The Style Of The Approved Memorial.
The aims and objectives can be achieved with the erection of a single marker or memorial. The proposal is to erect a single piece of unworked sandstone 1.5m x 800mm x 400mm with a bronze plaque fixed to the wider face.
Sandstone from a local quarry would be preferred and would need to be inspected and approved prior to erection. Removal of topsoil over an area 1.4m x 1.4m would be required. Excavation for the concrete foundation would be to a depth of 600mm. The stone is to be set 300mm into the ground in a concrete base 1.4m x 1.0m and 600mm deep.
A sufficiently flat area will be created for the fixing of a bronze plaque 420 x 297mm. The plaque is to face the footpath and the have engraved letters to read "SITE OF THE BATTLE OF HOPTON HEATH FOUGHT BETWEEN ROYALISTS AND PARLIAMENTARIANS ON 19TH MARCH 1643". The plaque is to have four brazed lugs to be fixed into four drilled holes using epoxy resin.
The proposal also includes an illustrated panel. This is to be a GRP screen printed panel 1300 x 1150mm. It is to be fixed at a front height of about 900mm vertically on two metal legs to be set in concrete into the ground.
Access to the information panel for the general public would again be from the footpath running adjacent to it, viewed through the fence. There is much detailed information on the battle and the panel should contain a map of the battlefield plus text. The text and illustrations have still to be established.
The approved design does not require any services. Levels are given relative to the existing ground surface, which is fairly flat.
Synopsis of the main points of the Design Statement originally written by David Wilkinson
Stafford Borough Council Archaeologist, on behalf of Director of Development February 2002
[Prior to the Stafford Borough Council Archaeologist Department closure in 2003].
The Battlefield monument is sited just behing the security fence of MoD No.6 Site, Hopton against the public footpath running from Within Lane to Brick Kiln Lane. The Grid Reference is SJ 954263.