| Abstract: |
Allen Archaeology Ltd performed two sets of archaeological investigations, one in 2013 and another in 2016, examining the Church of St. Margaret, Hawerby-cum-Beesby, North-East Lincolnshire.
In 2013, an archaeological scheme of works was carried out for Scorer and Hawkins in order to assess the archaeological potential of land at Church of St. Margaret, Hawerby cum Beesby, Lincolnshire, in advance of the submission of a planning application for restoration and conversion of the church. The programme of works comprised desk-based research, a photographic survey and archaeological monitoring of three small test pits.
In 2016, Allen Archaeology Limited was commissioned by Peter Pace Architects on behalf of Ina Telford to undertake a programme of historic building recording and archaeological monitoring at the Church of St. Margaret, Hawerby-cum-Beesby, North-East Lincolnshire. The work has been undertaken as a condition of planning permission and Listed Building Consent prior to extensive internal and external works to the building. A standard historic building survey was not possible as the building was already being heavily supported by scaffolding to prevent it from collapse. Instead, the building recording was undertaken as work progressed and access to masonry became possible. This largely focused on areas of interest that were identified by Hugh Winfield. As a listed building the church is of inherent architectural and historic interest. The earliest, and therefore most significant surviving elements of the church comprise the blind arches on the south elevation that are likely to be of a 12th century date. They were later infilled when the south aisle was removed. Other significant surviving elements include the unusual double bell-cote of 17th century date. 19th century brick repairs to the north elevation are considered to be of lower significance.
The three test pits monitored at the site exposed evidence for foundation trenches associated with the existing church, as well as a north – south aligned stone wall to the south of the church, possibly related to the former south aisle. No earlier archaeological features or deposits were encountered and no human remains were exposed, although any groundworks for drainage, soakaways etc. elsewhere in the churchyard have a high potential for encountering human remains.
The archaeological work has identified at least five phases of construction. Most of both the north and west walls are likely to date from the first phase of building, in the 13th century. A recently discovered Norman style window on the north elevation, was blocked probably during the 17th century.
The arcade on the south elevation is also from the first phase of construction. Parts of the original columns were exposed after the plaster was removed from the walls. After the 14th century, St. Margaret’s started to fall into disrepair, and it may be at this time that the south aisle was demolished. St. Margaret’s underwent repair in the mid-15th century, using reclaimed stone from nearby Beesby Church, the congregation from this church moving to Hawerby. Worked pieces of masonry with mouldings, from window traceries, cornices, doorways and other architectural elements were encountered in St. Margaret’s when the plaster was recently removed. Some displayed graffiti depicting crosses and other marks. It is uncertain whether the stones originates from Beesby church or from St Margaret’s. Graffiti was encountered mainly on the south elevation of the church and although it may well be medieval it could equally be of later 17th to 19th century date, the point at which the walls were plastered.
During the third phase of construction in the 17th century the church was once again repaired, with stones taken from the remains of Beesby church. The bellcote on the west gable was also erected at this time. |
