An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Worcestershire Archaeology (WA) in October 2018 at Stepple Hall, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire. The project was commissioned by Mr Mike Humphries on behalf of Mr and Mrs S Morton (the Client), in advance of a proposed development comprising alterations to the existing residence and excavation for a sunken patio area. An application for listed building consent has been submitted to Shropshire Council and permission granted subject to a programme of archaeological works. Groundworks comprised the excavation of two areas, which were archaeologically monitored throughout. Trench 1 was located against the western wall of the property, and covered the area of a proposed sunken patio. Trench 2 comprised a narrow foundation trench to the north of the property, in preparation for a small extension. The only archaeological feature observed on site comprised a brick-lined well. The well, located off the western wall of the early 17th century house may be dated through association. However the construction cut for the well may extend below the stone chimney stack on the north wall of the house, which would make it earlier that this chimney, whilst the bricks of which it is made appear to be of 18th century date. The small assemblage recovered from the upper backfill inside the well indicates that it was backfilled in the 19th century. As the well remained below impact level, the structure was not excavated but left in situ. Subsequently, interpretations are limited and further investigations would be necessary in order to fully define the chronology. No other significant archaeological features, deposits or artefacts were observed within the trenches. The presence of a c 18th century well is in keeping with the post-medieval character of the site. Further works, including groundworks associated with a new outbuilding, are scheduled for 2019. The results of any later work will be added as an addendum to this report.
G Arnold (Wed,) studied this question.