Bell Language School, Essex
Feb 22, 2011 by John Duffy
L – P : Archaeology were instructed on a series of investigations for this multi-stage project at the former Bell Language School in Saffron Walden, known previously as the Saffron Walden College for Mistresses. L – P undertook an initial desk-based assessment for the original landowner, and project managed the subsequent heritage work. L – P liaised with several clients over the period April 2009 to February 2011, as areas of the site were developed separately.
L – P was commissioned to provide a Level III historic building record for Lancaster House and the Main School Buildings prior to selected demolition and refurbishment. The buildings date to late 19th through to mid-20th century. L – P produced plans of the original buildings, including the Old Dining Room and Salter Wing, and made a full photographic record of each of c.300 rooms. The detailed survey also identified the different phases and functions of the various school structures.
L – P also conducted an archaeological evaluation within the school grounds in order to identify any buried archaeological remains in advance of the new build scheme. This intrusive investigation found that previous disturbance caused by terracing of the grounds had already erased any archaeological evidence.
| Client: | Ashwell Homes, Cocksedge Building Contractors, Higgins Homes, McCarthy & Stone |
| Site: | Former Bell Language School, Saffron Walden |
| Development type: | Refurbishment, Residential |
| Archaeological Contract: | 20,000 |