Edwalton Holy Rood

Archaeology

Core fabric probably C13/14th with C14th S. aisle arcade

N. wall complex, core probably C13th

Chancel rebuilt in 1894 by Brewill & Bailey

Tower probably mid-C16th, brick, English bond

Extension built on N. side of chancel in 1996-97

C14th south arcade with low octagonal piers

Medieval Cross Slabs

Repair work at the church in c.1980 uncovered fragments of two medieval cross slabs that had been re-used in the jambs of the east window of the south aisle. Drage (1981) provides descriptions of the designs. One had a cross head of the 'Round Leaf' type and can probably be dated to the 13th century. Only the stepped base set within an incised border survived of the other cross slab. After recording both slabs were returned to the east window and are no longer visible.

Technical summary

Timbers and roofs

	Nave	Chancel	Tower
Main	Awaiting analysis	1894
S.Aisle	Awaiting analysis	n/a
N.Aisle	n/a	Modern extension 1996
Other principal
Other timbers

Bellframe

Cast-Iron ‘H’ frame installed by Taylor’s of Loughborough in 1924. Extended in 1994.

Not scheduled for preservation. Grade 5.

Walls

	Nave	Chancel	Tower
Plaster covering & date	Plastered, date unclear
Potential for wall paintings	Possible - nave

Excavations and potential for survival of below-ground archaeology

A geophysical (resistivity) survey and a watching brief was undertaken on the area disturbed by the 1996 extension (John Samuels Archaeological Consultants report no. 146/97/002). No significant archaeological stratigraphy was identified but a large number of inhumation burials were located. A low resistance anomaly in the S.W. corner of the site, identified in the geophysical survey, was located but its significance was unclear.

The overall potential for the survival of below-ground archaeology in the churchyard is considered low-moderate and below the present interior floors is considered to be high.

Exterior:Largely inhumation burials, medieval to C19th. Evidence for the former priest’s house should be present.

Interior:Nave largely undisturbed, has high potential for surviving medieval stratigraphy. Tower and chancel both rebuilt post-medieval and therefore have lower potential.

Standing fabric of nave has high potential as complex, multiphase construction features exist.

Excavations at the base of the external buttress on the north side of the chancel during works to build a new extension in 1996	Construction work for the new extension in 1996 with archaeological recording in progress	Exposed section of adult inhumation burial recorded during works to build a new extension in 1996
All photographs copyright John Samuels Archaeological Consultants