Archhhh

PN1374A
birmingham
archaeology
Warley Woods Park,
Sandwell
TE
GIS RE
IFA
OR
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IO
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Archaeological Excavation
2005
NISAT
GA
March 2006
Project No. 1374A
Warley Woods Park,

Sandwell
Archaeological Evaluation
2005
By
Kevin Colls
for
Sandwell MBC
For further information please contact:

Alex Jones (Director)
Birmingham Archaeology
The University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham B15 2TT
Tel: 0121 414 5513
Fax: 0121 414 5516
E-Mail: bham-arch@bham.ac.uk
Web Address: http://www barch.bham.ac.uk/bufau
Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005
Warley Woods Park, Sandwell

AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION, 2005
CONTENTS
1
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1
1.1
1.2
BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT .................................................................................. 1

LOCATION AND GEOLOGY ......................................................................................... 1
HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND............................................. 1
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES......................................................................................... 2
METHODOLOGY..................................................................................................... 2
4.1
RESULTS ............................................................................................................... 3
5.1
5.2
FIELDWORK ........................................................................................................ 2
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 3
SUMMARY OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURES AND DEPOSITS. .................................................. 3
THE FINDS by Erica Macey-Bracken....................................................................... 8

6.1
6.2
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
POTTERY BY STEPHANIE RTKAI ................................................................................. 8

TILE BY STEPHEN LITHERLAND................................................................................... 8
BRICK BY STEPHEN LITHERLAND ................................................................................ 9
GLASS .............................................................................................................. 9
BUILDING STONE.................................................................................................. 9
METAL ITEMS ...................................................................................................... 9
OTHER FINDS .................................................................................................... 10
DISCUSSION....................................................................................................... 10
MITIGATION STRATEGY FOR FUTURE WORK ...................................................... 10
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................ 11
10 REFERENCES ...................................................................................................... 12
APPENDIX 1
APPENDIX 2
APPENDIX 3
APPENDIX 4
APPENDIX 5
CONTEXT AND TRENCH DATABASES..................................................................

BRIEF FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORK .................................................................
- WRITTEN SCHEME OF INVESTIGATION ...............................................................
SUMMARY SHEET .......................................................................................
- PHOTOGRAPHIC REGISTERS ...........................................................................
13
21
34
38
39
FIGURES
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Site location
Warley Woods Estate plan, 1792
Warley Woods Park after Repton (early 19th century)
Trench location
Plan of features in trenches 1, 2, and 3
Plan of trench 13
Plan and section of trench 15
Plan of trench 18
Ground plan of the Abbey, from Lugar 1828
Ground floor plan of Abbey overlain with evaluation results
PLATES
Plate
Plate
Plate
Plate
Plate
Plate
1
2
3
4
5
6
General shot of trench 1 (looking west)

General shot of trench 1 (looking east)
Cobbled surface 403, trench 4 (vertical)
The Icehouse, trench 7 (vertical)
The possible Temple structure, trench 13 (looking south)
Photograph showing section through earthwork, trench 15 (looking north)
ii
Warley Woods Park, Sandwell

AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION, 2005
SUMMARY
In December 2005, Birmingham Archaeology undertook an archaeological evaluation,
sponsored by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council on behalf of Warley Woods Community
Trust (WWCT), at Warley Woods Park, Sandwell (centred on NGR SP 0130 8610). In
compliance with an approved Written Scheme of Investigation, 20 trial trenches were
excavated within the park. The trenches were located to assess the survival and character of
the archaeological remains across the site, targeting features and structures associated with
the transformation of the Warley Estate according to the designs of Repton in the late 18th and
early 19th century. A further aim of the evaluation was to identify possible areas suitable to
excavate as part of a future community/outreach project.
The evaluation proved successful in characterising the remains of many of the targeted
features. Structural remains were identified at the locations of the Abbey, Icehouse, stables,
North and South lodges, and the Temple. The remains, consisting of a variety of brick walls,
foundations, and surfaces were all in a good state of preservation. The trenches across the site
of the Abbey identified substantial walls and surfaces sealed by shallow deposits of topsoil and
demolition debris. The character, survival, and depth of the archaeological evidence associated
with the Abbey would make this area suitable for excavation as part of an outreach community
project.
Other trenches identified several of the lost footpaths running across the Park. No structural
remains were identified at the putative location of Warley Tor, where the trenches revealed a
large area of landfill material consisting of ash and slag.
iii
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background to the project
Birmingham Archaeology was commissioned by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council to

undertake a programme of trial trenching to assess the survival and condition of archaeological
remains within Warley Woods Park, Sandwell. The areas evaluated were all identified as
locations that could be affected by future proposals or be utilised as suitable sites for a
community outreach project. This report outlines the results of a field evaluation carried out
between the 5th and the 14th of December 2005.
The project was undertaken in accordance with the Institute of Field Archaeologists Standards
and Guidance for Archaeological Evaluations (IFA 2001). The fieldwork conformed to a brief
produced by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (Appendix 1), and a Written Scheme of
Investigation (Birmingham Archaeology 2005; Appendix 2) which was approved by the Local
Planning Authority prior to implementation, in accordance with guidelines laid down in Planning
Policy Guidance Note 16 (DoE 1990).
Prior to the commencement of fieldwork, rapid map regression was undertaken using sources
provided by the client, sources held by Birmingham Archaeology, and sources available on the
internet.
1.2
Location and geology
The site consists of approximately 40ha of parkland located within the Borough of Sandwell,
5km west of Birmingham city centre (centred on NGR SP 0130 8610; Fig. 1). The park
boundaries are formed by Abbey Road, Harborne Road, Lightwoods Hill and Barclay Road.
The eastern half of the park, consisting of a mixture of grassland and woodland, is a public
open space. The western part is utilised as a golf course.
The underlying geology consists of bunter pebbles and sand.
2
HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
No archaeological evidence dating to the prehistoric, Romano-British, or medieval periods has

been identified within Warley Woods Park. The earliest record of the Warley estate is
documented in the marriage deeds of John Warley dated 1576. These, and an estate plan
dated 1792 (Fig. 2) depicting the landform and field boundaries, both suggest the site was
partially cleared of woodland in the medieval period for agricultural use.
In the 1790s Samuel Galton junior purchased the site to build a new family home. Galton
commissioned Humphry Repton, a landscape architect, to convert the existing field-systems
into a fitting setting for the new house (Repton 1795; Fig. 3). Galtons son completed the
house, known as the Abbey, in 1819 although much of Reptons planting and landscape
features were probably in place before this date (Yates 1996), with some still visible in the
Park today.
In 1896 a new golf course was constructed encompassing the western part of the site and is
still in use today. The reminder of the site was purchased by public subscription in 1906 and
turned into a public park under the care of Birmingham Parks Department. In 2002 this was
transferred to Sandwell MBC pending a lease given to Warley Woods Community Trust, who
have been responsible for the park since 2004.
The Abbey was used to house refugees during the First World War and although parts of the
building were declared unsafe, it was later used as a club house for the golf course up to the
outbreak of World War II. Used as an A.R.P (Air Raid Precaution) observation post, and later as
a Welfare Clinic, the Abbey fell into disuse after the War and was finally demolished in 1957.
No intrusive fieldwork has been undertaken within the confines of Warley Woods Park. An
archaeological landscape survey was undertaken in 1996, with the results integrated into The
Warley Woods Restoration Project Report on Archaeological Work produced by Sandwell MBC
(1996). A geophysical survey was undertaken (Northamptonshire Archaeology 2002), although
partly inconclusive, evidence for the remains of Warley Abbey was identified.
3
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The principal aim of the evaluation was to determine the character, state of preservation and
the potential significance of any buried remains.
More specific aims were:
To establish the presence/absence of archaeological features/deposits within the park.

To establish the extent, condition, nature, character, quality, and date of any
archaeological deposits.
To contribute towards an understanding of the origins and development of the historic
landscape, in particular investigating the probable locations of several lost park
features including the Abbey, the ice-house, the stables, the north and south lodges,
the doric temple, the bandstand, and the remains of Warley Tor.
To identify the location and the construction materials of several lost footpaths and
to examine the main north to south trackway bisecting the park.
To identify a suitable location for a community archaeological excavation as part of a
broader outreach programme.
METHODOLOGY
4.1
Fieldwork
A total of 20 trenches were excavated across the site totalling 244m in length (Fig. 4). The
number of trenches differs from the number proposed in the Written Scheme of Investigation
(Appendix 3) because several trenches were combined.
Trenches were positioned to target the locations of a variety of lost park features as described
above (inferred from the previous archaeological reports). The final trench positioning was
established during several site meetings with Graham Eyre-Morgan (Borough Archaeologist,
Sandwell MBC) and Paul Leadbitter (Warley Woods Community Trust Project Manager).
All topsoil and modern overburden was removed using a 360 tracked mechanical excavator
with a toothless ditching bucket, under direct archaeological supervision, down to the top of
the uppermost archaeological horizon or the natural geology, whichever was encountered first.
Subsequent cleaning and excavation was by hand.
All stratigraphic sequences were recorded, even where no archaeology was present. Trenches
were planned at a scale of 1:50, and sections were drawn through all cut features and
significant vertical stratigraphy at a scale of 1:10 or 1:20. A comprehensive written record was
maintained using a continuous numbered context system on pro-forma context and feature
cards. A full photographic record, consisting of monochrome, colour slide, and digital
photography supplemented written records and scale plans.
Although deposits were assessed for their palaeo-environmental potential, no general biological
samples were taken during the course of this project.
The site archive will be prepared according to guidelines set down in Appendix 3 of the
Management of Archaeology Projects (English Heritage, 1991), the Guidelines for the
Preparation of Excavation Archives for Long-term Storage (UKIC, 1990) and Standards in the
Museum Care of Archaeological collections (Museum and Art Galleries Commission, 1992).
Finds and the paper archive will be deposited with Smethwick Library and Wednesbury
Museum respectively (subject to permission from the landowner).
5
RESULTS
5.1
Introduction
This section provides a summary narrative of the results, arranged in trench order.
Descriptions of the individual contexts are listed in Appendix 1, as are the trench dimensions
and the approximate height in metres above ordnance datum (AOD) for the present ground
level at each trench.
5.2
Summary of archaeological features and deposits.
Trenches 1, 2 and 3 (Fig. 5, Plates 1 and 2))

