Information for record number MWA9048:
Sheep Wash, Sutton-under-Brailes

Summary The site of a sheep wash of unknown date. The sheep wash survives as a brick structure. It is situated 200m south east of The Green at Sutton-under-Brailes.
What Is It?  
Type: Sheep Dip
Period: Unknown
Where Is It?  
Parish: Sutton under Brailes
District: Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire
Grid Reference: SP 30 37
(Data represented on this map shows the current selected record as a single point, this is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an accurate or complete representation of archaeological sites or features)
Level of Protection National - Old SMR PrefRef (Grade: )
Sites & Monuments Record
Picture(s) attached

  
Description

  
Source Number  

1 Brick-lined sheep wash with walling, water and platform area visible. The brickwork is dilapidated in places.
2 Fed by Sutton Brook (stream) 10% Cotswold stone, 90% Brick, Partially silted up at time of recording (4/10/2001). 6 meter long splayed retaining walls above the upstream sluice contained the reservoir of water when the sluice gates were in place. Substantial brick abutments held the timber sluice gates. Water flowed over the gate down spillways then cascaded over the sheep as they were moved across and in front of the sluice gate. They were kept close to the sluice gate by a timber fence (remains still present) in the sheepwash. Sheep then left by an exit ramp on the southern side. Water was held in the sheepwash by the downstream sluice gate that was held in palce by brick abutments (only the base of the southern abutment remains). 3.5 meter splayed retaining walls tie the downstream sluice abutments back into the bank. Only the base of the southern retaining wall remains. Photographs taken in 1920's and 30's show details of sluices and mode of operation. No remaining associated structures. Last usage in 1940's. Thought to have been built 19th Century (oral report).
3 Watching brief and archaeological recording were carried out by Bath Archaeological Trust from December 2002 to February 2003 during restoration works to the sheepwash. Earlier local limestone construction was revealed behind the brickwork of the sheepwash but with no dating evidence. It has been suggested that the sheepwash may have origins earlier than the 19th century due to the village being medieval in origin, the road adjaent to the sheepwash probably also being of medieval origin and the stone built predecessor to the brick sheepwash having signs of repairs within the stonework suggesting longevity of use.
 
Sources
Source No: 3
Source Type: Archaeological Report
Title: Archaeological Watching Brief and Recording at the Sheepwash, Sutton-under-Brailes.
Author/originator: Mark Beaton, Bath Archaeological Trust
Date: 2003
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 2
Source Type: Bibliographic reference
Title: Sheepwashes in the Cotswolds AONB
Author/originator: Cotswold AONB Partnership
Date: 2002
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet: 1
   
Source No: 1
Source Type: Photograph
Title: Sheep Wash;Sutton-under-Brailes
Author/originator: Parkhouse, J
Date: 2001
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Images:  
A sheep dip at Sutton under Brailes
Copyright: Warwickshire County Council
Click here for larger image  
 
Sheep dipping at Washbrook, Sutton Under Brailes
Copyright: Warwickshire County Council
Date: 1900s
Click here for larger image  
 
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Glossary

 
Word or Phrase
Description  
period Medieval 1066 AD to 1539 AD (the 11th century AD to the 16th century AD)

The medieval period comes after the Saxon period and before the post medieval period.

The Medieval period begins in 1066 AD.
This was the year that the Normans, led by William the Conqueror (1066 – 1087), invaded England and defeated Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings in East Sussex.
The Medieval period includes the first half of the Tudor period (1485 – 1603 AD), when the Tudor family reigned in England and eventually in Scotland too.

The end of the Medieval period is marked by Henry VIII’s (1509 – 1547) order for the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the years running up to 1539 AD. The whole of this period is sometimes called the Middle Ages.
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monument SHEEP DIP * A place where sheep are washed in a chemical bath to control the parasites of sheep. To conserve the poisonous chemicals the bath is usually small and are not allowed to enter any watercourse. back
monument VILLAGE * A collection of dwelling-houses and other buildings, usually larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town with a simpler organisation and administration than the latter. back
monument SITE * Unclassifiable site with minimal information. Specify site type wherever possible. back
monument STONE * Use only where stone is natural or where there is no indication of function. back
monument SLUICE GATE * The gate of a sluice which can be opened or shut to let out or retain the water. back
monument RAMP * An inclined plane connecting two different levels, used to accomodate the movement of vehicles, wheeled apparatus,livestock etc. back
monument ROAD * A way between different places, used by horses, travellers on foot and vehicles. back
monument PLATFORM * Unspecified. Use specific type where known. back
monument SLUICE * A dam which can be raised or lowered to regulate the flow of water. back
monument STRUCTURE * A construction of unknown function, either extant or implied by archaeological evidence. If known, use more specific type. back
monument SPILLWAY * A channel carrying overflow water past a dam. Early 19th century onwards. back
monument SIGN * A board, wall painting or other structure displaying advice, giving information or directions back
monument GATE * A movable stucture which enables or prevents entrance to be gained. Usually situated in a wall or similar barrier and supported by gate posts. back
monument SHEEP WASH * A place used to clean the fleece of sheep before shearing. This could be a watercourse temporarily dammed in order to wash sheep. back
monument STREAM * A natural flow or current of water issuing from a source. back
monument FENCE * A construction of wood or metal used to enclose an area of land, a building, etc. back
monument RETAINING WALL * A wall constructed for the purpose of confining or supporting a mass of earth or water. back
monument WORKS * Usually a complex of buildings for the processing of raw materials. Use specific type where known. back
monument RESERVOIR * A large natural or artificial body of water, sometimes covered, used to collect and store water for a particular function, eg. industrial or public use. back

* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)

English Heritage National Monuments Record