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Monument Type(s):

• (Former Type) SHRUNKEN VILLAGE? (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
• MANOR HOUSE? (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)

Summary

Original interpretation as shrunken Medieval village re-evaluated with work done in 1991 suggesting substantial stone building.

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds:

Description

(1) Court Close - Dower house for Earls of Warwick, Bishop of Worcester - ?? In margin of OCCM 6" map
(2) An uprooted tree based in rubble precipitated restudy of evidence for the existence of Saxon/Norman episcopal residence in Court Close. Re-examination of Allen AP from 1935 indicates that large rectangular platform to W of church is comprised of rubble, with small circular and linear dumps to the N. Straight parallel banks are traceable on the W flank. Abundance of rubble suggests a substantial stone building. Original interpretation of SMV is unsustainable. Discovery of C7-8 escutcheon in 1933 supports presence of high status residence here. See article for reference to Mercian charter of 840 in which King Berhtwulf gave Bishop Heaberht land "in Wychwood."
(3) Court Close identified as the site of the Wychwood residence of Bishops of Worcester, and later as that of a castle of the Beauchamps, Earls of Warwick

<1> Ordnance Survey, 6" map, In map margin. Examined by M Aston (1971) (Map). SOX7.

<2> CBA South Midlands Group, South Midlands Archaeology, Vol 21 (1991) pp.82-85 (Serial). SOX5.

<3> Local History Publications, History of Spelsbury (1962) by E Corbett (Bibliographic reference). SOX291.

<4> Slide Cabinet, 4 views of site from ground (1990) and 1 aerial view (1935) (Photograph). SOX303.

Sources

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