Worcestershire Archaeology Research Reports

Before being developed by the University of Worcester, the site of Worcester Royal Infirmary was investigated between 2007–2012. Dating from the Roman period, the evidence is of marginal activity on the edge of the town, followed by a build up of tillage soils from centuries of horticultural use. In the 18thc the area was taken over by the Royal Infirmary and remains and artefacts relating to medical practices in the hospital were found.

A complex programme of archaeological works preceded the 2007–8 development in St. John’s, Worcester for Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd. This report presents the most significant results including extraordinary early Roman deposits, a rare, well-dated group of very early Severn Valley ware, Iron Age remains, second century occupation, and late Roman/early post-Roman burials. Medieval ovens, and evidence for post-medieval tanning, are also described.

Work over several years up till 2009, revealed and investigated a large settlement of Iron Age and Romano-British date. Four complete enclosures with associated field systems and trackways revealed mainly pastoral activity, raising or coralling cattle and other livestock. Evidence for 7th to 8thc AD activity included a sunken featured building and pottery. The site provides an insight into the changing character of habitation in this part of the Severn Valley.

Building at Tibberton in 2015 prompted excavation of parallel ditches and pottery dating from the Middle Iron Age. They suggest that this was a promontary fort enclosing an area of up to 4 hectares. It was closed deliberately in the Late Iron Age, with two pots buried in the top of the northern ditch. Later activity was indicated by Severn valley ware in pits cutting the earlier ditches.

Investigations on the site of The Hive from 2008–11 revealed a very busy part of Worcester’s Roman settlement to the north of the medieval city wall. Several buildings including a large aisled building were sited alongside a road leading to the river and activity as far as the riverside was discovered. During the Civil War ditch defences were cut around the outside of the city wall. Finds included the ‘Worcester’ Roman ovens and casting moulds for cauldrons.

Historic buildings dating from the 18th century on the site of Worcester Royal Infirmary were recorded in 2008 before the site was redeveloped for use by the University of Worcester. Photography, description and analysis is complemented by documentary research and oral histories of former hospital staff and patients.

Excavations on a large area to the east of City Walls Road, Worcester, uncovered extensive archaeological remains, which when combined with documentary and historical research has produced a wide-ranging study of the Silver Street/Lowesmoor suburb, especially from the 13th century onwards. The route of the Roman road from Droitwich was confirmed, and evidence in indicated of Anglo Saxon activity on this marshy area. Medieval developments involved tile manufacture and clay pipe making. From 1642 to the end of the Civil War the area was dominated by the bastion ditch surrounding ‘St Martin’s Sconce’, part of the city defences. This was a major historic feature, mentioned in reports of the 1646 siege, and the site of the escape of Charles II after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Porcelain manufacturing began here in the 19th century and five bottle ovens and parts of ancillary buildings belonging to Grainger’s Porcelain Works were uncovered. Excavation produced exceptional structural and artefactual evidence for this small pottery works – which has been analysed within the historical context of 19th-century ceramic manufacture – and this can be considered as a highly significant and important investigation of this major industry.