Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Archaeological Watching Brief

The Centre of Archaeology was commissioned in November 2016 by The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to undertake an archaeological watching brief in respect of a proposed conservation works at one of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust's properties, Anne Hathaway's Cottage (NGR: SP 1854 4474). An access step required alteration and reformation to reduce the top landing level. This was because the modern entrance steps were previously formed in a manner detrimental to the historic frame of the building. The slabs, and underlying hard-core layers which covered the elevated step were excavated by hand. In addition it was proposed the central chimney stack be partially rebuilt due to it exhibiting failing modern brickwork in its uppermost section. Upon closer inspection the chimney required no more than re-pointing and the replacement of a small number of bricks. The watching brief at Anne Hathaway's Cottage was undertaken on the 31st October 2017 and was situated adjacent to the southern external elevation. No archaeological deposits or features were encountered. Several layers of hard-core and modern concrete were present.