Site Event/Activity record ECH3540 - Bent Farm Quarry, Congleton: An Archaeological Watching Brief 1993

Archaeological watching brief carried out in June/July 1993 to monitor the stripping of top soil at Bent Farm Silica Sand Quarry, Wallhill Lane, Congleton, prior to the extension of the quarry. The work was considered necessary due to the proximity of a Scheduled Monument believed to be a Roman temporary marching camp. The area of topsoil strippng comprised one field of approximately 4 hectares, the depth of stripping was between 200-400mm, with exception of the southern boundary and south-east corner where the depth was greater (c. 600-1000mm). The nature of the subsoil, predominantly a yellow, sandy clay, allowed for reasonable discrimination of any features that became apparent. Where encountered they were recorded and either partly or wholly excavated. Any finds encountered during the stripping were recovered. An east-west linear feature was investigated and is thought likely to be a field boundary. Three large, irregular, sub-circular features possibly represent filled-in ponds. Also a potential hearth, date uncertain, was recorded. All features are thought to relate to past agricultural regimes and the transition from a pastoral to arable land use. (1)