These trenches were positioned to investigate the remains of the Abbey. All three trenches
revealed intact brick walls and foundations and a number of other structures and features
associated with the house and its local environs. Natural gravel was revealed at the
easternmost end of trenches 1 (131) and 2 (202) at approximately 203.5m AOD.
Trench 1
Trench 1 was positioned to investigate a cross-section through the building from the
easternmost external wall to the westernmost (Plates 1 and 2). The trench location proved
successful as the remains of both external walls 104 and 127 were identified within the trench
(Fig. 5). Integrated into the internal face of wall 104 were the partial remains of brick
springer courses for a barrel-vaulted cellar roof 105. The vaulting had collapsed, in-filling the
cellar with demolition debris 136 (not excavated). Wall foundation 106, located further to the
east also had integral springer courses surviving within its western elevation, as well as a
probable section of intact barrel-vaulting 142 emerging from its eastern elevation, suggesting
the potential for the survival of an intact cellar. Abutting 106 and overlying 142 was the
partial remains of curvilinear wall 107. Both 142 and 107 was overlain by demolition debris
129.
A number of substantial brick walls on a north-south alignment were identified throughout the
trench, namely 111, 113, 116, 120, 121, and 124 (Fig. 5). Only two brick walls, 115 and
118, were identified on an east-west alignment. The brick foundations were generally in a
good state of preservation.
The remains of a number of brick floor surfaces were identified throughout the trench. The
most substantial of these were 122 and 123. Located between walls 121 and 124, the
surface was constructed mainly of rough bricks. The presence of tile fragments may indicate
that the upper surface may have been tiled. Other, somewhat damaged fragments of brick
floor surfaces included 110, 114, 119, and 126 (Fig. 5).
Brick structure 109 was identified towards the centre of the trench. After the removal of
several of the bricks forming the roof, the square feature enclosed a void, approximately 1.5m
in depth, housing what appeared to be a large pump and corresponding pipe-work. For health
and safety reasons, this was subsequently backfilled.
Several features were identified immediately to the west of external wall 104, including brick
wall 101, brick drain 102, and the partial remains of a brick floor 103. These would most
likely represent features associated with the area designated as the Kitchen Court on Figure 9.
The archaeological remains in trench 1 were sealed by demolition debris approximately 0.23m
in thickness (129, 138, 140) which in turn was overlain by topsoil 128.
Trench 2
Trench 2 identified the remains of substantial brick walls aligned both east-west (203 and
206) and north-south (204 and 205). All were in a good state of presentation. Demolition
debris was identified on either side of wall 203 (207 and 208).
The archaeological remains in trench 2 were sealed by demolition debris 201 approximately
0.23m in thickness that in turn was overlain by topsoil 200.
Trench 3
Two demolition deposits (305 and 318) were identified in the base of trench 3 (Fig. 5).
Cutting these deposits were construction trenches 308, 312, and 319 for walls 310, 314 and
321 respectively. Aligned north-south and located at the eastern end of the trench, wall 321
included evidence for a buttress protruding from the eastern elevation. This suggests 321 may
represent an external supporting wall. One further north-south aligned wall (303/304) was
identified at the western end of the trench.
Walls 310 and 314 were located in to the centre of the trench running on an east-west
alignment, as was the partial remains of a ceramic drain 311.
The archaeological remains in trench 2 were sealed by demolition debris 302 approximately
0.27m in thickness that in turn was overlain by topsoil 301.
Trench 4
Trench 4 was positioned to locate the remains of the stable block. Natural gravel 410 was
identified at the northern end of the trench approximately 0.45m below present ground level.
Cutting 410, two brick walls 407 and 409, were identified towards the northern end of the
trench, aligned northwest-southeast.
Two surfaces (402 and 403) covered the reminder of the trench. Concrete floor 402 covered
the entire southern section of the trench (totalling 11m). Cobbled surface 403 (Plate 3)
continued for a further 5m. Both surfaces were sealed by demolition debris 404.
All the above were sealed by demolition rubble 401 which, in turn, was overlain by topsoil
400.
A small trench extension, aligned northeast-southwest, was attempted to investigate the
internal layout of the stable building. However, this was abandoned due to the presence of
asbestos remains in the ground.
Trench 5
Trench 5 was positioned to investigate the area immediately to the east of the stable block.
The westernmost part of the trench was covered by cobbled surface 501, (same as 403,
trench 4) overlying redeposited natural 506. A large area of disturbance was identified
covering the easternmost extents of the trench. Excavated to a depth of 2m through mixed
clay and silt deposit 507, this feature most probably functioned as a drainage soak-away. Two
brick drains, 502 and 503, were located to the west of the disturbance.
Trench 6
Trench 6 was positioned to locate the remains of the North Lodge (gatehouse). Natural gravel
602 was identified throughout the trench at a depth of 0.31m below present ground level. Two
brick wall foundations, 603 and 604, were identified cutting the natural gravel on a northsouth alignment. Both were sealed by topsoil 601.
Trench 7
Trench 7 was positioned to locate the remains of the Icehouse. The uppermost course of the
vertical brick wall of the Icehouse (703) was identified, although the domed roof of the
structure had been removed (Plate 4). The interior was filled with rubble and demolition debris
702. This was excavated to a depth of 3.5m, revealing stretcher bonded brick construction of
the Icehouse wall.
The remains of the Icehouse was sealed by 0.30m of topsoil 701.
Trench 8
Trench 8 was positioned to locate the remains of the bandstand. Natural geology 804 was
identified throughout the trench at a depth of 0.25m below present ground level. Two postpits, 802 and 805, were identified cutting the natural gravel. No dating evidence was
recovered from fills 803 or 806.
Trench 9
Trench 9 was positioned to identify one of the lost Winter Garden footpaths. The line of the
footpath can be seen at ground level as a slight dip in topography. Gravel hardcore bedding
902 beneath compact gravel surface 903 was identified at the centre of the trench sealed by
0.10m of topsoil 901. The preservation of the footpath at this location was good, although
other sections along its length appear badly eroded.
Trench 10
Trench 10 was positioned to identify a further lost Winter Garden footpath. The line of the
footpath can be seen at ground level as a slight dip in topography. Compact gravel surface
1002 was identified at the centre of the trench sealed by 0.12m of subsoil 1001 which, in
turn, was overlain by 0.16m of topsoil 1000. The preservation of the footpath at this location
was good, although other sections along its length appear badly eroded.
Trench 11
Trench 11 was positioned to identify a further of the lost Winter Garden footpaths. Cambered,
compact gravel surface 1102 was identified in the centre of the trench running east to west.
This was sealed by 0.22m of topsoil 1101.
Trench 12
Trench 12 was positioned to investigate an area of possible terracing to southeast of the
Abbey. This area was sloping from the northwest to the southeast. Gravel surface 1202 was
identified over much of the trench sealed by 0.4m of topsoil 1203. Wall 1213 was identified at
the southern end of the trench aligned northwest-southeast, following the contours of the
slope (most probably the remains of a terrace wall). Excavation alongside the southern
elevation of wall 1213 revealed demolition debris deposits 1211 and 1212 making up the
raised terraced area.
Trench 13
(Fig. 6, Plate 5)
Trench 13 was positioned to investigate the putative location of the doric Temple. The brick
foundations (1303) of a square structure was identified (Fig. 6, Plate 5). Approximately half of
the structure was revealed in plan and recorded. Excavations within the structure revealed
natural 1306. No evidence of a floor surface was present. An entrance gap was present in the
eastern wall (Fig. 6). To the east of the structure, substantial brick surface 1304 was revealed.
The typology of the bricks from wall 1303 and 1304 were studied, suggesting surface 1304
may be later in date (see Finds section below).
The archaeological remains in this trench was sealed by 0.05m of topsoil 1301.
Trench 14
Trench 14 was positioned to identify a lost garden feature depicted on early edition Ordnance
Survey maps of the site (Sandwell MBC 2005). Natural gravel 1402 was revealed throughout
the trench sealed by 0.24m of topsoil 1401. No archaeological features or deposits were
encountered.
Trench 15
(Fig. 7, Plate 6)
Trench 15 was positioned to investigate the north-south aligned linear earthwork visible as a
topographical feature located in the northwestern corner of the site. Natural gravel 1506 was
identified throughout the trench. At the western half of the trench, natural 1506 remained
constant at 208.7m AOD before steeply sloping to the east at 207.9m AOD.
Three features were identified cutting the natural geology (Fig 7). Ditch 1509 was located at
the point where the sloping natural geology levels out. No dating evidence was recovered from
fill 1510.
Wall 1511 was identified at the eastern end of the trench. Constructed from bricks, the wall,
aligned north-south, was loosely bonded with soft cream mortar and badly degraded.
Cutting the natural geology at the highest point was linear feature 1505. This flat-based
feature, aligned north-south, with steeply sloping sides was filled with three distinct deposits,
1502, 1503, and 1504, each extremely compacted (Fig. 7, Plate 6). The uppermost deposit,
1502 appeared to be slightly cambered, matching the topography of the natural geology. One
sherd of 18th/19th century pottery was recovered from 1503.
Post-hole 1507 was identified cutting natural 1506. No dating evidence was recovered from
fill 1508.
All the above was sealed by 0.22m of topsoil 1501
Trench 16
Trench 16 was positioned to investigate the putative location of Warley Tor. Natural gravel
1601 was only identified at the northernmost extent of the trench. Deposit 1602, consisting of
a fine ashy silt with charcoal, covered the rest of the trench. A sondage excavated to a depth
of 3m failed to identify the base of this deposit. Several sherds of post-medieval pottery,
window glass, and a large quantity of slag was recovered from 1602.
The archaeological remains in this trench was sealed by 0.15m of topsoil 1600.
Trench 17
Trench 17 was positioned to locate the southern limits of deposit 1602 identified in trench 16.
Deposit 1701 (same as 1602) was identified throughout the trench sealed by 0.15m of topsoil
1700.
Trench 18
(Fig 8)
Trench 18 was positioned to locate the remains of the South Lodge (gatehouse). Natural clay
and gravel 1802 was identified throughout the trench. Two brick walls (1805 and 1806) were
revealed at the eastern end of the trench (Fig. 8). Wall 1806, aligned east-west, joined into
north south wall 1805 forming an L shape. Wall 1806 abruptly ended after approximately
1.5m suggesting the wall may turn to the south. Immediately to the west of wall 1805, the
possible remains of a brick surface was identified (1807).
Brick drain 1803 was recorded cutting the natural at the western end of the trench.
The archaeological remains was sealed by 0.3m of topsoil 1801
Trenches 19 and 20
Trenches 19 and 20 were positioned section the main trackway bisecting the park to assess if
any surfaces exist that pre-date the modern gravel pathway currently in use. The modern
compacted gravel surface was removed in each trench (1903 and 2001), as was the drainage
ditch that runs along the western edge of the path (1906 and 2004).
In both trenches, natural gravels (1902 and 2006) were identified beneath the modern track.
In trench 20, a brick surface (2003) was identified, truncated by 2001, that corresponds to a
second track-way that diverges off at this point running eastwards.
6
THE FINDS by Erica Macey-Bracken
A small quantity of finds was recovered from the site. The assemblage included pottery,
ceramic tile and brick, building stone, slag, iron, copper alloy glass and animal bone. The
assemblage was largely unabraded, and several complete items were recovered from the site,
including two complete ceramic tiles, a complete stone tile, an iron bell, a padlock and a
complete glass bottle.
Material
Tile
Brick
Building stone
Post-medieval pottery
Iron
Copper Alloy
Slag
Bottle glass
Window glass
Animal bone
Padlock
6.1
Number of Fragments
4
6
4
15
1
1
29
1
2
5g
1
Contexts
129,
1303, 1304, 1503
129, 202
129, 320, 1501, 1503, 1602
702
129
1501, 1602,
702
129, 1602
320, 1501
702
Pottery by Stephanie Rtkai
Fifteen sherds of post-medieval pottery were recovered from the site. The earliest pottery
from the site was four sherds of creamware from Trench 3 (320), which dated from 17701780. Other 18th century pottery from the site included a sherd of blackware (1602) from
Trench 16 and a sherd of brown salt-glazed stoneware that dated to the 18th19th century from
Trench 15 (1503).
The remainder of the pottery from the site was of 19th century date, and included five sherds
of flowerpot (129 x 1, 320 x 4), two sherds of transfer-printed ware (1501 x 1, 1602 x 1).
Two sherds of modern glazed ware of 19th20th century date were also recovered from Trench
15 (1501)
6.2
Tile by Stephen Litherland
Two large floor tiles, one of which was complete, were recovered from 129. These tiles are
very difficult to date, but is likely to date from between the 18th and mid-19th centuries, as it
does not appear to be mass-produced. Two decorative glazed tiles were also recovered from
129. Both tiles were fairly modern in appearance, and are probably of 19th century date.
6.2 Brick by Stephen Litherland

