Site Event/Activity record ECH3815 - Archaeological Evaluation at Roldane Mill, Congleton

An archaeological evaluation conducted at Roldane Mill, Congleton, Cheshire in advance of an application to redevelop the site. Evidence from documents and maps obtained as part of a desk study of the area suggested that a medieval chapel, and water powered corn mill were located within the proposed development. The silk mill known as the 'Old Mill' was also identified as being of importance as the earliest silk mill in Congleton. The silk mill was originally water powered and the project also aimed to locate and assess the wheel pit. No evidence was found for the chapel and the medieval corn mill appears to have been wholly or largely destroyed by its replacement constructed in the 1750's. Trenches aimed at locating the wheel pit failed to find it and the excavation had to be stopped on Health and Safety grounds. However, additional oral evidence was obtained which enabled its location to be more closely established.