Archaeology and Churches

Churches are a definitive element of the archaeology of any town or village. They are important monuments in their own right but they also present a microcosm of the changing historical fortunes of the parish that they have served for hundreds of years.

The Worcestershire Historic Environment and Archaeology Service Manager is also the Diocesan Archaeology Advisor and provides an advisory service on behalf of the Diocesan Advisory Committee.  The Officer should be consulted at the earliest possible opportunity (preferably at the design stage and prior to the submission of a faculty) wherever any of the works detailed below are proposed for all pre-19th century churches or their churchyards.  

• Re-pointing
• Replacement of stonework
• Underpinning
• Lowering of floor levels
• Removal of plaster
• Renewal of timberwork
• Excavation of pipe trenches
• Digging of drains
• Repairs/consolidation of ruins
• Building of extensions
• Extension of graveyards

Any building work that is proposed in or adjacent to an historic church, or modern churches that have been built on an archaeological site, can provide an opportunity to uncover further information about the heritage of the parish - or can irrevocably damage or destroy that evidence.

Information on the Diocesan Advisory Committee can be found on the Church of England Website.