| Abstract: |
A programme of archaeological excavation and recording was carried out within a church, prior to and during refurbishment works. Prior evaluation had revealed the existence of archaeological remains at depths as shallow as 0.20m. The results of the investigation allowed a broad structural sequence of eight phases to be identified for the site. A flint core, along with Romano-British tile and pottery, were the earliest artefacts found on site. However, the earliest structural phase consisted of rounded waterworn stone foundations present along the south nave arcade, and possibly the east and west ends of the nave. These were dated tentatively by pottery and existing structural relationships to the 11th-12th century, and may have corresponded with the church of the Domesday survey. Phase 2 was represented by a few surviving late 12th century architectural fragments, including the south pillar of the chancel arch, which may have been in situ. Phase 3 comprised further rounded waterworn stone foundations of an early west tower, which could only be broadly dated to the 11th-13th century. Phase 4 consisted of the south arcade and aisle which had used local skerry, whilst Phase 5 was more substantial, comprising the chancel arch and possibly the chancel, the north arcade and the aisle, all of which had been constructed from Lower Lias limestone. These two phases appeared near-contemporary, dating from the late 13th-early 14th century. The foundations of the existing tower of c. 1400 (Phase 6) were exposed, revealing its encroachment westwards upon the graveyard. The clasping buttresses on the tower's east side were abutted by the freshly-exposed fabric of the Phase 7, 15th century clerestory. The many 19th century additions of Phase 8 included the vestry, organ chamber, roof, brick clerestory, chancel windows, and extensive re-flooring for pews and heating systems. Significant features included the site of a south-aisle chapel, earlier floor levels and deposits in the north aisle and nave, several grave-cuts, three lead-melting hearths, three 18th/19th century burial vaults and numerous re-used timbers beneath the pews. A wide range of artefacts were recovered, including medieval pottery, window glass, plain and decorated floor tile, limestone roofing slates, Welsh slates, ceramic peg and nibbed tiles, painted plaster, lead cames, nails, copper pins and a 16th century jetton. [Au(abr)] |
| Note: |
Date Of Issue From:
1999
Date Of Coverage From:
01
Date Of Coverage To:
01
Editorial Expansion:
Site name: ALL SAINTS CHURCH, COTGRAVE
Study area:
Investigation type: Post-determination/Research
District: Rushcliffe
Monument: CHURCH. Medieval (1066-1540), HEARTH. Undated, [lead melting hearth]. Undated, [finds]. Roman (AD43-410), GRAVE. Undated, VAULT. Post-medieval (1540-1901), [finds]. Prehistoric, [finds]. Medieval (1066-1540)
Ngr: SK64313535
Parish: Cotgrave
Postcode: NG123HR
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