Two complete bricks (1303 x 1, 1304 x 1) and four fragments of brick (1503) were
recovered from the site. The fragments of brick were very abraded and undiagnostic, but the
two complete bricks were both datable.
The first brick (1303) was 9 inches long x 4 inches wide x 2 inches thick (290mm x
108mm x 54mm). The brick was traditionally-made from purple-red fired clay with few
inclusions, and had been made in a sand-lined mould. Mortar traces were noted on the top
and bottom of the brick, as well as on its back face where the scored lines were noted. The
brick is likely to date to the late 18th or early 19th century, and is probably of local
manufacture.
The other brick, recovered from 1304, was also traditionally-made, but in a deeper purple
fabric with very gritty inclusions. It was of poorer quality than the brick described above, and
had been more heavily fired. This brick appears to be later than the brick from context 1303,
and probably dates to the first half of the 19th century. This difference in date between the
two bricks suggests two different phases of building activity on the site.
6.3
Glass
A complete glass bottle and two fragments of window glass were recovered from the site (129,
702, and 1602). The two fragments of window glass (129 and 1602) were undiagnostic, but
the complete bottle (702) was identified by its intact cap as a green glass whisky bottle from
JAMES BUCHANAN & CO. LTD. The bottle cap was also marked with a royal crest and the
words BY APPOINTMENT TO H.M THE QUEEN SCOTCH WHISKY DISTILLERS. The base of the
bottle was embossed with S 610 and the letters UGB. James Buchanan set up his company to
produce whisky. Nineteenth and early 20th century spirit bottles were usually corked, but this
bottle has a metal cap with a wire twisted around it, and is likely to date from the mid 20th
century.
6.4
Building Stone
Four pieces of marble were recovered from the site (129 x 3, 202 x 1). One of these
fragments was a complete tile measuring 6inches x 5 inches square and of an inch thick
(150mm x 134mm x 23mm). Traces of mortar were noted on the back of the tile.
The other three pieces, which were recovered from demolition debris in Trench 1, were broken
and it was not possible to determine their original dimensions. All three pieces retained traces
of mortar on one side, and one piece was moulded with a straight and a curved band running
along the top and bottom edges of the tile.
6.5
Metal Items
Metal finds from the site included a large iron bell (702), a thin piece of pressed copper alloy
(129) and a padlock (702). Both the bell and the padlock were recovered from rubble in-fill
from the Icehouse and both items are complete, but heavily corroded, particularly the bell.
The copper alloy item was recovered from a layer of demolition debris in Trench 1 (129). The
item, which was approximately 60mm square, was made of thin copper alloy sheeting which
appeared to have been moulded into a decorative fitting. The base of the object was square
with cutout fleur-de-lys style designs in each corner. The metal then rises from these corners
to a height of 22mm, and is then moulded into a circular crater 55mm in diameter and 22mm
deep. The function of this item is unclear.
6.6
Other Finds
Other finds from the site included 29 large fragments of slag from Trenches 15 and 16 (1501 x
2, 640g, 1602 x 27, 8729g) and one small animal bone fragment from the topsoil of Trench
15 (1501).
7
DISCUSSION
The evaluation proved generally successful in assessing and characterising the nature of the
archaeological remains at the targeted locations across the site. Structural remains were
identified at the locations of the Abbey, Icehouse, stables, North and South lodges, and the
Temple. The remains, consisting of a variety of brick walls, foundations, and surfaces were all
in good states of preservation. The trenches across the site of the Abbey identified substantial
walls and surfaces sealed by shallow deposits of topsoil and demolition debris. Figure 10
illustrates the evaluation results from trenches 1, 2, and 3 overlying the ground floor plan of
the Abbey. This represents a best fit scenario, and several of the major features do match
reasonably well with the floor plan. This illustration must be taken as an estimate at this stage
and can be updated during any further excavations on this site.
No structural remains were identified at the possible location of Warley Tor, indeed the
trenches revealed a large area of landfill material consisting of ash and slag. As discussed in
the Report on Archaeological Work (Sandwell 1996), three possible areas were highlighted as
the possible locations for the Tor using landscape and topographical survey. It now seems
likely that the location of the Tor was further to the south (locations 45 or 46 in Sandwell
1996).
Trench 13 identified the brick foundations of a structure at the putative location of the doric
Temple. Excavations demonstrated the absence of any internal floor surfaces, although a
rough brick surface was identified to the east of the building. The temple, first mentioned in
Reptons Red Book (1795) is not depicted on The Tithe map of 1844, and first appears on the
First Edition Ordnance Survey map dated 1886. Examination of brick typologies from the
building (wall 1303) suggests a late 18th or early 19th date. This indicates the likelihood that
the Temple was probably constructed shortly after the completion of Warley Abbey in 18181819 but is not depicted on the Tithe Map of 1844. Identification of the bricks from the
surrounding surface (1304) suggests a slightly later date for this feature.
MITIGATION STRATEGY FOR FUTURE WORK
The archaeological remains identified during this evaluation are currently not threatened and
therefore the proposed future work stated below is based on an agenda for community
involvement and research.
The character, nature, and preservation of the remains identified during the course of this
project highlight the potential of the site for further archaeological study. This evaluation
targeted structures and features associated with the transformation of the area from
agricultural field systems to a more recognisable estate or park. Walls and foundations were
identified in many of the trial trenches suggesting excellent below ground preservation of many
of the structures and buildings associated with the Galton and Repton era. Aiding historical
10
documentation, further investigation of these sites will undoubtedly be useful in furthering our
understanding of the history of the landscape and its local environs and place the site into a
broader regional context.
The trenches targeted over the Abbey and Temple produced results that highlight the
suitability of these locations for community excavations/outreach projects. The quality of the
archaeological remains at both sites would form useful and interesting community projects,
with the potential for these areas to be fully excavated and preserved on public display. The
shallowness of the archaeological deposits beneath ground level is a further important factor in
selecting these two sites for such a project.
Further work is needed to identify the location of Warley Tor. A possible extension to the
previous geophysical survey (Northampton 2002) may be an effective, non-intrusive way to
investigate other putative locations.
The excellent preservation of the Icehouse again offers potential for full excavation with the
possibility of leaving on display. The depth of deposits within the structure probably disqualifies
this as a future community project due to health and safety implications.
This programme of trial trenching was targeted on locations of development/construction over
the last two centuries. Although no archaeological remains that predate the post-medieval
period have been identified on the site, the lack of development over much of the rest of the
park suggests the potential for earlier archaeological deposits to survive. Any future work in
other areas of the park may confirm the presence or absence of earlier archaeological features
and deposits.
Possible future archaeological projects:
Full excavation of the Abbey and the Temple. Possibly as a community outreach project,
involving members of the public and schools. Completed under supervision from suitably
qualified archaeologists.
Further non-intrusive fieldwork to attempt to locate the remains of Warley Tor.
Excavation of the Icehouse.
After detailed map regression, a programme of further trial trenching in areas of the site
with little or no past development to identify any prehistoric, Romano-British, or medieval
remains.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The project was commissioned by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. Thanks are due to
Paul Leadbitter for his co-operation and assistance throughout the project. Thanks also go to
Graham Eyre-Morgan, who monitored the project on behalf of Sandwell MBC. The fieldwork
was directed by Kevin Colls, assisted by Kate Bain, Sally Radford, Daniel Jackson, and Philip
Mann. This report was produced by Kevin Colls, with contributions by Erica Macey-Bracken and
Stephen Litherland, illustrated by Nigel Dodds. The report was edited by Alex Jones, who
managed the project, assisted by Kevin Colls, for Birmingham Archaeology.
11
10
REFERENCES
Birmingham Archaeology 2005 Warley Woods Park, Sandwell: Written Scheme of Investigation
Department of the Environment (DoE) 1990 Planning Policy Guidance Note 16: Archaeology
and Planning
Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA) 2001 Standards and Guidance for Archaeological
Evaluations
Lugar, R. 1828 Villa Architecture
Northamptonshire Archaeology 2002 Geophysical Survey at Warley Woods
Repton, H. 1795 Warley The Red Book
Sandwell MBC 2005 Warley Woods Park: Brief for Archaeological Evaluation
Sandwell MBC 1996 Warley Woods Restoration Project, Report on Archaeological Work
Yates, D 1996 The History of the Warley Hall estate 1066 1996
12
Appendix 1 Context and Trench databases

Strat
unit
101
102
Trenc
Keyword
h
1
brick wall
brick drain
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
Description
Partial brick wall aligned N-S. 4 courses visible

