HS2 uncovers astonishing English Civil War battle previously unknown to history

21 January 2023 , 00:38

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Archaeologists believe the marks could be scars from an undocumented early clash of the Civil War, which began in August 1642 (Image: HS2 / SWNS)

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of what may be a Civil War battle previously unknown to history.

The astonishing discovery was made along the route of the HS2 high-speed rail line in Warwickshire earlier this month.

Experts found more than 200 pistol and musket ball marks on the remains of a medieval gatehouse at the site of Coleshill Manor.

The fascinating find also included more than 40 musket balls, excavated from nearby soil that would have been a moat.

Archaeologists believe the marks could be scars from an undocumented early clash of the Civil War, which began in August 1642.

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The war’s first recorded violence, the Battle of Curdworth Bridge, took place nearby.

Professor Alice Roberts at Coleshill Manor (HS2 / SWNS)

Archaeologists believe the site could provide fresh insight into the war between Cavaliers loyal to King Charles I and the Roundhead supporters of Parliament.

The find features in the BBC’s Digging for Britain tomorrow.

Professor Alice Roberts, 49, presenter of the TV series, said of the dig site: “There’s an intriguing possibility that we are looking at evidence of the earliest skirmish of the Civil War.”

HS2 archaeologists excavating the site of Coleshill Manor in Warwickshire (HS2 / SWNS)

Professor Alice Roberts sketching Coleshill Manor (HS2 / SWNS)

The remains of Coleshill Manor were first picked up by archaeological teams working on the controversial HS2 four years ago.

• Digging for Britain, is on BBC Two on Sunday at 8pm.

Martin Fricker