Site Event/Activity record ECH2725 - ME Dunlop's Excavations

Excavation and restoration of the site by ME Dunlop and other members of the Department of Geography of Manchester University in 1936-7, under Professor Fleure. Surface debris was cleared. A fallen stone lying across the mouth of the chamber was removed. Examination of the stones base suggested that it was the upper part of the standing stone which continues the southern wall of the chamber. When subsequently joined to the base by dowels and cement, a stone about 10 ft above ground level was formed. The removal of earth in the forecourt revealed a grit stone on the threshold at right angles to the boundary walls of the chamber, which showed rough working in the form of a central rectangular projection. The forecourt was roughly cobbled. A bank of debris located at the eastern end of the monument revealed a large broken gritstone 5ft x 5ft x 5ft. The stone has been raised above ground level and its position slightly altered. The fallen portion of the southern wall of the chambers has been re-erected. No evidence for the remaining 4 stones of the semi circle was discovered. North of the forecourt was a charcoal layer c. 9 inches below ground level, from which a flint blade and scraper were recovered. Stones removed from the monument to Victoria Park, Tunstall, Stoke on Trent, were returned.