Partial brick constructed drain, seen in both sections, 2
courses deep.
brick floor
Remains of probable floor surface, possibly external to house,
one course deep.
brick wall
Structural wall above vaulted cellar roof, 3 courses deep.
cellar roof
Brick constructed vaulted roof of cellar, centre section
destroyed and infilled, edges visible. Bond pattern unclear due
to mortar layer.
brick wall
Brick wall surviving to 4 courses over vaulted cellar roof and
abutted by semi-circular brick structure 107, white washed on
E. side.
brick
Semi-circular brick structure abutting 106, white washed
structure
interior with sloping brick base.
post socket
Stone cut possible post socket, rectangular with internal
rectangular recess.
water cistern Circular, brick built shaft with rectangular brick cap, appears
to house part of pump mechanism.19 courses visible.
brick floor
Truncated black brick floor surface around cistern 109.
brick wall
Red brick wall aligned N-S near to brick plinths 112, two
courses visible.
brick plinth
3 tier brick plinth, possibly base of pillar with metallic object
attached to north western side.
wall
Small, truncated section of wall, butted by floor surface 114
over drain 112.
floor
Single black brick as part of floor surface abutting south side
of 113.
brick wall
3 course red brick wall N-S bonded to wall 116.
brick wall
3 course red brick wall N-S, 2 courses missing at centre.
brick wall
Narrow section of red brick wall NW-SE, single course, bonded
to 116+ 118.
brick wall
2 course brick wall, T shaped in plan, bonded to 117 and next
to floor surface 118, wall is tiered for stability.
13
Length
(m)
0.64
1.3
Width
(m)
0.2
0.3
Depth
(m)
0.28
0.15
1.3
0.5
0.08
1.3
1.3
0.48
0.8
0.24
0.22
1.3
0.7
0.35
0.5
0.37
0.16
1.3
0.83
1.4
1.2
1.3
0.6
0.1
0.05
0.2
0.64
0.45
0.2
0.4
0.4
0.16
0.15
0.15
0.04
1.3
1.3
1.24
0.1
0.6
0.24
0.22
0.24
0.06
1.96
0.6
0.14
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
floor
Red brick floor surface abutting wall 118, single course on

mortar bed. No distinct bond pattern. Probably base for layer
of tiles.
brick wall
Large foundation wall, red brick, possible exterior wall at front
of building. 3 courses survive.
brick wall
Large foundation wall, red brick, N-S. 2 courses visible.
floor
Disturbed area of brick and tile, possible indicating original
level of tiled floor surface over brick floor 123.
floor
Area of rough brick floor below disturbance 122, probable
foundation for upper floor surface.
brick wall
Large red brick foundation wall. Single course butted by
possible area of collapse 125 and brick floor 123.
brick collapse Area of collapsed brick-work, probably from wall 124 although
may represent an area of badly damaged brick flooring.
floor
Red brick, truncated, floor surface abutts wall 127.
brick wall
Angled brick wall at eastern end of trench, part of bay. Butted
by 126.
topsoil
Dark brown silt sand with tree roots, above 129.
demolition
Rubble and silt levelling layer/subsoil overlying all features.
layer
layer
Thin band of charcoal rich material at NW end of trench.
natural
Orange/red natural subsoil or part of redeposited natural as
part of landscaping of park.
fill
Fill of drain cut at NW end of trench sealed by 130.
fill
Mid brown silt clay fill of drain at NW of trench 1.
layer
Thin band of re-deposited natural at NW end of trench 1.
layer
Thin band of charcoal rich clay below 129 above rubble in-fill
136.
layer
Rubble demolition. Probable cellar in-fill.
layer
Loose stoney fill of 107.
demolition
Clay levelling layer with small pebbles. Same as 129.
layer
layer
Mid brown silt clay with small pebbles.
demolition
Brown silt clay and brick. Same as 129.
layer
layer
Charcoal rich clay layer visible in section between 112, 113,
115 and 116 below 114 possibly part of burning activity.
14
1.54
1.25
0.08
1.2
0.7
0.28
1.2
1.8
0.6
0.55
0.4
1.9
0.72
1.2
0.58
1.2
0.48
1.2
1.3
1.3
0.36
0.09
0.08
0.14
0.23
0.1
0.5
0.48
2.34
0.9
0.1
0.68
0.58
0.1
0.14
0.7
0.45
0.14
0.36
0.5
15
1.3
142
200
201
202
2
-
cellar
vaulting
layer
layer
layer
203
brick wall
204
205
206
207
208
301
302
303
3
-
brick wall
brick wall
brick wall
Demolition
dep
Demolition
dep
layer
layer
brick wall
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
Intact brick barrel-vaulting for cellar roof. Bricks bonded by

hard yellow mortar
Dark brown silt clay topsoil.
Light brown silt clay and rubble.
Red silty clay probable re-deposited natural as part of park
landscaping.
Red brick wall, 1 course surviving. Possible continuation of
204 to north.
L-shaped corner of Brick structure, 2 courses visible.
1 surviving course of bricks as part of possible wall.
Part of brick foundation at SE end of trench.
Dark brown/black silt clay with brick.
0.75
15
0.14
0.23
0.67
0.37
0.1
1.5
0.58
1.05
0.05
0.5
0.45
0.07
0.09
Deposit of light brown and white silty clay material to NE of

wall 203.
Brown silt clay and rubble below topsoil.
Red brick wall aligned N-S, 2 courses remaining, cut by drain >1.76
316.
brick wall
Red brick wall aligned N-S, 2 courses remaining, cut by drain >1.76
316.
layer
Orange red silt clay with brick, possible demolition debris.
drain
Shallow bowl shaped drain cut sealed by rubble 302.
fill of drain
Dark brown silt clay fill of ceramic drain cut.
wall cut
Linear cut of foundation trench.
fill of wall cut light grey-brown sand clay backfill of wall cut packed in
against wall 310.
brick wall
N-S aligned wall parallel to 314. Constructed from red brick,
two courses surviving.
drain
Ceramic drain.
wall cut
Linear cut for wall 314.
fill of wall cut Dark red/pink clay in-fill of cut for wall 314.
brick wall
Red brick wall aligned N-S with mortar layer on top, mortar
had indentations suggesting a course of bricks at right angles.
fill of wall cut Fill of wall cut on eastern side. Mid- brown silt clay with
pebbles.
drain cut
Linear cut for drain with bowl shaped profile.
>1
0.50
0.3
0.23
>0.75
>0.75
0.62
0.62
0.2
0.2
0.25
0.25
0.58
0.24
1.25
0.2
0.22
0.11
0.35
0.8
0.35
317
318
drain fill
layer
319
320
321
322
Brown silty in-fill of drain cut.

Light reddish brown gravelly clay, possibly part of
landscaping/terracing activity.
wall cut
Construction cut for wall 321 aligned N-S.
fill of wall cut Brown silt clay in-fill of wall cut 320.
brick wall
Red brick wall aligned N-S. Possible buttress on corner.
layer
Brown silt clay in-fill of wall cut 320. Same as 320
323
layer
400
401
402
403
4
-
layer
layer
floor
floor
404
405
406
407
408
409
layer
drain
drain cap
brick wall
pit fill?
brick wall
410
natural
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
cobble
surface
brick drain
drain
brick wall
layer
layer
layer
601
602
603
604
layer
layer
brick wall
brick wall
Cobble surface at N end of trench, no particular pattern,

sealed by topsoil.
Cement lined brick drain.
Cement lined ceramic drain.
Angled wall at south end of trench.
Dark silty topsoil.
Red/orange silt clay with pebbles, possibly landscaping layer.
Brown-pink layer of sticky clay with numerous pebbles, seen
in section.
Mid grey-brown silt topsoil.
Orange-brown sandy natural gravel.
E-W aligned red brick wall of north lodge.
N-S aligned red brick wall W. wall of north lodge.
16
Localised layer of mixed brown and white debris and silt

probably related to the demolition of wall 310.
Mixed mid brown silt and rubble demolition layer.
Low quality concrete slab floor of stable.
Small stone cobbled floor to immediate north of 402, partially
overlain by rubble 404 and cut by drain 405.
Layer of brick collapse.
Brick drain to NE of surface 403.
Metal drain cover, modern.
Brick wall, 2 courses visible, possibly part of stable.
Patch of charcoal rich clay to north of wall 409.
Brick wall, 4 courses surviving, double thickness toward NE
end.
Orange silt clay with gravel.
0.8
-
>2
>2
>2
>2
0.5
0.75
0.35
-
0.6
0.3
11.3
5.1
1.05
3.2
1
0.8
0.9
0.48
1.1
0.85
1.9
1.2
1.5
0.6
0.26
0.24
0.7
0.6
0.9
1.5
0.16
0.28
0.2
0.9
0.2
0.3
0.55
0.25
1.3
1.3
0.35
0.35
701
702
703
7
-
801
802
803
804
805
8
-
806
901
902
903
904
1000
1001
1002
1003
9
10
-
1101
1102
1103
1201
1202
1203
1204
11
12
-
1205
1206
1207
1208
1209
1210
1211
layer
fill
brick
structure
layer
post pit
pit fill
layer
post pit
Dark brown silty clay and pebble topsoil.

Brown sandy silt rubble and debris in-filling ice house.
Stretcher bonded walls of ice-house, curving inwards towards
top, although dome has been removed. Not fully excavated.
Dark brown sandy silt topsoil.
Cut of sub-circular pit, possibly part of bandstand structure.
Brown stony silt in-fill of post pit.
Orange brown sandy gravel, possibly re-deposited natural.
Cut of sub-circular post-pit, possibly part of bandstand
structure.
fill of post pit Brown silty, stony fill of post pit.
layer
Mid grey brown topsoil.
layer
Mid orange brown hardcore bedding below path 903.
path
Dark grey-brown compact gravel forming footpath.
layer
Red/orange silt-sand partially sealing 903.
layer
layer
Mid brown silt clay subsoil.
path
Compacted gravel pathway aligned N-S.
layer
Thin layer of orange brown silt clay, probably re-deposited
natural.
layer
path
Compacted gravel footpath with camber. Aligned E-W.
layer
Pinkish orange silt clay subsoil below footpath.
path
Cut for eroded surface of compacted gravel path.
path
Compacted gravel surface of path.
layer
Dark silty topsoil.
layer
Reddish sandy clay and gravel through which features are cut,
probably re-deposited natural.
layer
Gravelly layer of silt located north of pathway 1201, probably
a result of path erosion.
path
Yellow orange mortar and gravel path edge.
void
wall cut
Linear cut for terrace wall.
void
path
Orange brown rammed pebble layer, even sized pebbles, v.
clean. Next to terrace wall.
layer
Dark brown silt and rubble in-fill to rear of demolished terrace
17
0.3
?
1.2
>3.5m
0.6
0.6
0.25
0.28
0.28
0.9
0.28
0.9
0.28
0.1
1.1
0.9
0.45
0.16
0.12
4.5
0.1
0.22
0.72
2.3
2.3
0.54
0.54
1.3
1.3
0.4
1.2
2.5
1.2
0.25
1.4
0.7
1.2
0.6
0.68
0.05
0.2
1212
layer
1213
brick wall
1301
1302
13
-
1303
brick wall
1304
1305
1306
floor
natural
natural
1401
1402
1501
1502
1503
1504
1505
1506
1507
1508
14
15
-
1509
layer
layer
layer
fill of linear
fill of linear
fill of linear
linear
natural
posthole
fill of
posthole
ditch
1510
fill of ditch
1511
1600
1601
1602
16
-
brick wall
layer
natural
layer
1603
1700
layer
deposit
Pit
17
layer
wall.
Red orange sandy clay with pebbles, probably as part of
terrace.
Dark red brick rubble, pebbles, and mortar rendered to form
retaining wall for terrace.
Dark brown sand-silt topsoil and leaf litter.
Dark brown silt and rubble in-filling hole in surface 1304.
Probable topsoil derived.
Brick wall foundations forming three sides of a structure. Four
courses remaining bonded with hard cream mortar.
Rough, red brick surface.
Red clay layer, probable natural geology. Same as 1306
Red-brown pebbly clay, probably natural geology. Same as
1305
Red-pinky brown gravelly silt, probable natural geology.
Dark grey-brown silty topsoil.
Fill of 1505. Black ash/charcoal deposit.
Fill of 1505. Orange brick rubble.
Fill of 1505. Mid brown silt with pebble inclusions.
Steep sided, flat-bottomed linear containing three fills.
Red-brown silty pebble natural layer.
Possible posthole feature.
Fill of 1507. Dark brown sandy silt.
Ditch cut filled with brown pebble silt running N-S across
trench.
Fill of 1509. Brown silt with frequent well rounded pebble
inclusions.
Red brick wall, crudely built, aligned N-S.
Dark brown silty organic topsoil layer.
Light brown silty gravel.
Black silty ash/charcoal rich fill of 1603. Large amounts of
slag throughout.
Cut for large pit. Steeply sloping sides, fill 1602 excavated to
3m in depth. Dimensions exceed the limits of the trench.
Dark brown silty organic topsoil layer.
18
0.2
0.05
0.10
4.2
0.34
0.35
2.1
0.08
0.24
0.22
0.06
0.09
0.19
0.38
1.36
1.4
1.44
1.92
0.3
0.3
0.25
0.25
0.22
0.22
1.6
0.32
1.6
0.23
0.32
0.11
0.07
0.15
>3
>15
>15
>3
0.15
1701
1801
18
layer
layer
1802
layer
1803
brick drain
1804
1805
1806
1807
fill of drain
brick wall
brick wall
layer/floor
1901
19
layer
1902
layer
1903
1904
1905
1906
1907
2001
2003
2004
2005
2006
20
-
path
posthole
fill of
posthole
ditch
fill of ditch
path
floor
ditch
fill of 2004
layer
Black silty ash/charcoal rich layer. Slag present throughout.

