1. science
2. social science
3. history
4. archaeology

Land off Goldfinch Close and Kestrel Close
Congleton
Cheshire
Archaeological Metal Detector Survey
for
Seddon Homes Ltd
CA Project: 5283
CA Report: 15140
March 2015
Land off Goldfinch Close and Kestrel Close
Congleton
Cheshire
Archaeological Metal Detector Survey
CA Project: 5283
CA Report: 15140
Document Control Grid
Checked by
Status
Revision
Date
Author
A
17/3/15
Sam Wilson
B
23/3/15
Sam Wilson
Damian
De Rosa
Damian
De Rosa
Internal
review
Draft for
issue
Reasons for
revision
DDR edits
Approved
by
Damian
De Rosa
Richard
Greatorex
This report is confidential to the client. Cotswold Archaeology accepts no responsibility or liability to any third
party to whom this report, or any part of it, is made known. Any such party relies upon this report entirely
at their own risk. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without permission.
© Cotswold Archaeology
CONTENTS
SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................ 5
2.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND ................................................................ 6
3.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................................... 8
4.
METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 8
5.
RESULTS (FIG 2) .............................................................................................. 9
6.
THE FINDS ........................................................................................................ 10
8.
DISCUSSION ..................................................................................................... 10
9.
CA PROJECT TEAM.......................................................................................... 11
10.
REFERENCES................................................................................................... 11
APPENDIX A: OASIS REPORT FORM .......................................................................... 12
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Fig. 1 Site Location Plan
Fig. 2 Detected Transects and Finds
Fig. 3 Undetectable area, Field A
Fig. 4 Detecting in progress, Field A
Fig. 5 General view south west, Field B
Fig. 6 Ground conditions, Field B
3
SUMMARY
Project Name:
Land off Goldfinch Close and Kestrel Close
Location:
Congleton, Cheshire
NGR:
SJ 8624 6214
Type:
Metal Detector Survey
Date:
4-5 March 2015
Planning Reference:
12/3025C
Location of Archive:
Congleton Museum
Site Code:
CONG15
An archaeological metal detector survey was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in March
2015 at Land off Goldfinch Close and Kestrel Close, Congleton, Cheshire.
A small number of post medieval and modern artefacts were recovered in a random scatter
across the site. No additional information can be discerned from their spatial relationship and
it seems probable that all the finds relate to chance losses. Other finds collected, but not
retained during the survey consisted of quantities of modern scrap lead, ferrous nails and
agricultural related fittings, and modern aluminium cans.
4
1.
1.1
INTRODUCTION
In March 2015 Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an archaeological metal
detector survey for Seddon Homes Ltd at Land off Goldfinch Close and Kestrel
Close, Congleton, Cheshire (centred on NGR: SJ 8624 6214; Fig. 1).
1.2
The survey was undertaken to fulfil a condition attached to outline planning
permission
(Ref:
12/3025C),
granted
on
appeal
(Appeal
Ref:
APP/R0660/A/12/2188605) by Cheshire East Council, the local planning authority
(LPA), for the construction of up to 40 dwellings, open space, associated
landscaping, infrastructure and access.
1.2
The metal detector survey was carried out in accordance with a brief for
archaeological
evaluation
prepared
by
Mark
Leah,
Development
Control
Archaeologist (DCA), Cheshire Archaeology Planning Advisory Service, the
archaeological advisors to the LPA, and detailed Written Scheme of Investigation
(WSI) produced by CA (2015) and approved by Mark Leah. The fieldwork also
followed Standard and guidance: Archaeological field evaluation (CIfA 2014), the
Management of Archaeological Projects (English Heritage 1991) and the
Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MORPHE): Project
Manager’s Guide (English Heritage 2006).
The site
1.3
The site is c. 1.8ha in size and is located c. 800m to the south of Congleton, west of
Canal Road and to the north of Lambert’s Lane (Figure 1). The site lies off Goldfinch
Close and Kestrel Close and comprises two fields currently under rough pasture.
