Site Event/Activity record ECH3513 - An Assessment of the Archaeological Deposits in a Trial Area at Holford Hall, Plumley, June 1990

Archaeological evaluation undertaken in 1990 in advance of development work at Holford Hall, Plumley. A medieval moated site comprising a 16th century Grade II listed building surrounded by a moat, now partly filled. A late 17th century Grade II listed sandstone bridge crosses the moat to the north-east of the hall, whilst to the north and north-west are fishponds and the site of a medieval corn mill. The original north wing of the house collapsed in 1844 and was replaced with a brick wing, with outbuildings, it was this wing which was was subject to demolition. Two trenches were excavated to subsoil, a maximum depth of 0.67m below the present ground surface. The only archaeological features discovered in trench 1 were a single stakehole cut into the natural boulder clay and the foundation stones of the original north wing which remained up to three courses in depth set in a clay deposit above the natural boulder clay. Also recorded were several build up layers containing brick, tile and stone rubble and lenses of clay. In trench 2 layers of ash and rubble were found to overlie the natural boulder clay with possible evidence of a paved area which may have provided access to the coal bunker. (1)