Benedictine Site, Wooden Bridge

September 1934

EXCAVATIONS

My last paragraph in the August issue of this Magazine dealt with a bridge I hoped to find during the next few weeks, where Catesby Lane may have joined up to Palmer Lane. On Friday, August 17th, a road-way made of flat sand-stones and round pebbles was discovered at a depth of 6-ft. 6-ins. below the present roadway The sand-stones were from repairs of the Monastery, one stone had a beautiful piece of carving representing the Lamb and Flag. From about this site, and above the road, a number of pieces of pottery were found of 14th century period, also two pieces of encaustic tiles. Saturday, Aug. 18, revealed a wooden bridge at about the same depth as the roadway. Wood piles, only 18-ins. long, were put in the marshy ground, and runners placed on them to cross the river. Beneath the bridge a deep vein of sludge and cattle dung was found, and pieces of Norman pottery, also pieces of leather in a condition almost as new. A small piece of stick trimmed at each end, and about long enough to grip in the hand, as though for a runner, was found; this is the second one found, the other being at the Guest House, and having a number of brass studs in. Were these carried as pilgrims' signs? As the digging is still proceeding, other things may come to light, which I will record at a later date.

I mentioned last month that the bridge just discovered was recorded in the "Leet Book," but another bridge was discovered about two months ago, of which no record has been traced. This bridge is possibly of earlier date than the "Catesby Bridge," and commenced about 81/2-yards to the east, on the ground of the Benedictines. It was found at a depth of nine feet, and thirty-five feet six inches in width. The end of the bridge was placed on piles and posts, 21/2-feet in height. The clay bed at this spot had been worked, and most probably the bridge would be of Norman or Saxon period. At each side the clay had been worked deeper, and a number of pieces of pottery were found. In one place a large round shallow hole had been dug in the clay, and about a barrow load of charcoal was found, and pottery and bones, including goats' horns, no doubt where cooking had been done.

This bridge was evidently a crossing for cattle, as at both ends oak posts were found, which were morticed out for railings to guide the cattle as they crossed. A horse or pony shoe was found, also a number of dagger or knife sheaths, one of which was twelve-inches long. A shear, either for a plough or scuffle, was found, as also a lock in good condition, but without the key, and an esp for a door; while a brass needle (the best yet found) came to light. This needle is interesting, for the monks had a league of friendship with the monks of Derley, or I believe Derley Abbey, and sent them needles and sope (soap); in return they received riding saddlery and furniture.

Other things found were, a pewter strainer with holes no larger than a pin's point, a pewter jug, five rosary beads, mediaeval pottery, boots from the sixteenth century to the Saxon time, also a boot-sole containing four out of five lead studs, which may have been for football, but thought by the British Museum to be probably a penitential boot. These things are all of very great interest.

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