Archaeologists uncover more secrets of Shropshire town’s past

Archaeologists were thrilled to be able to add more to the recorded history of a Shropshire town.

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Castlering Archaeology was called in after the owner of The Old Bakehouse was given planning permission for a rear extension involving some demolition work.

The property sits in the Cleobury Mortimer Conservation Area, next to two Grade II listed buildings.

The archaeologists used a one tonne digger and their hands to complete their work.

In their report to Shropshire Council planners they say the features uncovered have been “particularly rewarding, giving a glimpse into the past history of The Old Bakehouse.”

They reported finding several ‘interesting’ archaeological features.

The Old Bakehouse, in High Street, is recorded as a building of historic interest.

Cleobury Mortimer is in the Domesday Book (1086) as a manor belonging to Ralph de Mortimer with around 28 households, a priest and a mill. It became a market town by the 14th century.

The archaeologists say bakehouses were a vital community hub where townsfolk, who rarely owned private ovens, brought dough, meats, and pies to be cooked.

They found the remains of a late 18th / early 19th century brick structure most likely a vaulted oven, heated by a wood fire, a ‘poorly constructed well’ and the roof to the home’s cellar which extends beyond the rear wall of the house.

The archaeologists concluded that the features uncovered have been “particularly rewarding, giving a glimpse into the past history of The Old Bakehouse.

“The watching brief has allowed for further archaeological evidence of this historic area of the town to be revealed and recorded for posterity.”