Heath Mill Lane, Birmingham. Archaeological Excavation

An archaeological excavation at 25-27 Heath Mill Lane, Deritend, Birmingham was undertaken by Birmingham Archaeology in May 2008 on instruction from Blok Properties prior to an office development. The earliest archaeological feature was a plot boundary ditch. Medieval pottery dating to the 13th century, comprising Deritend ware and cooking pots, was recovered from this feature. Later medieval activity, after this boundary went out of use, was represented by post-holes, stake-holes and pits. The largest pit, dug through the abandoned plot boundary had been lined, possibly for an industrial purpose. The post-holes may have formed several temporary structures. Fragments of iron slag found within some of this post-hole group could suggest an association with ironworking. The post-holes were sealed by a cobbled surface which contained a few sherds of 13th century date. The pit was probably backfilled in the early 14th century. The archaeological evidence indicated a hiatus in activity until the late 17th or early 18th centuries. The majority of the excavated post-medieval features were 19th century brickbuilt structures. An associated well contained a range of transfer printed wares dating to the 1860s. A brick structure and construction pit contained crucible fragments, indicating 19th century industrial activity in the area. The site was included within earlier archaeological desk-based assessments covering areas of Digbeth/Deritend. The excavation was preceded by trial-trenching.