Archaeological Watching Brief at Abbey Park, Pershore, Worcestershire

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken at Abbey Park, Pershore, Worcestershire (NGR SO 94688 45750) during early winter 2025. The project was commissioned by Graham Redfern on behalf of Wychavon District Council, for the monitoring of groundworks associated with the installation of an interpretation board. Abbey Park extends across an area measuring approximately 7ha. and comprises parking, recreational areas and Pershore Abbey itself. Abbey Park is situated within the former grounds of the Scheduled Monument of Pershore Abbey (NHLE 1005303), a medieval abbey which remains partially extant on the Site. Given the potential for finds, features or deposits of archaeological potential to remain preserved on the Site, the Archaeology and Planning Advisor at Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Council (the Curator) has requested a phase of archaeological monitoring be undertaken in order to mitigate impact, caused by the development, to any finds, features or deposits of archaeological significance which may remain preserved on the Site. These works would be undertaken in accordance with paragraph 218 of the National Planning Policy framework (MHCLG 2025). Two interventions, for the support of the interpretation board, were excavated approximately 100m south-west of the extant Abbey church. Each intervention had a circular shape in plan, measured 0.50m in diameter and was 0.50m deep. Two interventions, for the support of the interpretation board, were excavated approximately 100m south-west of the extant Abbey church. Each intervention had a circular shape in plan, measured 0.50m in diameter and was 0.50m deep. A brick wall, orientated north-south was identified at the base of both interventions, Stanchion Base 1 and 2 respectively. Although the limited size of the interventions limited visibility it was clear that the structures comprised a single course of unfrogged, hand-made, red-brick bonded with a sandy mortar which was visible on the upper surface of the brickwork. Reference to the 1 st edition Ordnance Survey mapping, published during the late 19 th century, indicated that the walls identified in Stanchion Base 1 and 2 corresponded with the western wall of Abbey House, a private residence constructed within Abbey Park during the 1830's by the Bedford family. The house was demolished during the 1930's following a period of vacancy and subsequent dereliction. The methods adopted allow a high degree of confidence that the aims of the project have been achieved. Conditions were suitable in all of the trenches to identify the presence or absence of archaeological features. No other significant finds, features or deposits relating to the medieval period were found during the works.