Site Event/Activity record ECH6018 - Metal Detecting Survey, Topographic Survey and Trial Trenching. Land off Harding Avenue, Tattenhall. Cheshire.

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by CgMs Consulting on behalf of Redrow Homes Limited to undertake a metal detecting survey, topographic survey and an archaeological evaluation by trial trenching on land adjacent to Harding Avenue, Tattenhall (NGR 349075 358725) prior to the redevelopment of the site with residential housing. The programme of works was drawn up in consultation with Julie Edwards, Senior Archaeologist on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council. The metal detecting survey recovered 160 metal objects: all of the identified objects are postmedieval/ modern in date. These included coins, tokens, personal items and items associated with agriculture and transport. The less common items of intrinsic interest have been recommended as being retained. LiDAR survey data, enhanced by topographic survey, recorded extant ridge and furrow and extant field boundaries within the site. Field evaluation comprised the excavation of seven trenches, each measuring 50m by 2m targetting extant field boundaries and blank areas. The archaeology present included ridge and furrow, a boundary in Trench 3 later recut along the same alignment, a former field boundary in Trenches 5 and 6, and two pits in Trench 6. No trace of a former field boundary was found in Trench 7. No evidence of occupation or land use pre-dating the formation of the ridge and furrow earthworks in the late medieval/ early post medieval period was observed. The finds from the trenches were exclusively post-medieval/ modern in date, nothing that necessarily falls outside of the 18th to 20th century.