Record Details

Summary

Archaeological excavation evidence for the remains of the western side of the defences to the Anglo-Saxon burh of Tamworth in the vicinity of Orchard Street and Lichfield Street. The defences were identified as a rampart and ditch, with possible timber-built tower. A later clay bank was identified to the west of the rampart and evidence for 12th-13th century 'barn-like' structures was also recorded overlying the defences here.

Monument Type(s):

• TOWN DEFENCES (Anglo Saxon - 800 AD to 913 AD)
• BANK (EARTHWORK) (Anglo Saxon - 800 AD? to 913 AD?)
• BARN? (Norman to MEDIEVAL - 1100 AD to 1299 AD)

Associated Finds:

• SHERD (Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
• SHERD (MEDIEVAL - 1066 AD to 1485 AD)
• PRICK SPUR (Norman - 1200 AD to 1234 AD)

Associated Events:

• EST55 - Archaeological excavation off Orchard Street, Tamworth, in 1972. (NRHE Name - Orchard Street)

Full description

Excavations prior to development off Orchard Street revealed the remains of an Anglo-Saxon rampart and ditch and other medieval structures. The Saxon defences consisted of a shallow ditch situated behind a rampart of turf construction. The rampart had three rows of posts, with the main structural posts set 4 metres in front of the rampart. A closely packed arrangement of shallow post-holes in the north part of the site is tentatively interpreted as possible evidence for a tower having been set into the rampart at this point. The turf rampart was succeeded by a later bank of clay further to the west. Above the defences the remains of a 12th or 13th century barn-like structure and associated cobbled surface were also revealed. Finds including some coarse sherds of Saxon pottery, medieval pottery, and metalwork including an early 13th century prick spur. (SB, 22-Mar-2006) <1> <2>

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