Wilkins, J. (2019). Archaeological Watching Brief at Tewkesbury Nature Reserve, Priors Park, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. Worcester: Worcestershire Archaeology. https://doi.org/10.5284/1076193. Cite this using datacite

Title
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Title:		 Archaeological Watching Brief at Tewkesbury Nature Reserve, Priors Park, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
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Series:		 Worcestershire Archaeology unpublished report series
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fieldsec1-332858_1.pdf (5 MB) : Download
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DOI
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DOI
https://doi.org/10.5284/1076193
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Publication Type:		 Report (in Series)
Abstract
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Abstract:		 An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Worcestershire Archaeology in October 2018 at Tewkesbury Nature Reserve, Gloucestershire. The project was commissioned by the Environment Agency, on behalf of Tewkesbury Naturalists Club, for groundworks including a new pond and reed-bed. Previous archaeological works within the nature reserve have identified evidence of prehistoric and Roman activity, as well as evidence of medieval agriculture. The site is located within the floodplain of the River Swilgate, which lies c 50m to the west. The river also comprises the eastern-most boundary of the Registered Battlefield of Tewkesbury, fought in 1471 during the War of the Roses. No significant archaeological features or deposits were identified within the groundworks monitored, although a residual sherd of Severn Valley Ware pottery reflects the background Roman activity recorded within the wider landscape. The character of the site is defined by a significant find comprising an iron axe-head, thought to be associated with the Battle of Tewkesbury. The axe-head has been identified as a 'type 4b' bearded axe common to the later medieval period. Primarily a utilitarian tool, the example recovered in this project show some evidence of expediential adaption, possibly for combat. The location of the axe, within the south of the site and c 50m east of the Registered Battlefield, appears to correlate with the route of the Lancastrian forces. The eastern flank of the Lancastrians was protected by the River Swilgate, and it is documented that much of the army fled the battlefield across the river. If the axe-head is indeed an artefact directly associated with the Battle of Tewkesbury, then it represents an interesting find of local significance. It also appears to be a find of some rarity, and further highlights the archaeological potential of those areas immediately surrounding, but outside the boundaries of the Registered Battlefield.
Author
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Author:		 Jamie Wilkins ORCID icon
Publisher
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Publisher:		 Worcestershire Archaeology
Other Person/Org
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Other Person/Org:		 Historic England (OASIS Reviewer)
Gloucestershire HER (OASIS Reviewer)
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Year of Publication:		 2019
Locations
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Locations:
Site: Tewkesbury Nature Reserve, Priors Park
County: Gloucestershire
District: Tewkesbury
Parish: TEWKESBURY
Country: England
Grid Reference: 389935, 231856 (Easting, Northing)
Subjects / Periods
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Subjects / Periods:
MEDIEVAL (Historic England Periods) AXEHEAD (Object England)
WATCHING BRIEF (Event)
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OASIS Id: fieldsec1-332858
OBIB: report reference 2630
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Created Date
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Created Date:		 30 Apr 2020