Site Event/Activity record ECH4563 - Archaeological Test Pit Evaluation Report: The Orchard at Little Moreton Hall, Congleton, Cheshire

Archaeological Test Pit Evaluation Report: The Orchard at Little Moreton Hall, Congleton, Cheshire (2009) describes the results of test pitting (13 test pits) to assess the damage that might be caused by the anchoring of marquees. The earliest deposit encountered was a natural drift deposit of sand, this was between 0.6-0.75m below ground surface in the southern half of the site and 0.85m below ground surface in the north, suggesting a gradual deepening of deposits from south to north. The earliest archaeological evidence was a series of postholes and gullies/beam slots at depth within pits 4,6, 8 and 10; these were sealed by a layer of grey/brown silt/silty-clay 0.26-0.4m deep. Sealing this horizon was a thin spread of brown clay thought to potentially be the result of cleaning of the moat, an event that could be linked to the construction of the existing hall. The clay layer was sealed by a silty clay layer containing finds dating to the 17th to 19th centuries. Significantly, the early cut features are thought to be the remains of early timber structures pre-dating the existing hall. Finds recovered include 65 sherds of post medieval pottery, comprising common wares and domestic wares dating from the 16th-19th centuries. Apart from two pieces of German stoneware, all was of local manufacture largely from the midlands area. 147 fragments of brick were also recovered. Significantly, 21 fragments of decorated and/or glazed medieval floor tile were recovered from test pit 3 (context 302). There were no complete tiles and the fragments were in worn condition. The assemblage comprises primarily two-colour or counter-relief tiles with stamped designs picked out in white clay or slip. The designs include heraldic examples dating to the 14th-15th century. A single line-impressed tile was present. The tile fragments represent a rare and regionally important deposit from a secular site. They may have been discarded during replacement of a worn floor, perhaps in the chapel or kitchen range. (1)