Medieval Castle at Oliver's Mound, Worcestershire

In May 2008 AOC Archaeology managed a two week excavation, in partnership with Shrawley and District Local History Society, at the site of Oliver’s Mound, Worcestershire. The excavation is part of an annual programme of fieldwork undertaken by the local society, and is funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Oliver’s Mound is a well known local monument, currently under the ownership of the Forestry Commission, and is recognised as being one of only a few known medieval castle sites in Worcestershire. Documentary sources indicate a defensive structure has been present on the mound since the 12th century. Archaeological excavations undertaken in the 1920s revealed the remains of a large, stone-built structure. The modern excavation was viewed as an opportunity to learn more about medieval activity on the castle mound.

As part of the recent work, two trenches were excavated by volunteers from the Shrawley society on top of the castle mound. One trench was located in an area previously investigated during the 1920s excavation and found substantial stone foundations thought to belong to a 12th to 14th century defensive structure. The second trench was located using information gathered by means of a geophysical survey and, once excavated, revealed to be in part of the castle’s courtyard. It is hoped that further excavations will reveal even more information about medieval life at Oliver’s Mound.

AOC Supervisor: Chris Clarke
Client: Shrawley and District Local History Society