AN archaeological survey completed on two plots of land behind Boldron Methodist Church in County Durham, found evidence of medieval to post-medieval life.
The survey was commissioned by applicants Mike and Lesley Crowther, and Durham County Council, to undertake an archaeological watching brief for the proposed development of a plot of land to the rear of Methodist Church, called 'Plot 2' in the application.
The work was undertaken in March and April 2021 as part of a planning application to develop the plots of land.
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At the time of these works, the development area comprised two fields of pasture, with a further plot under construction adjacent to the proposed area of development.
While the origins of the village are unknown, the earliest reference to the village is mentioned in the Domesday Book and also during the ‘Yorkshire Inquisition’, where there are many spelling variations of the village name.
Plot 2 has been mentioned in Boldron history, the field it lies within was previously named Plot 270 in the 1841 Tithe Apportionments, with records and investigation into the land held by Boldron local historical group
The structure and layout of the village has remained largely unchanged since the 1841 tithe map, with the exception of addition of housing on the north side and buildings such as Boldron Chapel and Boldron Mission Church, which were built on the southern side of The Green in the later nineteenth century.
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The aims of the survey were to adequately record the archaeological remains directly impacted by the development, preserving archaeology that is not directly impacted.
Archaeological investigation of the area revealed a stone wall running roughly seven metres in length and 0.98m in width, located in the north east of the site.
The wall had a rough dressing to the inner and outer course of stones, with a smaller more irregular compaction of stones within.
The survey found that plot 1 and 2 are very likely to be contemporary, the dates of pottery found at plot 1 were roughly 14th or 15th Century, suggesting that the dates of the archaeology found at Plot 2 is also Medieval to Post-Medieval.
No further action was required.
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