Black silty organic topsoil layer, large amounts of root
disturbance.
Red-brown pebble rich clay. Possible redeposited natural
layer.
Red brick built drain below topsoil. Capping of drain removed
during machining.
Grey-black sand silt fill of brick drain.
Red brick wall with lime mortar. Bonded with wall 1806.
Red brick wall, lime mortared. Bonded with wall 1805.
Deposit of loosely E-W aligned broken brick/rubble. Possible
remains of a floor surface
Grey-brown silty loam topsoil layer. Organic, small stones
present.
Orange-pink sandy clay with stone inclusions. Probable
natural layer.
Brown compacted gravel path.
Small posthole feature, only visible in section.
Brown silty clay fill of a small posthole.
0.3
0.23
0.11
0.23
0.23
0.6
0.11
0.11
0.25
Drainage ditch running N-S. Still in present use. Very Shallow.

Brown silty clay fill of a drainage ditch. Very organic.
Compacted gravel path.
Red brick floor surface truncated by later gravel 2001.
0.23
Small drainage ditch running N-S along edge of 2001.
Black organic fill of small drainage ditch.
Orange sandy gravel natural.
19
0.07
0.1
0.07
0.07
0.2
4.75
0.2
0.2
0.45
0.3
0.3
0.8
0.8
0.15
0.15
0.11
0.07
Trench No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Total
Dimensions (m)
Length
Width
43
1.5
15
1.5
13
1.5
26
1.5
8
1.5
13
1.5
5
3
15
1.5
3
1.5
5
1.5
4
1.5
8.5
1.5
6
6
8
1.5
16
1.5
24
1.5
3
1.5
12
1.5
8
1.5
8
1.5
244 m
Height of ground surface

(m AOD)
204
204
204
203
202
195
212
205
212
210
210
204
213
212
209
216
216
208
208
209
20
Appendix 2 Brief for archaeological work
ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION
AT WARLEY WOODS PARK,
AUGUST 2005
21
Site: Warley Woods

Warley Woods Project Manager: Paul Leadbitter (0121 420 1061)
(Mobile Phone: 07905 360 526)
Archaeological Consultants: Atkins contact Rob Sutton (0121 483 5000)
Borough Archaeologist: Graham Eyre-Morgan (0121 569 4025)
Museum: Wednesbury (0121 556 0683)
This archaeological brief is only valid for six months. After this period the Borough
Archaeologist should be contacted. Any written scheme of investigation resulting from this
brief shall only be considered for the same period. The contractor is strongly advised to visit
the site before completing their written scheme of investigation, as there may be implications
for accurately costing the project.
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Borough Archaeologist of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council has prepared this
archaeological evaluation brief on behalf of the Warley Woods Community Trust (WWCT). The
brief sets out the requirements for an archaeological evaluation to establish and assess the
survival and condition of any archaeological remains within the woods that could either be
threatened by future proposals or be utilised as a suitable site for an outreach community
archaeological project. An additional element to this work includes an archaeological watching
brief to be undertaken during the perimeter fencing works and footpath enabling works in
selected areas to be confirmed with the WWCT Project Manager and Borough Archaeologist.
2.0
SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
2.1 Warley Woods is an area of parkland within Sandwell covering 100 acres. It is located
approximately 3 miles west of Birmingham city centre, just off the Hagley Road (A456). The
park is bounded by Abbey Road, Harborne Road, Lightwoods Hill and Barclay Road. The main
entrance to the park is off Abbey Road.
2.2 The landscape park at Warley Woods was laid out according to the designs of Humphry
Repton. In the early 1790s Samuel Galton junior, who had recently bought the site called in
Repton to draw up plans to convert the existing system of fields into a fitting setting for a new
house for himself and his family. Galtons son, Hubert, in fact, did not complete the house,
until 1819, although Reptons planting and landscape was laid out before that. In 1906, when
house building was going on at pace in Bearwood the site was purchased by public subscription
and turned into a public park. It was under the care of the Birmingham Parks department and
remained so until 2002, when it was transferred to Sandwell pending the lease being given to
the Trust. Birmingham City Council remains the Freeholder of the site.
3.0
ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
3.1 There has been no intrusive archaeological work within the confinement Warley Woods
Park. The archaeological work that has taken place includes: An Archaeological Landscape
Survey, undertaken by Birmingham University Field Archaeology Unit in 1996, the results of
this project were included in a report by Ruth Waller produced in 1996 titles Warley Woods
Restoration Project - Report on Archaeological Work. An archaeological deskbased
assessment was also undertaken and compiled by Lucy Lance during a work experience
placement, under the guidance of Ruth Waller in 2000. Northamptonshire Archaeology
undertook a Geophysical Survey in June 2002, the results produced significant anomalies
22
indicating the wall remains of Warley Abbey and Warley Tor but failed to locate any other sites.
All these reports are available on request to the Borough Archaeologist.
4.0
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Compiled by Rob Sutton as part of A Conservation Plan for Warley Woods

