Archaeological works at the Blount Chapel, Mamble, Worcestershire

The field survey was undertaken between 22nd and 26th January 2024 in bright, mild weather. The Level 1 building survey was undertaken using a combination of pro-forma recording sheets and photographs taken with a Nikon digital D3200 SLR camera and Mavic Mini 2 UAV. The locations of photographs are shown in Figure 4. The test pits were excavated by hand. Context recording was undertaken using context sheets and other pro-forma recording sheets and photographs were taken with a Nikon D3200 SLR camera. Internal shots of the vaults were taken with a DJI OSMO pocket 2 camera. Plans and sections of trenches and features were drawn on permatrace at 1:10 and 1:20 scales. On completion of excavation, trenches were reinstated by replacing the excavated material. Three test pits were subsequently opened by hand, the first being adjacent to the possible vault entrance beneath the brick arch. This, however, demonstrated that there was no break in the wall which is supported on a substantial layer of unshaped stone blocks. A second pit was opened in the centre of the interior of the chapel beneath a large flagstone. This revealed the top of a vaulted brick structure, with a kerb to one side. The curve of the arch would suggest that this structure was built to enclose a single burial rather than a communal family vault. A similar structure, though with vertical sides and a shallow vaulted roof, was uncovered in a third pit close to the west wall inside the chapel. A void in the brickwork allowed a view into the structure which had partially collapsed. No coffin or human remains were evident although they may have been buried by falling bricks and soil. It is recommended that a non-intrusive survey of the interior of the chapel would provide further valuable data on the density of these and further burials.