Excavations & Discoveries
In 1989, targeted excavations in the grounds of Stanwick Hall, particularly along the northern verge of the southern main street, uncovered unoccupied frontages and ridge-and-furrow patterns. Additionally, to the west of the Hall, a depression alongside an oval bank with a French drain suggested historical water collection systems, which were further supported by the discovery of medieval pottery.
Earthworks in the Hall grounds identified a north-south street connecting the village’s main streets. Sparse finds of late Saxon pottery suggested a 10th or 11th-century origin, with later medieval replanning evident in the street’s alignment. Excavations also revealed stone walls lining the street, indicating possible structures.
Stanwick Hall and its surrounding village are steeped in archaeological significance, showcasing a rich history that spans from prehistoric times to the late medieval period. To the west of the village, a prehistoric trackway and an Iron Age settlement mark the early human presence in the area. The discovery of a Roman villa further highlights the region’s historical importance.
Within the village itself, excavations have uncovered traces of late Saxon occupation and medieval settlements, particularly concentrated around Stanwick Hall. This Grade I listed building, originally constructed in the 18th century, stands as a testament to the area’s enduring historical and cultural legacy.
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, several archaeological excavations in Stanwick revealed a wealth of historical findings. An L-shaped trench along Grange Road uncovered evidence of Late Saxon occupation, with parallel ditches that may have served as boundary markers. Pottery fragments from this period and subsequent medieval times were also discovered, suggesting the area was continuously inhabited. However, excavations in central Stanwick, particularly around the church and the old rectory grounds, found no signs of occupation before the 18th century, indicating that medieval tenements were likely absent in these parts.
Further investigations in the glebe and extensive trial excavations in the now-demolished Hill House gardens highlighted the village’s historical landscape, with evidence pointing to quarrying activities during the late Medieval period. West Stanwick, which has seen little modern development, retains much of its original form, with historical paddocks and earthworks providing clues to past land use. The area between the two main streets, now known as West Street and Cotton Lane, features irregular depressions, likely remnants of historical gravel pits, adding another layer to the village’s rich archaeological history.
In 2024, Udig Archaeology Limited embarked on an exciting excavation project within the parkland of Stanwick Hall, aiming to uncover more about the site’s rich history. Early findings suggest that the remnants being unearthed could be part of Stanwick House, once occupied by Mr. James Adams.
This house, situated on elevated ground west of the church, offered commanding views of the countryside. Historical records indicate that a solar with a chapel, constructed by Robert de Lyndesey, Abbot of Peterborough between 1219–22, was dismantled when the house was rebuilt in 1714.
Could these newly discovered remains belong to that very estate? Excavations are set to continue into 2025, and we will keep you updated on any further discoveries.
If you’d like to join the Udig archaeology team excavating at Stanwick Hall, please visit www.udig.site.
