Challis, K. C. (1997). Stanley Grnge, Derbyshire. Report on an Archaeological Evaluation. Nottingham: Trent & Peak Archaeology.

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Title: Stanley Grnge, Derbyshire. Report on an Archaeological Evaluation
Number of Pages: 64
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Publication Type: Report
Abstract: An evaluation comprising fieldwalking, geophysical survey and the excavation of trial trenches was undertaken at the proposed site of an open-cast coal mine. Stanley Grange Farm and the surrounding land, including that within the evaluation area, had formed part of the extensive estates granted to Dale Abbey during the 12th and 13th centuries. The site lay adjacent to a number of areas of archaeological interest, including the Grange itself and a mill to the south. During the fieldwalking survey, two pieces of prehistoric struck flint were recovered and two concentrations of medieval activity were identified. The surface distribution of medieval pottery coincided wth areas of darker, more sandy ploughsoil forming two slightly raised, irregular platforms. This darker soil contained much ironworking slag as well as medieval pottery. The geophysical survey revealed the presence of extremely strong magnetic anomalies, which were investigated by the trial trenches. Excavation revealed an area of industrial activity associated with medieval iron smelting. The remains of ore preparation areas, a slag tapping pit, at least two furnaces and extensive deposits of smelting slag were identified. Some forging slag was also recovered, although no structures associated with forging were identified. A number of outlying features, some possibly associated with medieval iron working and others with no dated associations, were also identified. The iron-working remains were dated by archaeomagnetic techniques to the 13th or 15th century AD. Both dates fell within the time when Dale Abbey was in use, suggesting that the iron-working was directly associated with the activity of the abbey's grange at Stanley. It was concluded that the extent and the good preservation of the remains, coupled with the fact that they represented one of only a handful of medieval bloomery iron smelting sites known within Britain, made the site one of national archaeological significance. [AIP]
Author: Keith C Challis
Publisher: Trent & Peak Archaeology
Year of Publication: 1997
Locations:
Location - Auto Detected: Grange
Location - Auto Detected: Britain
Location - Auto Detected: Stanley Grange Farm
Location - Auto Detected: Dale Abbey
Subjects / Periods:
15th Century Ad (Auto Detected Temporal)
PREHISTORIC (Historic England Periods)
13th Centuries (Auto Detected Temporal)
13th (Auto Detected Temporal)
Medieval (Auto Detected Temporal)
Note: Date Of Issue From: 1997 Date Of Coverage From: 01 Date Of Coverage To: 01 Editorial Expansion: Site name: STANLEY GRANGE
Study area: 8ha
Investigation type: Evaluation
District: Erewash
Monument: [finds]. Medieval (1066-1540), DITCH. Undated, [iron smelting furnace]. Medieval (1066-1540), GULLY. Medieval (1066-1540), [slag tapping pit]. Medieval (1066-1540), [ore preparation area](FEATURE). Medieval (1066-1540), [finds]. Prehistoric
Ngr: SK42604050, SK42704060
Parish: Stanley, Abbey Dale, Dale Abbey
Postcode: DE7 6HE, DE7 6FJ
Source:
Source icon
BIAB (Archaeological Investigations Project (AIP))
Created Date: 19 Jan 2009