Oliver’s Mound, Worcestershire
The little-known remains of an ancient castle, known locally as Oliver’s Mound and tucked away in Shrawley Woods, near Worcester, are set to be revealed thanks to a £42,800 award from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
The castle is believed to be associated with Oliver Cromwell and the skirmishes and battles in Worcestershire during the Civil War. Shrawley and District Local History Society has been awarded the windfall and plans to discover and mark the position of the original castle walls as well as carrying out a geophysical survey and an archaeological excavation in partnership with AOC Archaeology Group to reveal more about life within the building while it was in use.
Shrawley and District Local History Society Chairman, Valerie Powick, explained, “Until recently woodland walkers would have strolled on past the mound without realising the history under their feet. We are thrilled to have this HLF grant so we can find out much more about the truth behind the myths.”
The land is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is owned by the Forestry Commission who were approached by the Society last year and agreed to clear the undergrowth covering the visible castle remains.
Valerie Powick added, “There were excavations in the late 1920s which revealed the walls of a courtyard with octagonal corner towers but since then the site became completely overgrown. Some local people have an idea that Oliver’s Mound is a vague area within the woods which may have had something to do with Cromwell, but many newcomers to the village and visitors have no idea of the history. That’s something we hope to change through this project.”
HLF’s Regional Manager Anne Jenkins commented, “We are delighted to be able to fund this project. Oliver’s Mound is the only castle site in Worcestershire where the public have unlimited access and with the help of all the information uncovered, I’m sure will become a popular place to visit giving people a sense of the great history in the area.”
Nearby school children will be involved in the geophysical survey including pupils from The Chantry High School in Martley and the local primary school. A range of other activities include producing interpretation boards, leaflets, an exhibition, DVD and website. Any items found during the dig will go on display in the Village Hall. In the future there may also be re-enactments of clashes between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists during the Civil War, when the disaffected Royalists who had not received any pay roamed through Shrawley Woods waylaying unwary travellers and robbing them.
AOC Project Manager: Tim Carew
Client: Shrawley and District Local History Society
