More information : (SP 2549 5619) "Deserted village?" Dug by one of the Lucys.
(Adjoining wood, centred SP 254 562, named 'Old Town'). (1)
Charlecote - Deserted Md. village - (List B, i.e. those sites
for which a prima facie case can be made out, but as yet no
definite evidence).
Rous says "almost all imparked" and gives figures for the
reduction in population. Charlecote village is there to be seen
but it may have been transplanted with the building of the park.
The Lucy paper deposited at Shire Hall may yield a clue. (2)
Miss Lucy, the only member of the family now living at Charlecote
Park thinks that the excavation took place c.1860 when an iron
key, buckle and stone coffins were found.
The present whereabouts of the finds are unknown. There are no
surveyable remains at the indicated site. (3)
On a map of 1736, (a) (See illustration Card), Charlecote village
is seen below "the Park", while "Old Town", two closes of 7-1/2
and 12-1/2 acres lie outside the park, across the tributary on
the left of the Lucy's manor house. Earthworks testify to a
village site here. (4)
SP 258568: Survey work at Charlecote, undertaken by M S Alexander
and B K Roberts showed faint earthworks disturbed by the alignment
of an avenue, and probably also by post-depopulation landscaping.
(See Illustration Card). Only the former roadways, three building
foundations at the eastern extremity of the site and the
field-name 'Old Town' indicate the presence of the village (5).
No earthworks were visible to suggest a desertion near
'Old Town' (5,6)
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