A SECRET medieval village has been discovered in a small Worcestershire village.

The medieval village, which may have been abandoned and forgotten due to the plague, has been uncovered near St Denys Church in Severn Stoke. 

The archaeological site, located southwest and west of the church, is believed to be a 'high status' settlement that was deserted and shrank over time. 

The site was discovered while workers were building flood defences to protect the church, which regularly floods during winter.

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During excavations, several features were found that may be the boundary of a high-status building, possibly a Medieval hall.

Worcester News: This could possibly be a boundary feature to a Medieval hall.This could possibly be a boundary feature to a Medieval hall. (Image: Aidan Smyth, Malvern Hills District Council)A motte and bailey - a medieval castle which was made up of two connecting mounds with a higher section housing a 'keep' and a lower one with barracks and other buildings - is believed to be in Severn Stoke.

The latest excavations are around 200 metres west of where visitors can see the flattened mound.

The new discovery has led some to speculate that, because some of the linear features run toward the motte, it could be an entrance. 

Worcester News: Work being done on the flood defences before the discovery.Work being done on the flood defences before the discovery. (Image: Charlotte Albutt/newsquest)

Pole holes packed with stone were also found, which the archaeological report said: "were substantial so the building would have been impressive in the landscape."

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"Incredibly rare" parts of glass drinking vessels were also discovered in a nearby ditch. These would have been uncommon to find outside Medieval castles or royal courts. 

Worcester News: Two pole holes.Two pole holes. (Image: Aidan Smyth, Malvern Hills District Council)

Along with this, an Edward 1st hammered coin dating between 1272 to 1307 was uncovered.

Aidan Smyth, archaeology and planning advisor for Wychavon and Malvern Hills District Councils, said: "Known as a ‘long cross’, they are prized by metal detectorists.

"This is the first such well-preserved coin of its type found in the Malvern Hills District, although last year we found one that had been cut in half in Rushwick.

Worcester News: Rare coin found on the site. Rare coin found on the site. (Image: Aidan Smyth, Malvern Hills District Council)

"This doesn’t confirm that Edward the 1st was here, but it adds evidence to the status of the site."

"Although the Medieval information we have is interesting, previous occupation evidence from the Prehistoric may be present in other parts of the site."

Cllr David Harrison said: "It is wonderful, but this is only the start of it, and more is to come.

"We have only done around two-thirds of the dig, and there is still more to do.

"It is thrilling news, and this could be really significant."

The excavation team are currently working on a recreation of what the building may have looked like.

Excavations will continue into 2024 at this site.