4.1 The Prehistoric period Palaeolithic to Iron Age (500,000 BC - AD43)
During the early prehistoric period (Palaeolithic 500,000 BC - Mesolithic 3,500 BC) the site and
much of the surrounding area would probably have been forested. The earliest of evidence of
human activity in the environs of the site consists of occasional finds of flint tools along the
valley bottoms e.g. within the Sandwell Valley. No evidence from this period has been found
within the Woods.
During the Neolithic period (3,500 BC 2,000 BC) the densely forested areas of the Midlands
probably began to be cleared as communities developed and adopted more agrarian lifestyles.
No evidence has been found of when the area now known as Warley Woods was converted to
agricultural use and no evidence for Neolithic activity has been identified within the Woods.
Bronze Age (2,000 BC 700 BC) burnt mounds have been found alongside streams and rivers
in the small valleys of the wider area. Burnt mounds are an enigmatic feature of the
archaeological record and a range of interpretations for their function exist including saunas,
cooking sites and ritual monuments. No burnt mounds or other evidence for Bronze Age
activity has been identified within Warley Woods, although the site is bisected by an
intermittent-stream, which may indicate some potential for these types of remains.
As with the previous periods no known remains from the Iron Age (700 BC AD 43) has been
discovered within the Woods, although it is possible that as with much of the rest of the
surrounding area the Woods may have been cleared of woodland by this time.
This paucity of evidence for the prehistoric period may not represent a lack of prehistoric
activity and occupation in the area; instead it may be due to the absence of recent
archaeological excavations within the Woods. This lack of archaeological work reflects the fact
that the Woods have not been subject to modern development.
4.2 The Roman period (AD43 AD450)
As with the prehistoric period the paucity of evidence of activity during the Roman period has
as much to do with the limited quantity of archaeological investigations as it has to do with the
actual settlement locations and areas of activity. The nearest substantial site of activity during
this period is the fort and settlement site at Metchley, located several kilometres to the southeast of Warley Woods. Metchley is located at the intersection of two principle Roman roads
both of which pass a considerable distance from Warley Woods. Occasional coin finds are the
only other indicator of activity during this period in close proximity to the site, one being found
off Hurst Road a few hundred metres to the north of Warley Woods.
4.3 The medieval period (AD450 AD1547)
No direct archaeological or documentary evidence for this period is available for the Woods.
The earliest recorded mention of the Warley estate is dated to 1576 when Warley Hall and
parcels of arable meadow and pastureland are referred to in the marriage deeds of John
Warley (SMBC, 1996:7). This documentary source and an estate plan of 1792 (see Figure 4)
23
are the closest dated documentary sources we have this period. These sources would indicate
that the site was probably at least partially clear of woodland in the medieval period and used
for agricultural purposes.
The 1792 plan of the site depicts details of landform, field boundaries and names. It is quite
likely that this plan illustrates features in the landscape, which pre-date the creation of the
plan by several hundred years. One such example, which still survives, is the field boundary
and possible trackway separating Little Broom Field and Great Broom Field (gazetteer no. 39,
Figure 3a and Figure 4). This and other features may date from the medieval period. Another
possible surviving early feature is an area of field drains (visible as shallow earthworks during
low sunlight) that is situated in the heart of the parkland. However, it is also possible that
these are in fact mid-20th century features created when the parkland was utilised for the
growing of vegetables during WWII.
4.4 Post-medieval period, pre-Repton proposals (AD1547 1800)
In 1576 Warley Hall and parcels of arable meadow and pastureland are referred to in the
marriage deeds of John Warley (SMBC, 1996:7). The site of Warley Hall, which later became
known as Warley Hall Farm, lies under the current line of Grove Road and the early 20th
century housing, just outside the westernmost extent of the site. Various documents record
events associated with the Warley Estate up until the end of the 18th century (Yates, 1996),
but it is the estate plan of 1792 (see figure 4) which provides the most detail on the actual
nature of the site during this period. Other maps of this period include the Yates Map of
Staffordshire, 1775 (see Figure 4); which depicts a crop of woodland to the north of the
original line of Hagley Road (just south of the current southern extent of the site) and the
Sheriffs Map of Birmingham, 1788 (see Figure 4), depicting the place name of Warley Tor and
the western and northern boundaries of the site Harborne Road and Abbey Road (although
not named as such on the map).
The estate plan of 1792 depicts the Warley Hall Farm complex of buildings including Warley Tor
(a summer house), the land divisions, and the areas still set aside as woodland. The current
area of the site lies within the footprint of 11 former land parcels and one large area of
woodland, all lying to the east of Warley Hall Farm. The land parcels are named Little Broom
Field, Great Broom Field, Hither Broom Field, Broom Field, Hither Gold Field, Great Gold Field,
Fox Leasow (old English [Anglo-Saxon] for pasture), Long Fox Leasow, Far Fox Leasow, and
the lands of Mr Woolveridge and Lord Westcote. It also depicts a large extent of woodland (the
Great Copse) in the southeast corner of what is know Warley Woods. Much of the morphology
of this woodland survives today as do some of the trees.
Significantly, this estate map was made for the conveyance of the estate to Samuel Galton
junior in 1792. The plan includes many post-1792 amendments, which can be presumably
attributed to the proposals of Samuel Galton junior to improve the land in light of
recommendations made to him.
4.5 The Repton designs and proposed changes to agricultural landscape (1795)
These recommendations to improve the land came from Humphrey Repton, a nationally
renowned landscape gardener. Galtons commission to design a new landscape to accompany
his soon to be built house and family seat was formalised in 1795 by the creation of the Red
Book see Figure 5. The Red Book was a standard form of presentation in which the
aspirations, designs and rationale behind Reptons larger schemes were formally set out. The
designs involved using the contours of the existing landform and incorporating the woodland to
create naturalistic but useable parkland. His recommended additions included the:
24
the siting of the new house on the edge of the high ground in the centre of the site with a
formal garden to the south;
realigning Harborne Road to bring the Tor within the extent of the parkland;
the creation a winding drive from the north that snaked around a newly created pool;
the removal of much of the existing field system, although some field boundaries were to be
retained and widened into tree belts;
the introduction of occasional clumps of trees; and
the creation of a network of paths within the existing woodland including the construction of a
focal point (the temple) on the edge of the woods.
4.6 The post-Repton designs (1795 1890)
Although Samuel Galton junior never resided in his new house, which was finally completed in
1818, much of what was recommended by Repton seems to have been implemented. Two
maps of 1845 (see Figure 7) and the 1st edition OS map of 1890 (see Appendix B) depict much
of what can be seen on Reptons plan and the amended estate plan of 1792. In addition, a
presumed early 19th century Estate Plan (see Figure 6) provides considerable detail on the
structure and form of the landscape in this period. The principle changes during this period
were the:
construction of the new house known as the Abbey. This was in Reptons recommended
location but to a different style and facing in a different direction;
creation of the formal gardens to south of the house;
realignment of Harborne Road;
creation of the pool (pond) as recommended by Repton;
construction of the main drive along a more direct north-south route than envisaged by
Repton;
widening of occasional field boundaries into tree belts;
removal of much of the earlier field system;
introduction of clumps of trees to the south of the main house and the higher ground to the
east of the house; and
construction of a folly temple on the edge of the woods.
Many of these features survive today including the preserved field boundaries within the extent
of the golf course, which can be seen as fairway boundaries. Some of the clumps of trees
have, over time, been amalgamated into the wider woodland.
In general terms the changes of this period created and defined the current landscape
structure of the site with strong belts of woodland and clumps of trees along the eastern flanks
of the site (now amalgamated into the Great Copse Zone 2); open parkland with tree clumps
25
across the centre of the site (Zone 3); the house with its approaches and formal and kitchen
gardens (Zones 4, 5 & 6); an area of parkland / agricultural land to the west and south of the
house (Zone 1 now a golf course).
4.7 The Golf Course (1896 today)
The origins of the golf course lie in the late 19th century when the western side of the site
accommodated the first home of the Edgbaston Golf Club. This relocated in 1910 and the
course reverted to parkland until 1921 when it reopened as a municipal golf course. Its use
was halted in WWII when much of the course and parkland was turned over to agriculture. The
course was re-established in the post-war period and its current guise dates to the mid-1950s.
Although the use of the course has been disrupted since its foundation its origins lay in the late
19th century, making it one of the oldest golf course sites in the midlands. The current course
includes 9 holes and respects much of the landform of the designed parkland and earlier field
boundaries. However, it has also introduced new elements into the landscape including raised
tee platforms, re-contoured areas around the greens, new lines of planting and bunkers.
The course broadly encompasses areas of parkland / agricultural land shown on the OS 1st ed.
Map of c.1884-1890. These areas although forming part of the parkland setting of the former
main house could be considered to be secondary in design terms to the core of the parkland
area (Zone 3) which lay to the east of the main house. It is likely that the outlying areas of
parkland (Zone 1) would have served a functional role as agricultural land (possibly for
grazing); this is perhaps evidenced by the continuation of field boundaries on these areas on
the 1st ed. OS Map.
4.8 The Edwardian Municipal Park (1905 1944)
The turn of the 19th century, as with the introduction of the golf course, saw the second phase
of major change at the site. The death of Samuel Galton juniors daughter in 1900 witnessed
the piecemeal sale of the estate for future housing. The eastern extent of the estate was
developed for housing creating the current boundary of the Woods at Barclay Road, however
the intervention of the specially created Warley Woods Self Help Society saved the much of the
parkland, gardens and woodland surrounded the house (Zones 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6). Ironically, the
growing populations of the middle classes in the area, who were the principal members of the
Society that saved the park, were the very people that the house builders were trying to cater
for.
Following the purchase of the land by the Self Help Society (under the direction of Alexander
Chance) and with the help from funds from local councils including Birmingham, Warley Woods
was opened as a public park on the 9th June 1906. As was typical of a park of this period many
new features were added such as the tennis courts, main drive avenue, bandstand, aviary and
rose garden. These features can be clearly seen on the 3rd ed. OS Map of c.1918-19 (see
Appendix B). The development of the park at this time respected the structure and form of the
earlier 19th century designed landscape. The new park used the lodges as principal entrance
points, the drives as major access routes and retained much of the planted structure of the
site. The division between the golf course and the new urban park reinforced the earlier
possible division between the core of the designed landscape and the outer areas of parkland/
agricultural land. Overall, although the Edwardian park changed the usage of the site (and
hence its ambience) it left the structure intact and added only a few elements, such as the
drinking fountains and bandstand; it had in effect a light touch on the historic landscape of the
park.
26
The Woods was incredibly popular during the early 20th century, with bus loads of visitors often
arriving from Birmingham on Summer Bank Holidays. A large collection of photos of the Woods
and its visitors from this period (including up to the modern day) is held by the Trust.
4.9 The post-War era and the Community Trust (1944 today)
Cuts in maintenance funding by the then council managers during the later half of the 20th
century saw a decline in the prosperity of the Woods, beginning with the demolition of the
Abbey in the 1950s and culminating in 1996 with the clearance of the glasshouses in the
kitchen garden. This sequence of events can be clearly seen through an analysis of the 4th ed.,
5th ed and modern OS maps (see Appendix B). However, beyond the loss of discrete features
such as the house and drinking fountains, the broad structure of the historic landscape
survived relatively intact. Elements of this structure were lost e.g. field boundaries on the golf
course (Zone 1) and tree clumps on the open parkland (Zone 3) and these loses have
degraded the character of the historic designed landscape.
The general lack of investment in the Woods in the later half of the 20th century by
Birmingham City Council and the removal of the glasshouses in 1996 led to increasing local
community concern about the state of the site. This developed rapidly and led to the creation
of the Warley Woods Community Trust. This then prompted the transfer of the site in the form
of a lease from Birmingham City Council to Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, who in turn
sub-leased the Woods to the Community Trust for 99 years in 2004.
The creation of the Community Trust also allowed for the pursuit of an application for Heritage
Lottery Funds to enhance various elements of the Woods. The application was successful and
in 2004 the HLF granted the Community Trust a significant sum for the conservation of the
Woods.
5.0
REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK
The site-specific aims are:

To undertake a watching brief during the perimeter fencing works and footpath
reinstatement(for further information please contact the Warley Woods Community Trust
Project Manager tel.
To establish the presence/absence of archaeological remains within the development area
To determine the extent, condition, nature, character, quality and date of any archaeological
remains encountered
To provide further information on the origins and development of sites with Warley Woods
Park.
To establish a site suitable for an Outreach community archaeological project
6.0
GENERAL METHODOLOGY
6.1 The evaluation shall be supported by a written scheme of investigation.

