Leasowes Lane Dam Archaeological Investigations

 

In January this year an archaeological investigation was carried out on the Leasowes Lane Dam. We wanted to find out what existed below the modern tarmac surface, and to see whether we could find any part of Shenstone's original 18th century dam.

 

Back in April 2001 a narrow trench was dug across the road which exposed part of a cobbled surface, it was hoped that the archaeological investigations would tell us if these cobbles were the surface of the dam in William Shenstone's time. We also wanted to know how far the cobbles extended, and whether there was any further evidence of the original walls of the dam.

 

The investigations proved to be hugely informative revealing sufficient information to enable us to piece together the history of the Leasowes Lane dam and to establish how its structure has changed over time.

 

In simple terms the dam's history can be divided in 4 clear phases.