Site Event/Activity record ECH4546 - Improvements to the environment of the historic Market Square, Sandbach, Cheshire; a programme of archaeological recording

A programme of archaeological monitoring and recording was carried out during improvement to the historic Market Square. The project also included improvements in the immediate vicinity of the Saxon Crosses, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, which included ground disturbance at the level of the cobbled plinth carried out under controlled archaeological conditions. No deep or complicated stratigraphy was encountered beneath the cobbled surface and its foundation material but widespread survival of archaeological features was found at the level of the natural sands. Cut features, including pits, post holes and the remains of brick structures were recorded. Some undated features may relate to medieval or earlier use of the market area. In general the evidence indicates that the majority of the features date from the early 17th - 20th century. Particularly noteworthy were the remains of the brick-built Town hall and one large pit, the latter may mark the location of the Saxon Crosses before they were moved in the 17th century.