HS2 archaeologists uncover scars of early Civil War battle
HS2 archaeologists excavating the site of Coleshill Manor in Warwickshire have uncovered evidence of what could be one of the first battles of the English Civil War in the 17th century.
The team from Wessex Archaeology were astonished at the striking signs that the heavily fortified gatehouse found on site had come under fire, with around 200 impact marks from pistol shots and musket balls on its outer side.
The discovery featured in Series 10 of BBC 's Digging for Britain.
Professor Alice Roberts, historian and presenter of Digging for Britain, said: “The discovery of the medieval gatehouse at Coleshill was quite unexpected - and I was amazed at just how much of the monumental stone building, with its two great octagonal towers, had survived below the ground.
“The front of the gatehouse was pockmarked and had clearly been shot at with muskets - perhaps for target practice - but there 's also an intriguing possibility that we 're looking at evidence of the earliest skirmish of the Civil War."
The English Civil War began in August 1642. The conflict was between the Royalists who were loyal to King Charles I, and Parliamentarians, known as the Roundheads. The first recorded battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Curdworth Bridge, took place in 1642, and was only a short distance from Coleshill Manor.
The Manor was in the hands of Royalist Simon Digby as the Civil War approached, after the estate was transferred into his name following the execution of its previous owner, Simon De Montford, for Treason.
Historical records of the Civil War are confined to famous major battles, so details of the exact events will never be known, but these marks exposed as part of HS2 's archaeology programme provide a rare glimpse into the impact of war on the lives of those not recorded in the history books.
The team from Wessex Archaeology have now completed the excavation of the foundations of the gatehouse at Coleshill Manor.
Stuart Pierson, archaeologist, Wessex Archaeology, said: “As the excavations at Coleshill for HS2 wrap up, it 's timely to reflect on the extraordinary archaeology we have discovered and recorded.
“Although we knew there was a manor house at the site, we had no idea that we would uncover such rich and revealing archaeological evidence. From one of the most impressive Elizabethan ornamental gardens in the country to the remains of what could be the first skirmish of the Civil War, these findings - not recorded in historical records - would have been lost to time, had it not been for the expertise and hard work of the team. ”
HS2 excavations also revealed impressive 16th century ornamental gardens comparable to those of Kenilworth Castle and Hampton Court Palace. During preliminary investigations, the existence of the gardens and Manor house were picked up by aerial photography and from that HS2 's archaeological team began preparing for the specialist excavations.
Speaking about the discovery, Helen Wass, HS2 's head of Heritage, said: “HS2 's extensive archaeology programme, which has involved hundreds of people, has provided unparalleled insights into the history of Britain and the discoveries at Coleshill Manor are a major part of that. Whilst we may never have all the details of the battle that took place in Coleshill, our investigations help historians weave together the complex pieces of information to increase our understanding of events.
“Although fieldwork between London and the West Midlands is largely complete, detailed post excavation study will begin shortly and we will continue to share the incredible pieces of our past discovered during this once in a lifetime dig. ”
Pictured: Musket ball impact marks on the outside wall of Coleshill gatehouse