Archaeological evaluation at St Placide's, Battenhall, Worcester

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Worcestershire Archaeology (WA) in May 2021 at St Placide's, Battenhall, Worcester (NGR SO 386100, 253722). This comprised five evaluation trenches across a tennis court and play area. The project was commissioned by Enterprise Retirement Living Ltd, in advance of a proposed redevelopment. Planning permission has been granted subject to a programme of archaeological works. The results of the evaluation demonstrate that no archaeological features were present in the first four trenches, and the lack of residual material in the soil horizons suggests that no activity of archaeological significance is present on the site. The western half of the tennis court area has been heavily truncated, whilst the eastern end has been greatly made up to create a flat surface for the tennis courts construction. The 1st Edition OS map has the site as completely undeveloped, though by the 1904 map the land had been built upon, with the western half of the site similar to as it is now. The tennis courts were constructed in the 1960s. The small ditch in Trench 5 runs parallel to the school building, and though undated it is likely to have been extant when the pit of flower pots was dug into the top of it at some point in the 20th century. No important archaeological features were discovered in any of the trenches and the lack of residual material suggests that it is unlikely any significant archaeological remains are present in the development area. The land to the rear of the main school building appears to have been heavily landscaped to create a level surface for the tennis courts. The western half of which appears to have been heavily truncated, with the spoil being deposited to the east to raise the ground level. A small ditch and pit of modern date were found in the westernmost trench, next to the school building. Although the ditch remains undated it is likely to have been partially extant when the pit, containing 20th century flowerpots was dug into the top of it.