Burton Dassett Southend, Warwickshire: A Medieval Market Village

Southend, a medieval settlement in Burton Dassett parish, Warwickshire, was the site of a market promoted by Bartholomew de Sudeley in 1267. It prospered until the 15th century, when it was subjected to depopulation. The site survived as earthworks in pasture until construction of the M40 motorway necessitated an archaeological programme. Open area excavations investigated parts of ten medieval properties, revealing a range of building techniques and over 20 complete plans of houses and outbuildings. The remains were well preserved, and the surviving stratigraphy was protected by demolition rubble. A door jamb inscribed with the name of a tenant family suggests a degree of functional literacy. The site was sampled extensively for charred plant remains and animal bone, providing direct evidence of medieval agricultural practice. The large quantities of finds recovered enable the reconstruction of the material culture of a late medieval Warwickshire Feldon village. The investigation revealed the mechanics of 13th-century market development with two separate stages of planned development, and the different properties followed varying development paths. The evidence of material culture and settlement morphology is relevant to the discussion about differentiation and similarities between urban and rural settlement. The medieval pottery has been crucial to the development of the Warwickshire type series, and identification of the pottery sources provides evidence for trade connections between the settlement and the wider market network.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Southend, nestled within the picturesque Burton Dassett parish in Warwickshire, stands as one of five medieval settlements that thrived during the Middle Ages. Promoted by the manorial lord Bartholomew de Sudeley, the market at Southend gained recognition with a charter obtained in 1267. The settlement experienced remarkable growth, earning it the moniker "Chipping Dassett" and gradually approaching urban status. However, a decline set in during the 15th century, leading to a significant depopulation in 1497. Despite this, the site managed to survive as remnants of earthworks in a pasture until the construction of the M40 motorway necessitated an archaeological program.

The excavations at Southend uncovered portions of ten medieval properties, shedding light on the diverse activities that took place in this area. While there was evidence of prehistoric and Romano-British activity, including indications of woodland regeneration and subsequent clearance in the post-Roman period, the Feldon area, often considered to have minimal tree cover since the Roman era, surprised with its rich historical tapestry.

The primary period of occupation at Southend spanned from the mid-13th century to the late 15th century, mirroring the rise and fall of Chipping Dassett. The excavations unearthed over 20 complete plans of houses and outbuildings, showcasing a wide array of building techniques employed during that time. The remarkable preservation of the remains allowed for the revelation of successive building phases in most houses, and numerous internal features remained intact. Notably, a door jamb inscribed with the name of the tenant family "Gormand" hinted at a level of functional literacy within the community.

One of the properties at Southend was identified as a smithy during the excavation, prompting a pioneering sampling and analysis of the ironworking evidence. This excavation was unique in its comprehensive examination of the ironworking heritage, providing valuable insights into the technological advancements and economic significance of this industry during the medieval period. Additionally, the site was extensively sampled for charred plant remains, a practice uncommon in Warwickshire.

The findings at Southend not only enrich our understanding of medieval life but also highlight the importance of archaeological excavations in uncovering the hidden histories of our past. These discoveries contribute to our collective heritage and provide valuable insights into the development and evolution of societies throughout history.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 297 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032430027