Scheduled ancient monuments

Scheduled ancient monuments are nationally important archaeological sites that are selected by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for special protection. They can be standing structures, unoccupied buildings or earthworks of virtually any period in time.

These sites are protected by law and special permission called 'scheduled monument consent' must be obtained from the Secretary of State before undertaking works of any kind.

The Black Country Archaeologist can provide general advice on procedures for obtaining consent and all other archaeological matters in the City.

There are four scheduled ancient monuments in Wolverhampton:

• The cross shaft in St Peter’s churchyard. A rubble base and carved shaft of cross of probable Saxon date (monument number 42).
• The churchyard Cross at St Bartholomew’s churchyard, Penn. A medieval cross with later additions (monument number 30033).
• Lady Godiva’s churchyard cross in St Bartholomew’s churchyard, Penn. The plinth, three steps and socket stone of a cross of pre-Norman date (monument number 30032).
• The cross in St Mary’s churchyard, Bushbury. The step, base and socket of cross of principally medieval date (monument number 30039).

For more information about scheduled ancient monuments, including the selection criteria and the effects of scheduling, go to the English Heritage web site.

Information is also available from the Black Country Archaeologist.