Fields lie to the west and the former cemetery related to St Peter’s Church to the
north, beyond which lies residential development around Howley Fields. To the east
lies residential development along Canal Road. Hedgerows and trees mark the
current field boundaries.
1.4
The site is underlain by Bollin Mudstone Member; sedimentary bedrock formed 237246 million years ago in an environment dominated by hot deserts. Superficial
deposits of Till, Devensian – Diamicton are also recorded, formed up to two million
years ago in Ice Age conditions (BGS 2014).
5
1.5
The site slopes gently downhill to the north-west from approximately 123.3m AOD in
the south east to 117.7m AOD in the north-west.
2.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
2.1
A heritage desk based assessment (AT 2012) of the site has been undertaken,
setting out the archaeological and historical background of the site. A brief summary
of these results is presented below.
2.2
There are no known sites dating to the prehistoric period within the site. Late
Neolithic/early Bronze Age activity in the Congleton area is most clearly
demonstrated by the Bridestones Neolithic chambered cairn, which is situated at the
southern end of Bosley Cloud. Although much diminished, the Bridestones was
originally a very large monument with a paved crescentic forecourt and a port-holed
stone dividing the main chamber. Other finds of similar date have been found
around Congleton – a polished stone axe was found in the centre of Buglawton and
a Bronze Age flat axe and an unfinished stone axe hammer were found at
Padsbridge Farm. Within Congleton a Late Bronze Age hoard of spears, spear shaft
ferrules and a socketed axe dated to c. 9th- 8th century BC, was uncovered at New
Street, whilst an archaeological evaluation at the Town Hall in 1996 identified
prehistoric pits and a possible prehistoric ditch sealed by later medieval deposits.
2.3
There are no known sites dating to the Roman period within the site, although
immediately to the north lies the site of a coin hoard at Howey Lane. The hoard
comprised c. 7 first-second century bronze coins and was found in a garden in 1859.
Howey Lane is thought to lie on the line of a Roman road that ran between
Congleton and Chesterton (in Staffordshire).
2.4
The Domesday Book notes that an early medieval settlement existed at Congleton
under Earl Godwin and following the Norman Conquest Congleton was in the
possession of a Norman, Bigot de Loges. The name ‘Congleton’ is thought to be
Scandinavian in origin – the ‘tun’ element meaning an enclosure or farmstead and
the first element derived from ‘cung’ (a turning or bend in the river) or ‘conk-hull (a
steep, rounded hill).
6
2.5
Congleton, along with Bigot’s other Cheshire estates, formed part of the Aldford,
later the Arderne, fee and in c. 1270 passed to Henry de Lacy, Baron of Halton.
Henry gave Congleton a borough charter and the town thrived, becoming the most
important town in East Cheshire by 1405. A vital part of the town’s economy was
agriculture, but also important were millstone quarrying, corn mills, cloth making and
bell making. However, by the end of the 14th century Congleton suffered an
economic decline (like much of England) as a result of the effects of plague and
famine.
2.6
The Church of St Peter (built c. 1740) to the north of the site is thought to lie on the
site of a Norman/medieval Church – the Higher or Over Chapel is first mentioned in
AD1379 and to the north-west lies the site of a medieval watermill. A strap fitting of
medieval or post medieval date is recorded to have been found to the south of the
site on land off Goldfinch Close.
2.7
During this period Congleton continued as a market centre, whilst its agricultural
hinterland was subject to piecemeal and formal enclosure – although the greatest
changes
to
the
landscape
resulted
from
the
increasing
importance
of
industrialisation (from the 17th century) and the development of transport networks –
the 18th century saw the development of a network of canals (The Trent and Mersey
Canal opened in 1777 and the Macclesfield Canal in 1831), whilst the 19th century
witnessed the establishment of railway lines across Cheshire (1848 saw Congleton
on the line between Manchester and London). The Canal Road area saw a number
of mills located beside minor water courses - Sunnyside Mill, Albany Mill, Moody
Street Mill and Vale Mill. Associated with the mills was terraced housing for the mill
workers and suppliers of bricks, timber and sand as well as a blacksmiths. To the
west of the site a coin hoard was found with 3409 Tudor and Stuart silver coins that
were buried in four earthenware vessels between 1670-1675 and are thought to
have belonged to a wealthy businessman at the time, John Walker, who owned the
field the coin hoard was found in and whose initials JCW were noted on one of the
vessels.
