Merton Summary

The ditch/pond showing the 12th century timbers, branches and brushwood. At the bottom right is the flint containing yellow pigment and the bottom right is part of the wooden bowl [Full image 22kb]

In March and June 2003 the Museum of London Archaeology Service (MoLAS) undertook further archaeological excavations at Merton Abbey Mills. The first was located within the eastern part of the site which revealed topographical and environmental evidence showing that the eastern part of the monastic complex was generally low-lying and marshy with the main buildings located upon the higher drier ground. Two medieval fishponds and an associated ditch/pond were found to the east and south-east of the infirmary complex.

At the base of the ditch/pond were a large number of pieces of brushwood, part of a wattle fence and timber stakes. Recovered from the fills were bones of birds including a small duck thought to be a teal and a bone from a jackdaw or magpie. Amongst the wood was part of a large wooden bowl and a large flint nodule containing yellow and white pigment which may have been used as a paint palette. Other items recovered were a key, a bracelet and a stone mortar.

Excavating one of the 12th century monastic fishponds with the ditch/pond containing the wooden stakes, branches and brushwood in the foreground. The tile drain can be seen to the right of the picture [Full image 25.7kb]

To the west of the ditch/pond was a large pond measuring over 6m wide. Recovered from the pond was part of a 12th-13th century carved oolithic Limestone respond with a half-circular shaft. Leading from the eastern side of the pond was a small tile drain interoperated as an overflow drain leading from, the pond to the marsh area to the east.

An 18th-19th century calico ditch and a number of brass pins were also recorded.

The second investigation was carried out to the east of Merton Abbey Mills, to the east of Watermill Way. The northern trench revealed a medieval road previously found close by Dennis Turner in 1962/3. The road was constructed from layers of greensand overlain by sand and gravels. Further south was a ditch possibly associated with the road. Again, further south was a layer of burnt brickearth, iron slag and clinker which may represent the remains of iron working. Two 12th century Reigate stone voussoirs appear to have been reused in the possible structure of a kiln or furnace.

Dave Saxby
MoLAS 2003

JUMPED FROM A BURN1NG MILL. Under the date January 8th 1777 "The Universal Magazine" for January. published the following account of a fire at a Wandsworth Mill, in its "Historical Chronicle" column: Wednesday afternoon, about 5 o'clock, a fire brokc out in the corn mill of Mr. Bell, at the bottom of Willow-walk, Wandsworth, which destroyed the mill and part of the dwelling house and furniture before it was extinguished. A gentleman who was there on a visit, jumped out of a window to avoid the flames, disclocated his neck, and died instantly". This report shows briefly and vividly that the fire was a serious one. The name of the visitor was not given, but it was probably Silas Nicholls, aged 46, who, the parish records tell us, was buried on January 12th 1777, four days after the fire. Editor's note: This extract comes from a 19th Century collection of articles about the Mealemen of Wandsworth, This name is given to the corn millers of Wandsworth who were in rebellion about proposals to divert the Wandle, taking power from their mills. We hope to print a longer article about this interesting period in a later edition. Interestingly "mealemen" is not a word that appears anywhere on the internet, but now it will!