Excavations at Moat House, Chasewood Lodge, Exhall, Warwickshire 2005

An archaeological excavation at Chasewood Lodge, McDonnell Drive, Exhall, Bedworth, Warwickshire was commissioned by Mr Das. The work was undertaken by Birmingham Archaeology in November 2005 as part of a condition of planning following the erection of a 71 bed residential nursing home and 5 flat units. The new build was situated on a medieval moated site, and previous archaeological work, that included both desk-based assessment and evaluation, established that below ground remains was good. Despite construction work commencing before the full archaeological mitigation requirement had been satisfied, three areas had been left undisturbed by the development. These were excavated, revealing evidence of occupation of the site from the 12th century onwards. The earliest activity on the site comprised evidence for robbed-out sandstone walls and a pit, and more ephemeral evidence for timber-framed structures. It was shown that the moat was excavated during this period, and further evidence of timbers structures in the form of a possible bridge were identified at its edge. The archaeological evidence points to a reorganisation of the site during the 16th century, with deposits relating to the demolition of the previous buildings sealing the earlier features, including the robbed out walls and possible timber bridge. Evidence from the moat itself suggests it had not been maintained, and was silting up during this period. Subsequent activity on the site included the deliberate infilling of the moat, and the construction of 18th century brick buildings.