2.8
The earliest maps of Cheshire by Christopher Saxton (1577), John Speed (1610),
John Ogilby (1675) and Peter Burdett (1777) record the location of Congleton, but
show no detail for the site. Christopher Greenwood’s map of 1819 and A Bryant’s
map of 1831 both show Lambert’s Lane, but the site is simply shown as an area of
open land.
7
2.9
The Tithe map of 1845 for the township of Congleton, parish of Astbury indicates
through field names the pasture/arable nature of the site and surrounding area. The
1st edition Ordnance Survey (OS) map of 1875 shows the site as one open field. By
the OS map of 1910 the northern field shows only a single subdivision and the rest
of the site is shown as it exists today.
3.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
3.1
The objectives of the metal detecting survey were to provide information about the
archaeological resource within the site, including its presence/absence, character,
extent, date, integrity, state of preservation and quality.
3.2
In accordance with the Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Field Evaluation
(CIfA 2014), the metal detector survey has been designed to be minimally intrusive
and minimally destructive to archaeological remains. The information gathered will
enable the DCA acting on behalf of the LPA to identify and assess the particular
significance of any heritage asset, consider the impact of the proposed development
upon it, determine whether further more extensive archaeological mitigation is
required and to avoid or minimise conflict between the heritage asset’s conservation
and any aspect of the development proposal, in line with the National Planning
Policy Framework (DCLG 2012).
4.
METHODOLOGY
4.1
The metal detecting survey was undertaken within two fields (Fields A and B)
comprising a total area c.1.8ha.
4.2
The equipment used to carry out the survey consisted of Minelab X-Terra 705 and
Garrett 250 metal detectors, and GPS survey equipment.
4.3
The two fields were split into a series of parallel transects set out 10m apart,
ensuring approximately 10% sample coverage of the ground surface. The transects
were set out using GPS and were marked on the ground using temporary markers
which were removed from site at the completion of each survey day.
8
4.4
Metal detecting was undertaken along each transect by sweeping the search head
as close to the surface as possible and allowing for approximately 30% overlap in
order to produce a consistent sample. Each sweep covered a width of c.2m (1m
each side of the centre of the transect).
4.5
An appropriate working offset was employed to either side of any upstanding metal
fences, powerlines or other obstructions, in order to avoid unnecessary interference.
4.6
The survey targeted non-ferrous metals only, due to the potential for a large number
of ferrous metal signals across most land. Additional detecting in all metal mode was
not required as no particular concentrations of artefacts were recovered.
4.7
Artefacts were removed from the ground using a spade and trowel. All holes were
filled and levelled after the removal of material. All metal-detected finds of potential
archaeological significance were plotted using a GPS and labelled with a unique ID
number. Artefacts of undoubted modern date were collected and bagged together by
transect as ‘Junk’ in order to give a representative sample of the ‘background noise’
across the site.
4.8
CA will comply fully with the provisions of the Treasure Act 1996 and Treasure
(Designation) Order 2002 and the Code of Practice referred to therein
4.9
The archive and artefacts from the metal detector survey are currently held by CA at
their offices in Andover. Subject to the agreement of the legal landowner the
artefacts will be deposited with the Congleton Museum along with the site archive. A
summary of information from this project, set out within Appendix A, will be entered
onto the OASIS online database of archaeological projects in Britain.
5.
