use of red brick and an extension to the western end took place using blue engineering bricks which were manufactured from 1832 but became common towards the later 19th century. Numerous repairs to the inside of the bridge arch were apparent, mostly in red brick although some were of blue bricks and there was occasional use of tile. The parapet and face of the bridge were constructed of sandstone blocks.Watching BriefThere was only restricted access for archaeological recording. To the east of the Bridge the sandstone parapet was removed and an area around the bridge was reduced by over 1m. No earlier bridge features were noted. Yellowish brown geological natural sand and gravel was revealed at a depth of c.0.6m. Soil horizons had been considerably disturbed by modern services. A layer of greyish brown sandy loam was overlain by c.0.3m of dark greyish brown sandy loam topsoil across most of the area. Excavations within the road revealed the arched red brick structure of the bridge. It was covered with aggregates and tarmac. Similarly the footpaths were constructed of a lesssubstantial depth of make-up. The northern bank of the brook on the western side was revetted with unbondedsandstone blocks. Ground reductions alongside the bridge structure revealed the sandy natural overlain by greyish brown sandy loam and road construction layers. Ground reduction of up to 0.4m took place in a wider area to the east of the road. Here within the greyish brown sandy loam topsoil three anti-tank traps were found. A total of six traps were revealed during the work and these were all cylindrical shaped with central hole to which a handle would be attached should they need to be moved. Their existence had been previously unknown. The anti-tank traps were used for temporary road blocks on approach bridges and presumably formed part of a Home guard Stop Line in WWII. They may have been associated with the nearby RAF Warwick or more likely, they were to protect the town in the event of an invasion.

Author:

Caroline Rann

Publisher:

Archaeology Warwickshire

Year of Publication:

2016

Locations:

County:	Warwickshire
District:	Warwick
Parish:	Warwick
Country:	England

Grid Reference: 427529, 263619 (Easting, Northing)

Subjects / Periods:

20TH CENTURY (Historic England Periods)
	TANK TRAP (Monument Type England)
	WATCHING BRIEF (Event)
	20TH CENTURY TANK TRAP (Tag)

Identifiers:

OASIS Id:	archaeol27-266383
OBIB:	Report number 1602

Note:

This report was uploaded to the OASIS system by the named Publisher. The report has been transferred into the ADS Library for public access and to facilitate future research.

Source:

OASIS (OASIS)

Relations:

Created Date:

19 Jul 2022