Earthworks in Sutton Park

Sutton Park has a number of earthworks, ranging from banks and ditches, to a Roman Road. We investigated some of these when we visited the park in January. We came across some circles in the ground near Banners Gate.

To start the survey, we first found North, and the grid reference. We then measured the widest part of the circle. From this 'base line' we measured the distance at regular intervals to the inner and outer edges of the ditch. On the right you can see the results of this plotted on graph paper. These circle ditches were made when an army camp was stationed in the park in the 1890's. These were dug as drainage ditches round the tents! We also looked at one of the many banks and ditches found in the park.

The 18th Century bank and ditch running alongside Westwood coppice was created to keep cattle and rabbits out of the wood. Originally these earth walls would have been topped with a wooden fence for extra defence. Banks and ditches are found all over the park, some dating from the 12th Century when 'Deer Parks' were the height of fashion. Others include enclosures and park boundaries from the 17th and 18th century. See if you can spot them next time you visit the park.

Other archaeology in the park…

Roman Road (50AD ) Served as a road between Wall -a big roman fort- and Metchley (Edgbaston Excavation of the road has uncovered that the landscape when the road was built was heathland similar to today. Does this mean the landscape itself is an archaeological feature? Evidence for Bronze Age sweat lodges Heat shattered stones, thought to be evidence of an ancient sauna! We will be making one of these ourselves on National Archaeology Day(17th July)

Targets - 1881 Concrete dug out where targets were set up for shooting practice. The rifle range was closed when man walking his dog felt a bullet whistle past his ear!

You can also find in the park, other archaeological sites of interest…..old mill sites, pools, tracks, enclosures among others. The park has been used by the army on many occasions, here are a few examples…. 1914 - Sutton park used for a camp site for 50'000 soldiers nicknamed the 'Birmingham pals' because they all came from the same area and many already new each other. The park also housed wounded soldiers from New Zealand and Australia. During WWII the park was used as a training ground for the home guard.(Dads Army) The park was also used for trench digging practice, tank testing, and a prisoner of war camp!

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