RESULTS (FIGS 2 TO 6)
5.1
A total of 15 transects were detected across the site. Some transects were
shortened or moved to take account of the ground conditions, which only became
apparent after arrival on site, largely consisting of areas of dense tree stumps and
rooting of recently cut vegetation and a large modern spoil heap. In some areas,
vegetation stems were still standing some 0.3m above ground level. Such conditions
9
make the detection and excavation of artefacts impractical and in some cases
impossible.
5.2
A total of 10 possibly significant artefacts were recovered as detailed in paragraph 6.
No additional information can be discerned from their spatial relationship and it
seems probable that all the finds relate to chance losses.
5.3
The ‘Junk’ finds collected during the survey consisted of quantities of modern scrap
lead, ferrous nails and agricultural related fittings, and modern aluminium cans.
These finds were collected but not plotted as they had no archaeological value. This
moderate presence of modern material recovered from within the site is typical of
the ‘background noise’ that would be expected when conducting a metal detector
survey across much of the country.
6.
THE FINDS
6.1
A total of 10 metallic artefacts were recovered during the survey which were deemed
to not be obviously modern or to potentially have archaeological significance. They
are as follows:
RA No.
1
2
3
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Field
B
B
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
Material
Cu Alloy
Cu Alloy
Pb
Cu Alloy
Cu Alloy
Cu Alloy
Cu Alloy
Pb
Cu Alloy
Cu Alloy
Description
Coin. Young Victoria, date not visible
C18th/19th Furniture fitting
Bullet. Unfired. Small calibre, probably C18th/19th fowling piece
Coin. Post Medieval. Very worn.
C18th/19th Furniture fitting
C18th/19th Button
Coin. Post Medieval. Very worn. Possibly George IV/Victoria
Weight/net sinker. Undated
C18th/19th Furniture fitting
Coin. Post Medieval. Very worn. Possibly George I to IV
7.
DISCUSSION
7.1
The finds recovered are not indicative of any historical site or settlement within the
vicinity, beyond being chance losses within the agricultural periphery of Congleton in
the post medieval period. The find of most potential interest is the undated lead
weight/net sinker. Whilst this most likely to date to the post medieval period, the
difficulty in dating such items means that it is possible for it to date back as far as the
Roman period. Recovery rates may have been adversely affected in areas of the
10
site with abundant tree stumps and rooting, although this is unlikely to have
dramatically altered the outcome of the survey.
7.2
The ‘Junk’ finds exhibit a typical level of background noise within the site and are
unlikely to have influenced recovery rates beyond that which may be normally
expected. Most ‘Junk’ finds probably relate to activity associated with the adjacent
modern housing developments, modern use of the land for recreational purposes, or
post medieval agriculture.
7.3
No finds were recovered that might relate to the nearby Roman coin hoard found at
Howey Lane or large Tudor and Stuart coin hoard found to the west of the site.
8.
CA PROJECT TEAM
Fieldwork was undertaken by Sam Wilson, assisted by Joe Whelan. The report was
written by Joe Whelan. The illustrations were prepared by Leo Heatley. The archive
has been compiled by Joe Whelan, and prepared for deposition by Adam Howard.
The project was managed for CA by Damian De Rosa.
9.
REFERENCES
BGS
(British
Geological
Survey)
2013
Geology
of
Britain
Viewer
http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geology viewer_google/googleviewer.html Accessed March
2015
Cotswold Archaeology (CA) 2014. Falcon Rise, Congleton, Cheshire. Heritage
Statement (Historic Landscape). CA Project: 5075. CA Report: 14395
Cotswold Archaeology (CA) 2015, Land off Goldfinch Close and Kestrel Close.
