Aldsworth Manor, Aldsworth Manor, Aldsworth, Gloucestershire

Watching brief
Oxford Archaeology was commissioned by F&GS Architects, on behalf of
Jonathan and Harriet Turnbull, to undertake an archaeological watching brief
at the site of Aldsworth Manor, Aldsworth, Gloucestershire. A watching brief
took place 18th August 2022 and was undertaken during groundworks with
the potential to disturb archaeological remains of the historic cellar.
During groundwork, the machine exposed six sections under the walls of the
back hall. Five sections contained wall foundations and one (section 5)
featured a concrete floor. The foundations of the walls were made of hewn or
rough stones. Below them there was a layer of light‐yellow clay ‐ a natural
layer, except in section 2, where the stone foundation was deeper and rested
directly on a layer of dark yellow clay. This was under the layer of light‐yellow
clay.
There were no visible archaeological features or deposits in the sections and
the natural layer was intact.
Heritage Statement & Impact Assessment
In March 2021, Oxford Archaeology was commissioned to carry out a
programme of archaeological investigation and recording as well as
statement of significance and impact assessment at Aldsworth Manor in
Aldsworth, Gloucestershire in advance of some alterations.
Aldsworth Manor is a Grade II listed building that dates to the 17th century,
but it may be built around elements of older structures. It is a two‐storey,
limestone house with cellar and attic levels built over four bays. It has gables
to the north and south and a roof of stone tiles. It has been altered in the 20th
century with the addition of the porch to the façade and an extension to the
rear, and the interior is largely influenced by 20th‐century refurbishment. It
does, however, retain much of its 17th‐century character and its fine ribvaulted
cellar, stone mullioned windows and large historic chimney stacks are
intact. Elevated to its rear are historic outbuildings that have been converted
to garages and a cottage in the 20th century. Its many phases and the
influence of those who inhabited it over several centuries are evident, giving
the house a charming multi‐phase character that makes it highly significant
to its setting.
The proposed alteration would have a very minor impact on the significant
historic fabric of the house. They would necessitate the removal of some
fabric from the north gable where a doorway would be inserted and some
removal of common rafters from the roof where dormer windows are to be
rearranged. These works would not have any considerable impact on the
historic character of the house. The proposed works where 20th‐century
interventions are to be removed will have a positive impact as much of this
fabric does nothing to enhance the historic character of the house. Indeed,
much of it detracts from and obscures the 17th‐century character and its
removal will expose significant fabric. The addition of the extensions to the
north and south elevations will have a visual impact on the property and its
setting. However, it is considered that both the symmetry of these proposed
extensions, as well as their positioning behind the façade of the historic
house, mitigate this visual impact. The materials and design of the extensions
have been thoughtfully considered so as to be sympathetic to the 17thcentury
house but not pastiche, and will sit comfortably in the setting of the
surrounding village. They reflect a tasteful and proportionate 21st‐century
evolution of the property, embodying modern architectural ideals in terms of
sustainability and energy efficiency.
Heritage statement & impact assessment - the outbuildings
In March 2021, Oxford Archaeology was commissioned to carry out a
programme of archaeological investigation and recording as well as
statement of significance and impact assessment at Aldsworth Manor in
Aldsworth, Gloucestershire in advance of some alterations. The current
report focuses on the investigation and impact assessment of the
outbuildings to the rear of the main manor house.
Aldsworth Manor is a Grade II listed building that dates to the 17th century,
but it may be built around elements of older structures. It is a two‐storey,
limestone house with cellar and attic levels built over four bays. It has gables
to the north and south and a roof of stone tiles. It has been altered in the 20th
century with the addition of the porch to the façade and an extension to the
rear, and the interior is largely influenced by 20th‐century refurbishment. It
does, however, retain much of its 17th‐century character and its fine ribvaulted
cellar, stone mullioned windows and large historic chimney stacks are
intact. Elevated to its rear are the historic outbuildings that have been
converted to garages and a cottage in the 20th century. Its many phases and
the influence of those who inhabited it over several centuries are evident,
giving the house a charming multi‐phase character that makes it highly
significant to its setting.
The proposed alteration to the outhouses would have a very minor impact on
historic fabric as they largely affect 20th‐century structures and additions.
There would be a moderate visual impact but this is mitigated by the fact
that the outbuildings are obscured by the manor house and would not affect
public views of the property. The materials and design of the structures have
been thoughtfully considered so as to be sympathetic to the 17th‐century
house, but not pastiche, and will sit comfortably in the setting of the
surrounding village. They reflect a tasteful and proportionate 21st‐century
evolution of the property, embodying modern architectural ideals in terms of
sustainability and energy efficiency. They are therefore not considered to be
harmful to the significance or historic character of the property.