6.2 The contractor is expected to follow the Code of Conduct of the Institute of Field
Archaeologists.
27
6.3 Details including the name, qualifications and experience, of the site director and all other
project personnel (including specialist staff) shall be supplied to the Borough Archaeologist as
part of the written scheme of investigation.
6.4 Notification of the supervisor/project manager's name and the members of the team shall
be provided in writing to Borough Archaeologist at least one week in advance of
commencement of work.
6.5 A site code shall be obtained from the Borough Archaeologist
6.6 The contractor will operate with due regard for Health and Safety regulations. Those who
wish to undertake the work should ensure they are adequately insured, to cover all
eventualities, including risks to third parties. Sandwell MBC cannot be held responsible for any
accidents which may occur to contractors engaged to undertake this survey while attempting
to confirm to this WSI..It must be remembered that Warley Woods are publicly accessible and
that a large proportion of the area is an active golf course. It is therefore appropriate that
safety measures must be made to ensure both public safety and safety of the archaeologists
on site.
6.7 There is also a slight possibility of the land being contaminated by asbestos near to the
location of the old stables. Should this be the case the trenches in this location would be filled
and abandoned.
6.8 It is required that both Risk Assessment and Safe System of Work documents are produced
as part of the WSI and tender documentation.
6.9 Proof of adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability has to be provided.
6.10 Should the client wish to curtail the investigation for any reason at any point in advance
of its completion the contractor will still be expected to produce a full report including specialist
finds assessments within the timetable set out below.
6.11 The IFAs Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Evaluations should be used for
additional guidance in the production of the written scheme of investigation, the content of the
report, and the general execution of the project.
7.0 METHODOLOGY
7.1 Watching Brief
7.1.1 The watching brief will comprise a professional archaeologist who will observe the ground
moving operations as specified for the perimeter and footpath enabling works. Should any
features or artefacts be revealed during this operation adequate time must be given for the
archaeologist to either record or recover the discovery. The record will comprise a written
description along with a drawn and photographic record. Any excavation work considered
necessary as a result of the watching brief will follow the methodology set out in the following
evaluation methodology.
7.2 EVALUATION METHODOLOGY
28
7.2.1 The evaluation shall consist of a total of 20 trial trenches located at the sites identified on
Fig 1. It is intended that the trenches will not exceed a maximum length 15m by 2m (a
machine buckets width).
To locate the Abbey it is intended that a maximum of 5 trenches are excavated.
To locate the stable block a maximum of 4 trenches are excavated.
To locate the Icehouse 1 trench it is essential that this site is visited as its relative
inaccessibility may require the use of a mini digger.
To locate the temple a maximum of 2 trenches are excavated
To locate the bandstand 1 trench.
To locate a structure of unknown origins and nature in the gardens (depicted on early OS) 1
trench.
To section the footpath in two locations to confirm the construction and period. (not on trench
location diagram, please confirm location with Borough Archaeologist and WWCT Project
Manager)
In addition to locate/confirm the line of since lost paths within the Winter Garden 4 x. 5m x 1m
trial trenches and an Earthwork survey of the earth boundary bank within the golf course and
the excavation of two sections across it
7.2.2 The contractor shall ensure detailed study of all mains service locations and avoid
damage to these.
7.2.3 Prior to the commencement of on-site works the contractor must consult the Sandwell
Sites and Monuments Record (Fay de Souza 0121 569 4216) and undertake a rapid map
regression exercise based on the sources held at the Local Studies Section of Smethwick
Library. There is a standard charge for this service and this information will assist in on-site
interpretation.
7.2.4 The trial trenches will be machine excavated using a toothless ditching bucket, and under
the supervision and to the satisfaction of a professional archaeologist. The exposed sub-soil or
archaeological horizon will be hand cleaned in all trenches and any archaeological deposits or
negative features planned.
7.2.5 At least 50% of all contained features shall be excavated. A stated percentage of
structural and linear features to be excavated shall be provided in the WSI. For those trenches
where substantial nineteenth and twentieth century masonry remains are encountered hand
dug test pits will be excavated within the trench in order to examine the presence/absence of
earlier remains. NOTE: In some circumstances it may be necessary to use shoring to support
the sides of the trench, but advice must be sought from the Borough Archaeologist before
employing this methodology.
7.2.6 Details of how all archaeological contexts and artefacts will be excavated, surveyed,
recovered and recorded shall be provided. The site grid will be tied to the national grid.
29
7.2.7 Details of the site planning policy shall be given in the WSI. The normal preferred policy
for the scale of archaeological site plans is 1:20 and sections at 1:10, unless circumstances
indicate that other scales would be more appropriate.
7.2.8 The photographic record shall consist of photographs in both monochrome and colour
mediums with negatives if 35mm or medium format cameras are used in preference to digital
cameras. This shall include both general and feature specific photographs, a photographic scale
(including north arrow) shall be included in the case of detailed photographs. A photographic
register and supporting plan detailing as a minimum feature number, location, and direction of
shot shall accompany the photographic record. As a supplement high definition digital
photography would also be considered acceptable.
7.2.9 The contractor must arrange, through a suitably qualified specialist, the assessment of
the environmental and metallurgical potential of the site through the examination of suitable
deposits. Guidance should be sought from the appropriate English Heritage Regional Advisor in
Archaeological Science and details of the methodology included within the WSI.
8.0
FINDS
8.1 All finds, where appropriate, shall be washed and marked with both the site code and
context number.
8.2 The WSI shall include an agreed list of specialist consultants who might be required to
conserve and/or report on finds, and advise or report on other aspects of the investigation.
8.3 Finds work should be to accepted professional standards and adhere to the Institute of
Field Archaeologists Guidelines for Finds Work.
included within the WSI.
Details of the finds retrieval policy must be
8.4 The requirements for conservation and storage shall be agreed with Wednesbury Museum
prior to the start of work, and confirmed in writing with the Borough Archaeologist.
9
RESULTS
9.1 The full report including all specialist assessments of artefact assemblages shall be
submitted within six weeks of completing the fieldwork, with ten copies plus a copy on CD-ROM
supplied to the Borough Archaeologist for general distribution.
9.2 The report must contain:
The aims and methods adopted during the course of the evaluation and watching brief.
Detailed results including a suitable conclusion and discussion. This must be linked to the
research objectives cited above and consider the sites in their local, regional and national
context.
An assessment of the local, regional national importance of the site. The latter should be based
on the criteria for scheduling as set out in Annex 4 of PPG 16 (DoE 1990)
Impact Assessment and recommended mitigation strategy will be used to assess the impact of
the proposal on the surviving archaeological resource.
30
The contractor is also expected to formulate a mitigation strategy and future research
programme. The latter should be based on national/regional/local research frameworks and
identify the aims/objectives of any future excavation.
Although the emphasis should be on those deposits that are likely to be destroyed, the wider
potential the site must also be considered
A concise non-technical summary of the project results
All specialist reports and assessments
Site location plan, copies of any historical maps and a representative sample of the
photographs including colour prints
Location plan of trenches in relation to the proposed development. All corners of each trench
shall be given a 10 figure grid reference
A section/s within each trench showing the depth of deposits including the present ground level
with Ordnance Datum, vertical and horizontal scale
Sufficient plans by period and area to aid interpretation
Artefact illustrations that would be submitted in any future publication
9.3 The following appendices should also be included:
Location and summary of the archive contents
Completed summary sheet (copy attached to brief)
Photographic register
Archaeological brief, the approved contractors written scheme of investigation together with
the completed pro-forma and site location plan which were submitted as part of the planning
application
9.4 The proposed format of the report will be described within the WSI.
10.0
ARCHIVE
10.1 Before commencing any fieldwork, the Contractor must contact the Community History
and Archives Service, Smethwick Library (High Street, Smethwick, West Midlands B661AB. Tel.
0121 5582561), to determine the requirements for the deposition of the archive.
10.2 The archive should include the record photographs, negatives, colour slides, film register,
digital information together with a copy of the Report.
10.3 Photographic prints should be re-produced at a minimum of five by four inches and
labelled on the back using indelible ink with the film and frame number, date, photographers
name together with the site code, name and grid reference; the photographs being mounted in
archival quality sleeves.
31
10.4 It is the responsibility of the Contractor to meet the Community History and Archives
Service requirements with regard to the preparation of material for deposition.
10.5 Written notification of the commencement of fieldwork shall be given to Community
History and Archives Service at the same time as the Borough Archaeologist.
10.6 A summary of the contents of the archive shall be supplied to Borough Archaeologist at
the time of deposition.
11.0
MONITORING
11.1 The Borough Archaeologist will be responsible for monitoring progress and standards
throughout the project and should be kept regularly informed during fieldwork, interpretation
and reporting stages.
11.2 Written Notification of the start date will be given to the Borough Archaeologist at least
one week before the commencement of work and once the fieldwork stage of the investigation
has been completed.
12.0
CONTRACTORS WRITTEN SCHEME OF INVESTIGATION
12.1 Any variations to the WSI shall be agreed in writing with the Borough Archaeologist
before being implemented.
12.2 This Brief has been written following a cursory examination of the site by the Borough
Archaeologist, potential contractors are therefore strongly advised to carry out their own
inspection before submitting a written quotation.
12.3 If on first visiting the site or at any time during the recording exercise, it appears that:
i) part or the whole of the site is not amenable to the recording programme outlined above,
and/or
ii) an alternative approach may be more appropriate or likely to produce more informative
results, and/or
iii) any features that should be recorded as having a bearing on the interpretation of the site
have been omitted,
then it is expected that the Contractor will contact the Borough Archaeologist as a matter of
urgency.
Reference
Bond, CJ Moated sites in South Staffordshire, 1976
Brassington, WS History of Worcestershire, 1894
Hackwood, FW Oldbury round and about, 1915
Lyttleton, C A Topographic survey of the manors of Warley Wigorn,
Cradley and Lutley, 1754.
32
Nash, T Collections for the County of Worcestershire, 1781

Northamptonshire Archaeology Geophysical Survey at Warley Woods, 2002
Repton, H Warley The Red Book, 1795
Sandwell MBC Warley Woods restoration project report on archaeological work, 1996
Sandwell MBC and the Friends of Sandwells Archaeology The Environs of Warley Woods
Sandwell :An Archaeoogical Study, 2000
VCH - Victoria County History of Worcestershire, 1924
Yates, D The History of the Warley Hall estate 1066 1996, 1996
13.0
TIMETABLE
Brief issued
Contractors Written Scheme of Investigation and costings to be submitted to Borough
Archaeologist no later than
Contractor appointed
Draft report to be submitted to Borough Archaeologist
Submission of ten (10) copies of the Report plus a copy on CD Rom to be discussed following
approval of draft.
Archive to be deposited in consultation with the Borough Archaeologist and receiving body
following approval of draft.
For further information regarding the content of this brief and as part of our desire to provide a
quality service, we would welcome any comments you may have on the content and
presentation for this archaeological brief. Please address them to the author at the address
below.
Graham Eyre-Morgan
Borough Archaeologist
Sandwell MBC
Development House
Lombard Street
West Bromwich
West Midlands
B70 8RU
Tel (0121) 569 4025 Fax (0121) 569 4265
E-mail graham_eyremorgan@sandwell.gov.uk
33
Appendix 3 - Written Scheme of Investigation