Written Scheme of Investigation of an Archaeological Metal Detector Survey
Thompson, Anne (AT) 2012. Land Off ‘The Moorings’ And Land Off Goldfinch Close
And Kestrel Close’, Congleton, Cheshire. Heritage Desk Based Assessment. Report
no. CON02A
11
APPENDIX A: OASIS REPORT FORM
PROJECT DETAILS
Project Name
Short description (250 words maximum)
A small number of post medieval and modern artefacts were
recovered in a random scatter across the site. No additional
information can be discerned from their spatial relationship and it
seems probable that all the finds relate to chance losses. Other
finds collected, but not retained during the survey consisted of
quantities of modern scrap lead, ferrous nails and agricultural
related fittings, and modern aluminium cans
4-5 March 2015
Metal Detector Survey
Project dates
Project type
(e.g. desk-based, field evaluation etc)
Previous work
(reference to
numbers etc)
Archaeological Metal Detector Survey, Land off Goldfinch Close
and Kestrel Close, Congleton, Cheshire
An archaeological metal detector survey was undertaken by
Cotswold Archaeology in March 2015 at Land off Goldfinch Close
and Kestrel Close, Congleton, Cheshire.
None
organisation
or
SMR
Future work
Unknown
PROJECT LOCATION
Site Location
2
Study area (M /ha)
Site co-ordinates (8 Fig Grid Reference)
Land off Goldfinch Close and Kestrel Close, Congleton, Cheshire
1.8ha
SJ 6230 2160
PROJECT CREATORS
Name of organisation
Project Brief originator
Project Design (WSI) originator
Cotswold Archaeology
Cheshire Archaeology Planning Advisory Service
Cotswold Archaeology
Project Manager
Project Supervisor
MONUMENT TYPE
SIGNIFICANT FINDS
PROJECT ARCHIVES
Damian De Rosa
Sam Wilson
None
th
th
4 no 18 / 19 century coins
th
2 no 19 Century furnish fittings
Bullet. Unfired. Small calibre, probably C18th/19th fowling piece
th
th
Weight/net sinker. Undated likely 18 / 19 century
C18th/19th Button
Intended final location of archive Content (e.g. pottery,
(museum/Accession no.)
animal bone etc)
Physical
Congleton Museum
Paper
Congleton Museum
Digital
Congleton Museum / ADS
Coins, Furnish fittings,
Bullet, weight/net sinker,
button.
Record sheets, survey
data
Digital photos, survey
data.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2015 Land off Goldfinch Close and Kestrel Close: Archaeological Metal Detector
Survey. CA typescript report: 15140
12
N
Cirencester 01285 771022
Cotswold
Archaeology
Milton Keynes 01908 218320
Andover 01264 347630
w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
e [email protected]
PROJECT TITLE
Land off Goldfinch Close & Kestrel Close
Congleton, Cheshire
Cheshire
FIGURE TITLE
Site location plan
0
1km
Reproduced from the 2010 Ordnance Survey Explorer map with
the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller
of Her Majesty's Stationery Office c Crown copyright
Cotswold Archaeology Ltd 100002109
LJH
DRAWN BY
JB
CHECKED BY
APPROVED BY DDR
PROJECT NO.
DATE
SCALE@A4
5283
17/03/15
1:25,000
FIGURE NO.
1
3
4
Cirencester 01285 771022
3
Undetectable area, Field A
4
Detecting in progress, Field A
Cotswold
Archaeology
Milton Keynes 01908 564660
Andover 01264 347630
w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
e [email protected]
PROJECT TITLE
Land off Goldfinch Close & Kestrel Close
Congleton, Cheshire
FIGURE TITLE
Photographs
LJH
DRAWN BY
JB
CHECKED BY
APPROVED BY DDR
PROJECT NO.
DATE
SCALE@A4
5283
17/03/15
n/a
FIGURE NOs.
3&4
5
6
Cirencester 01285 771022
5
General view south west, Field B
6
Ground conditions, Field B
Cotswold
Archaeology
Milton Keynes 01908 564660
Andover 01264 347630
w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
e [email protected]
PROJECT TITLE
Land off Goldfinch Close & Kestrel Close
Congleton, Cheshire
FIGURE TITLE
Photographs
LJH
DRAWN BY
JB
CHECKED BY
APPROVED BY DDR
PROJECT NO.
DATE
SCALE@A4
5283
17/03/15
n/a
FIGURE NOs.
5&6
13