Desk Based Assessment, Evaluation at Halls Croft, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stratford-on-Avon CV37 6HB, United Kingdom

In December 2011 and January 2012, the Centre of Archaeology and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust carried out an Archaeological Desk Based Assessment and Evaluation at Hall's Croft in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire (NGR SP 202 546), in advance of essential structural repairs. The conservation programme consisted of essential structural repairs to the superstructure of the building. These structural repairs were composed of several elements, including; propping of a failing timber jetty, rerouting of external drainage and strengthening of ceiling and roof timbers among others. As part of listed building consent, archaeological investigation and building recording has been carried out prior to this work being done. There has been a limited amount of work on the property and garden since it was acquired and restored by the trust in 1949-51. The results of the archaeological investigations were significant. A layer (or pit) was identified beneath the kitchen/ stable/ hayloft block erected in c.1631 (tree ring date). This layer contained late 16th-early 17th century local pottery (midlands yellow ware and black wares) which is probably contemporary with the first phase of building (and therefore the first occupants Dr John Hall and Susanna Shakespeare). Also within this layer was a dress pin and a large amount of horn-cores. These may represent the remains of butchery waste, horn-working or leather-working. Layers relating to the construction of the house in the early 17th century also survive. A metalled (cobbled) surface, post-hole, pits (including a possible beam-slot) and an occupation layer, were datable to the early 13th century (1200-1225). Stone roof tiles and a fragment of moulded stone work were also recovered. These features and artefacts provide strong supporting evidence of occupation and the presence of a building(s) which was located on the site prior to the construction of Hall's Croft. It is clear that the extensive renovations of the 1950s did not affect the below ground archaeology to any great extent. Archaeological features which add to the documentary history of the site were found within a relatively small excavation area. The original levelling and construction layers of Hall's Croft survive, along with evidence of occupation from earlier periods. This work has highlighted the potential of future conservation projects to contribute to the history and interpretation of the SBT properties.