CENTURIES-OLD structures have been discovered during an archaeological dig at an historic church in Malvern.
As work gets underway for a major project to upgrade facilities at Malvern Priory, archaeologists have been excavating trenches on the site.
Starting earlier this month, the excavations are being carried out by Churchill Archaeology to map out where a new building could be located.
Why is work being done at Malvern Priory?
The new building, which is part of a development at the Priory dubbed Project Light and Space, will house new, accessible toilets, vestries and storage.
The wider project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, also aims to conserve the Priory’s eight mediaeval stained glass windows, make the building more accessible, reduce its carbon footprint, and provide volunteer and apprenticeship opportunities.
DEVELOPMENT: Work is being carried out in preparation for upgrade work at Malvern Priory (Image: Great Malvern Priory/Visit The Malverns)
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What have archaeologists found?
Katie Churchill, an archaeologist who has been working on the site said they began excavating where the Lady Chapel once stood, and it is believed they have found a wall that was part of a centuries-old crypt.
“We’ve started at the East End, where the Lady Chapel once stood in before the Reformation in 1539,” she said.
EXCITEMENT: An archaeologist shows visitors what they found during excavation work at Malvern Priory (Image: Malvern Priory)
“We’re excavating to see where the archaeology begins below the surface and we’ve already found a wall, which might be part of the crypt which was below the Lady Chapel.
“We’ve also found several large pieces of wall, floor and roof tile, some of which are exactly the same design as those inside the Priory today and date from the late fifteenth century.”
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‘Fascinating’
FASCINATION: Vicar Rev’d Roger Latham said it was interesting to get a glimpse into Malvern Priory’s past (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)
Vicar Rev’d Roger Latham said it had been “fascinating” to watch as parts of the building’s long history were uncovered.
“The archaeologists are investigating three areas of the churchyard during the Development phase of our Project which is supported by the Heritage Fund,” he said.
“It’s fascinating to see snapshot into the Priory’s past, and to be able to share it with visitors, as the archaeologists work to help us to find the most appropriate place for the much-needed new building.”
