Site Event/Activity record ECH4160 - Geophysical Survey Report; Ditton, Widnes, Cheshire

The geophysical survey highlighted a number of areas of enhanced magnetic susceptibility. These areas were then targeted with detailed gradiometry. The areas with the most archaoelogical potential, outside of Lovel's Hall, contained positive linear anomalies representing cut features of a possible archaeological origin. In two areas these anomalies c may indicate partial evidence for an enclosures. Further investigation is required in order to ascertain a date for these features. The site of Lovel's Hall is represented within the gradiometer data as positive linear anomalies indicating the cut of the moat. A number of other positive linear anomalies are evident in close proximity to the site of Lovel's Hall. Further investigation may ascertain whether these ditches relate to the defnce of the Hall or if they had a different function and date entirely. Further discrete positive anomalies are evident within and around the site of Lovel's Hall. These anomalies have been interpreted as pits of possible archaeological origin. The detailed resistance survey undertaken over the site of Lovel's Hall was dominated by area anomalies. This indicates that the moat has been backfilled, possibly using rubble form the Hall. Areas of high resistance within the earthworks indicate areas of possible structural remains or compacted earth. A number of high resistance linear anomalies represent the presence of possible structural remains or compacted earth. A number of high resistance linear anomalies represent the presence of possible structural remians to the south-west of the Hall site. (1)