Archaeologists discover one of the first battlefields of the Civil War

Archaeologists working on the HS2 project believe they have uncovered evidence of one of the first battles of the English Civil War.

In fact, this particular 17th-century battle has never been recorded in the history books.

The amazing discovery was made along the route of the high-speed railway at the Coleshill Manor site in Warwickshire, which was uncovered three years ago.

Experts say 200 pistol and musket marks found recently on the remains of the medieval gatehouse could be scars from the first skirmish of the Civil War.

The first recorded battle of the conflict – the Battle of Curdworth Bridge – took place in 1642 and took place just a short distance from Coleshill Manor.

The intriguing find also included more than 40 musket balls, which were unearthed from nearby earth, which may have been a moat around the mansion.

Archaeologists say the new discovery is unmatched in any historical record and could provide new insight into the war that broke out 380 years ago.

The historic find will be featured in the latest episode of the BBC TV series Digging for Britain this weekend.

Professor Alice Roberts, historian and Digging for Britain presenter, added: “The discovery of the medieval gatehouse at Coleshill was quite unexpected.

“I was amazed at how much of the monumental stone building with its two large octagonal towers remained underground.

“The front of the gatehouse was pockmarked and clearly had been musket fired on – perhaps for practice purposes – but there is also an interesting possibility that we are looking at evidence of the earliest engagement of the Civil War.”

The remains of Coleshill Manor and an octagonal ditch were first recovered four years ago by archaeological teams working on the railway line.

The outlines of a vast 16th-century garden were also uncovered during the excavations and have been dubbed ‘Warwickshire’s answer to Hampton Court’.

It has been described as one of the best preserved 16th-century gardens ever discovered in Britain.

The Wessex Archeology team have now found “conspicuous signs” that the heavily fortified manor house, with around 200 impact marks, came under heavy fire.

Archaeologist Stuart Pierson said: “With the completion of excavation at Coleshill for HS2, it is time to reflect on the extraordinary archeology that we have discovered and recorded.

“While we knew there was a mansion on the site, we had no idea that we would uncover such rich and revealing archaeological evidence.

“From one of the most impressive Elizabethan ornamental gardens in the country to the remains of what may be the first skirmish of the Civil War, these finds – which are not found in historical records – would have been lost to time had it not been know- how and hard work of the team.’

The English Civil War began in August 1642 and was fought between the Royalists, loyal to King Charles I, and Parliamentarians known as the Roundheads.

At the time Coleshill Manor was in the hands of Royalist Simon Digby as the Civil War drew near.

The property was transferred to his name following the execution of its previous owner, Simon De Montford, for treason.

Experts say Coleshill Manor, next to a bridge over the River Cole, would have been a strategic position that the Roundheads would have wanted to control.

They say it’s entirely plausible that skirmishes took place en route to Curdworth Bridge, particularly given the Manor’s strong Royalist connection.

It is also believed that the Roundheads would have passed near the manor on their way to battle.

Historical records of the Civil War are limited to famous major battles, so details of the exact events are never known.

But the tracks uncovered are said to offer a “rare glimpse of the war’s impact on the lives of those not written in the history books.”

Helen Wass, Head of Heritage at HS2, said: “HS2’s extensive archeology programme, involving hundreds of people, has provided unparalleled insight into the history of Britain and the discoveries at Coleshill Manor are an important part of that.

“Though we may never have full details of the battle that took place at Coleshill, our investigations are helping historians weave together the complex information to improve our understanding of the events.

‘Although fieldwork between London and the West Midlands is largely complete, detailed post-dig studies will begin shortly and we will continue to share the incredible pieces of our past that have been uncovered during this once-in-a-lifetime dig.’

The existence of the garden and manor house was originally picked up through aerial photographs, which led to specialist excavations.

The extent of the gatehouse was unknown before work began, as the only documentation of its existence was a passing mention in 17th-century records.

It is believed to have been built in the 13th or 14th century and decommissioned in the 1650s before being demolished in the late 17th century.

The discovery features in Episode 3 of Series 10 of Digging for Britain, which airs on BBC2 on Sunday 22 January at 8pm.

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