The Original Location of Pelsall.
♣ Early History of Pelsall
The earliest written evidence dates the village of Pelsall back to Anglo Saxon times, (to at least 994 A.D) being part of the Anglican Kingdom of Mercia.
Pelsall was Originally called Peolshalh which is old english and can be translated as any of the following 'hidden/secret nook of land', 'remote place' or 'slightly raised ground isolated by marsh ground'. The word 'halh' appears to have an alternative meaning as it can also be translated as 'Hall' so Peolshalh could be translated Peol's Hall, although any of the previous variations could apply to the site of the original settlement. Two of the ancient boundaries of Peolshalh where the two streams The Clock and Fordbrook, both can still be seen today.
Location of the Earliest Settlement
The settlement appears to have been in the vincinity of where Pelsall Hall is today, at the top of Mouse Hill, across towards the Clockmill Estate and back to Paradise Lane with the very earliest settlement probably being on the high point of the wooded copse opposite (where the coal mine used to be). This would have provided a high vantage point from which to view the valley below and any approaching danger or threat. It would also have provided an ideal defensive position.
Even as late as the 1841 census the land surrounding Pelsall Hall is refered to as 'The Town' or actual village, later being called 'Old Town' after the development of the present village location in the 1800s, hence the origin of Old Town Lane, (the lane leading to the Old Town or original village).
The Wulfrun Charter of 994 records the village as Peoles-hale, the land had been given by King Aethelred the second, to Lady Wulfrun, a Mercian Noblewoman (after whom the city of Wolverhampton is named) in 985 A.D. In 994 she donated land including Peoles-hale to a newly founded monastry at Wolverhampton.
A mill is mentioned in 1215 and by 1311 a hall and a chapel existed with a certain William Le Keu being the principle landowner. A document dated 1311 states that William Le Keu paid a curate to serve at Pelsall Chapel, the annual wage being 30 shillings & sixpence. By 1335 William Le Keu is mentioned as the owner of Caverswall Castle, this is interesting because in the 1600s Pelsall Hall is mentioned as being owned by the Cradock family, also of Caverswall Castle. It would appear that possibly from 1275 onwards whoever owned Caverswall Castle owned Pelsall Hall. I am trying to find out more about this connection so watch this space!
Pelsall Hall
There appears to have been at least two previous Halls in Pelsall. The earliest one being situated opposite the site of the present Pelsall Hall on Mouse Hill, and in the now fenced off wooded area where the mine used to be, the mine working activity in the 1800s seems to have buried any trace of the ancient moated Pelsall Hall. A survey in 1801 by Staffordshire historian/artist Stebbing Shaw stated that part of the moat was still visible but that all other traces had gone due to the mining activity. A natural spring and part of an ancient wall were also said to be visible. The spring would have provided ancient people with drinking water. This fact would strongly suggest that the wooded hill was the location of the earliest settlement which could be much earlier than Anglo Saxon times. Natural Wells & Springs had special importance to the Celts and were viewed as being holy or sacred.
© Web Design by Steve Dent - All Rights Reserved.