Birmingham Archaeology: Archaeological Evaluation
WARLEY WOODS PARK, SANDWELL
1.0: INTRODUCTION
This document is based upon information provided by a design brief for archaeological
evaluation prepared by the Borough Archaeologist, Sandwell MBC on behalf of the Warley
Woods Community Trust, and a site visit in early October 2005, with Paul Leadbitter of
Sandwell MBC.
While the broad aims and methodology described in this document will be followed, certain
specific details may require to be altered as further information becomes available. Such
variations would be agreed in advance with the Planning Archaeologist.
Archaeological evaluation is required to determine the archaeological potential of the site in
advance of future proposals, and/or utilisation of an area within the park for a community
archaeological project.
2.0: SITE LOCATION
Warley Woods comprises an area of parkland totalling 100 acres, approximately 5km to the
west of Birmingham Centre (NGR SP 01308610). The park boundaries are formed by Abbey
Road, Harborne Road, Lightwoods Hill and Barclay Road.
3.0: ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
Details of the archaeological background are provided in the Sandwell MBC Design Brief. Only
a summary of this information is presented below.
The park was laid out following the designs of Humphry Repton in the late 18th/early 19th
century. The site became a public park in 1906, being transferred in 2002 to Sandwell MBC,
and then to the Warley Woods Community Trust.
No intrusive fieldwork has been undertaken within the park, which has been the subject of
landscape assessments compiled in 1996 and 2000 and geophysical survey in 2002.
A plan of 1792 provides details of the layout, including landscape features of possible medieval
origin. An earlier documentary reference, dated 1576, together with other documents
belonging to the Warley family, dated to the late 18th century are also available.
19th century maps show that Reptons designs were implemented, and many of the features
remain visible at present. In the late 19th century a golf course, one of the earliest in the
midlands, was laid out in the western part of the park. Part of the eastern side of the former
family estate was sold for residential development in the early 20th century. A number of park
features were added to the remainder of the estate in the early 20th century, although little
disturbance was caused to the historic park landscape. In the later part of the 20th century
some of the standing structures were demolished, and other landscape features were also lost
at this time.
4.0: EVALUATION
34
4.1: Aims
To establish the presence/absence of archaeological features/deposits within the park
development area.
To establish the extent/ condition/ nature/ character/ quality/ and date of archaeological
deposits.
To contribute towards an understanding of the origins and development of the historic
landscape.
To identify a suitable location for a community archaeological excavation.
4.2: Method
The Sandwell Sites and Monuments Record and Sandwell Local Studies Section, at Smethwick
Library, will be consulted in advance of trenching commencing, and a map regression exercise
will be undertaken. The information will be used to interpret the results of trenching.
A site code will be obtained from the Borough Archaeologist in advance of commencement.
Deposition of the site archive will be agreed with Wednesbury Museum prior to commencement
of fieldwork (subject to approval by landowner).
Live services will be identified before commencement of fieldwork, so they can be avoided.
A maximum of 26 trenches will be excavated, totalling 215m in length. Details of the trenches
are provided separately. The trenches will not exceed 15m by 2m in size. Exact trench
locations will be agreed with the Borough Archaeologist on site.
A machine will be used to remove modern overburden, working under the supervision of an
archaeologist. The exposed subsoil or uppermost significant archaeological horizon will be hand
cleaned, as necessary. A 50% sample of archaeological features will be hand-excavated. In
case of working at depth it may be appropriate to step the trench sides. Where 19th or 20th
century structural remains are identified hand-dug test-pits will be employed to check the
presence of earlier remains.
Trench locations would be tied to the National Grid using a total station EDM with fasmap
facilities.
Recording
Recording would be by means of pre-printed pro-formas for contexts and features,
supplemented by plans (1:50 and 1:20 as appropriate), sections (1:50 and 1:20), and
monochrome print and colour slide photography with accompanying photographic register.
Digital photographs will be taken as appropriate.
Finds
The finds will be collected by context, and will be cleaned, marked and bagged. Necessary
conservation work would be undertaken.
Duration
35
Maximum of 15 days, plus backfilling.

5.0: WATCHING BRIEF
An archaeological watching brief will be maintained by an experienced archaeologist to monitor
and record and archaeological features or deposits exposed as a result of perimiter footpaths
and footpath reinstatement.
The general contractor should allow an appropriate time allowance for an appropriate level of
hand-excavation and recording to be completed in accordance with professional standards.
Recording will be as described above; reporting will be as described below.
6.0: STAFFING
The evaluation would be managed for Birmingham Archaeology by Alex Jones (BA, MA, MIFA),
with the assistance of a K. Colls (Project Officer, BSc, AIFA), and three Archaeological Site
Assistants.
Specialist staff:
Post-Roman pottery, Stephanie Ratkai
Small finds, Erica Macey-Bracken
Charred/waterlogged plant remains, Dr. James Greig
Insect remains, Dr David Smith
Human remains, Dr Megan Brickley
6.0: REPORTING
An illustrated Birmingham Archaeology report would be produced, detailing the results of map
regression and evaluation, the aims and methods employed, and with detailed discussion of
the results, linked to the project aims. The report will also include specialist assessments, and
an overall assessment of the level of importance of the site, using the criteria in Annex 4 of
PPG 16. The report will also include an impact assessment, and suggested mitigation strategy
and future research programme. Ten copies of the final report, plus a CD copy, will be
submitted to the Borough Archaeologist.
Report illustrations will include a location plan, copies of appropriate historic maps, a location
plan of trenches in relation to historic landscape features, and representative plans and
sections of features identified.
The report appendix will include copies of the brief, WSI, summary sheet, photographic
register, and plan relating to the application.
Reports will be submitted within six weeks of fieldwork completion.
A short summary report would also be prepared for inclusion in West Midlands Archaeology.
7.0: ARCHIVE
36
Details of archive requirements will be obtained from Community History and Archives Service,
Smethwick Library, prior to commencement.
The excavation archive will be deposited with Wednesbury Museum within a reasonable time of
the completion of the fieldwork.
A site code will be obtained from the Borough Archaeologist.
8.0: GENERAL
All project staff will adhere to the Code of Conduct of the Institute of Field Archaeologists.
The project will follow the requirements set down in the Standard and Guidance for
Archaeological Field Evaluation prepared by the Institute of Field Archaeologists. Finds work
will confirm to the requirements of the IFA Standard and Guidance for Finds Work.
A Risk Assessment will be prepared prior to commencement of fieldwork. Trench locations
would be checked with a CAT-scanner to establish the presence of live services, before
excavation.
Should asbestos be identified near the old stables the trenching will be halted, and the
trenches will be backfilled forthwith.
5 October 2005
37
Appendix 4 Summary sheet

SANDWELL MBC SMR SUMMARY SHEET
Site Name/Address: Warley Woods Park
Borough: Sandwell, Birmingham
NGR: SP 0130 8610
Type of Work: Evaluation
Date of Work: 5th-14th December 2005
Site Director/Group: Kevin Colls (Birm Arch)
Site Code: BA 1374
Location of Finds/Curating Museum:
Further Seasons Anticipated?: ?
Full Title of Report: Warley Woods Park, archaeological evaluation 2005

Periods Represented: Post-medieval
SUMMARY OF FIELDWORK RESULTS:
In December 2005, Birmingham Archaeology undertook an archaeological evaluation at the
request of the Warley Woods Community Trust at Warley Woods Park, Sandwell Metropolitan
Borough. In compliance with an approved Written Scheme of Investigation, twenty trial
trenches were excavated within the park. The trenches were located to assess the survival and
character of the archaeological evidence across the site, targeting features and structures
associated with the transformation of the Warley Estate according to the designs of Repton in
the late 18th, early 19th century. A further aim of the evaluation was to identify possible areas
suitable to excavate as part of a community/outreach project.
The evaluation proved successful in characterising the remains of many of the targeted
features. Structural remains were identified at the locations of the Abbey, Icehouse, stables,
north and south lodges, and the temple. The remains, consisting of a variety of brick walls,
foundations, and surfaces were all in good states of preservation. The trenches across the site
of the Abbey identified substantial walls and surfaces sealed by shallow deposits of topsoil and
demolition debris. The character, survival, and depth of the archaeological evidence associated
with the Abbey would make this area suitable for be excavation as part of an outreach
community project.
Other trenches identified several of the lost footpaths running across the Park. No structural
remains were identified at the putative location of Warley Tor, indeed the trenches revealed a
large area of land-fill material consisting of ash and slag.
Previous Summaries/Reports:
Sandwell MBC Warley Woods restoration project report on archaeological work, 1996
Northamptonshire Archaeology Geophysical Survey at Warley Woods, 2002
Yates, D The History of the Warley Hall estate 1066 1996, 1996
Author of Summary: Kevin Colls
Date of Summary: December 2005
38
Appendix 5 - Photographic Registers
Digital: The shot numbers correspond to the file names of each digital photograph on the CDROM (located with the paper archive).
Shot
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
Description
Scale
General shot, Trench 1

General shot, Trench 1 showing
wall 118
General shot, Trench 1 showing
wall 118
Shot of 109
Shot of 106
Shot of 106
Shot of wall foundation 314
General shot of trench 6
Shot of cobbles 403
Shot of cobbles 403
Shot of Icehouse, trench 7
Shot of 129
Shot of 129
Shot of 127
Shot of 127
Shot of trench 13, 1303 and
1304
1304
1 x 2m
1 x 2m
1 x 1m
Orientation
(looking)
NW
NW
N
1 x 1m
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
NW
N
N
E
E
Vertical
Vertical
NW
NW
NW
Vertical
Vertical
W
W
W
W
W
W
SW
SW
SW
E
E
Vertical
Vertical
W
N
SE
NW
S
x
x
x
x
x
1m
1m
1m
1m
1m
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
1m
1m
1m
1m
2m
2m
2m
2m
2m
2m
1m
1m
1m
1m
1m
1m
1m
1m
2m
2m
2m
2m
1 x 2m
1 x 2m
NW
S
1 x 2m
W
39
43
1304
1304
1304
Trench 15, section through
trackway 1505
Trench 15, section through
trackway 1505
Shot of water fountain base
44
Shot of water fountain base
39
40
41
42
1 x 2m
1 x 2m
1
1
1
1
x
x
x
x
1m
2m
1m
2m
SW
SW
Colour prints
Shot
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Description
Scale

Wall 107, trench 1
Shot of cobbles 403
Wall 407, trench 4
General shot, trench 8
Trench 13
Trench 18
Feature 1505, trench 15
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
2m
1m
1m
2m
2m
1m
2m
2m
2m
Orientation
(looking)
NW
Vertical
SE
W
NW
Vertical
N
S
N
N
40

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Warley Woods Park,

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Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Warley Woods Park, Sandwell

BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT .................................................................................. 1

HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND............................................. 1

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES......................................................................................... 2

THE FINDS by Erica Macey-Bracken....................................................................... 8

POTTERY BY STEPHANIE RTKAI ................................................................................. 8

MITIGATION STRATEGY FOR FUTURE WORK ...................................................... 10

CONTEXT AND TRENCH DATABASES..................................................................

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

General shot of trench 1 (looking west)

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Warley Woods Park, Sandwell

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Background to the project

Birmingham Archaeology was commissioned by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council to

Location and geology

HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

No archaeological evidence dating to the prehistoric, Romano-British, or medieval periods has

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To establish the presence/absence of archaeological features/deposits within the park.

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Summary of archaeological features and deposits.

Trenches 1, 2 and 3 (Fig. 5, Plates 1 and 2))

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

THE FINDS by Erica Macey-Bracken

Pottery by Stephanie Rtkai

Tile by Stephen Litherland

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

6.2 Brick by Stephen Litherland

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

MITIGATION STRATEGY FOR FUTURE WORK

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Further non-intrusive fieldwork to attempt to locate the remains of Warley Tor.

Excavation of the Icehouse.

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Appendix 1 Context and Trench databases

Partial brick wall aligned N-S. 4 courses visible

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Red brick floor surface abutting wall 118, single course on

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Intact brick barrel-vaulting for cellar roof. Bricks bonded by

Deposit of light brown and white silty clay material to NE of

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Brown silty in-fill of drain cut.

Cobble surface at N end of trench, no particular pattern,

Localised layer of mixed brown and white debris and silt

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Dark brown silty clay and pebble topsoil.

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Warley Woods Park: Archaeological Evaluation 2005

Black silty ash/charcoal rich layer. Slag present throughout.

Drainage ditch running N-S. Still in present use. Very Shallow.