Site Data from an Archaeological Building Survey at Coleshill Hall Farm, Coleshill, Warwickshire, 2021-2022 (HS2 Phase One)
High Speed Two Ltd., COPA: Cotswold Oxford Pre-Construct Archaeology, Oxford Archaeology Ltd, 2025. https://doi.org/10.5284/1126806. How to cite using this DOI
Data copyright © High Speed Two Ltd. unless otherwise stated
This work is licensed under a The Open Government Licence (OGL).
Primary contact
High Speed Two Ltd.
2 Snowhill
Queensway
Birmingham
B4 6GA
United Kingdom
Tel: 08081 434 434
Resource identifiers
- ADS Collection: 5661
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1126806
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
This collection comprises the geomatics data, photogrammetry data and the photographic archive for the building survey at Coleshill Hall Farmhouse carried out by COPA (Cotswold Oxford Pre-Construct Archaeology) between November 2021 and October 2022 and forms part of Phase One of the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project.
Project Summary
COPA were commissioned by TRD, on behalf of HS2 to carry out historic building recording on a group of structures at Coleshill Hall Farm, prior to and during their demolition as part of the enabling works programme for the HS2 project in the Community Forum Area 19 (CFA 19). The site lies on the north side of Birmingham Road, in the parish of Coleshill, North Warwickshire (NGR SP 19078 88256).
The farmhouse was a Grade II listed building and was subject to a Heritage Agreement between HS2 Ltd, North Warwickshire District Council and Historic England which included the requirement for a programme of historic building recording. This was under the provisions of Schedule 18 of the HS2 Act. A Recording and Works Method Statement was prepared which specified a level 4 survey, as defined by Historic England. Following this a Location Specific Written Scheme of Investigation was produced which clarified that the farmhouse (Building A) should be recorded at Level 4 but the other later buildings (Buildings B & C) should be recorded at Level 2. The agreed methodology for the recording was constrained by the fact that the poor condition of the building prevented internal access. An initial phase of external recording was undertaken in November 2021. In light of the restrictions on internal access, a methodology for the controlled dismantling of the building by hand was agreed to allow for a closer examination of the fabric from scaffolding. However, this methodology was superseded when structural concerns were raised regarding the stability of the building and ultimately the structure was demolished mechanically. During mechanical demolition roof timbers and other structural members were carefully removed and placed in a safe zone, where they could be analysed on the ground. A number of timbers were selected for their suitability for dendrochronological sampling which took place on-site.
Re-Use Value Statement
The various archaeological and historic building investigations in the vicinity of Coleshill undertaken in relation to HS2 have revealed a wealth of evidence relating to the history of this area and shown it to be a site of considerable significance. These should be detailed together in an appropriate publication and the recording of Coleshill Hall Farmhouse should be included within this.
