EXCAVATION work has stopped at a secret medieval village discovered in Worcestershire earlier this year.
Work on excavating the medieval village found in St Denys Church in Severn Stoke has came to a halt while great crested newts are being captured in the area.
The newts are a protected species and will need to be identified and removed before any work continues on the site and on the Severn Stoke flood defences.
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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.
Those living in Severn Stoke have also seen delays in receiving vital flood defences after great crested newts were found near the site on the A38.
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Cllr David Harrison said: "The excavations and work on the flood defences have stopped due to the catching of crested newts.
"Work will commence on both projects until all the newts have been caught and I look forward to seeing what else is unearthed in the excavations.
"There is currently over 2,000 metres of a newt catching fence which extends across the whole village, which is really good."
It is said the medieval village found in the small village could have been abandoned and forgotten due to the plague.
During excavations, several features were found that may be the boundary of a high-status building, possibly a medieval hall.
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.
"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.
Along with this, an Edward I hammered coin dating between 1272 to 1307 was uncovered.
The excavation team are currently working on a recreation of what the building may have looked like.
Cllr Harrison added: "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."
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