Site Event/Activity record ECH6036 - Abbey Gate College, Saighton Grange, Cheshire: Mitigation Trial Pitting

Excavation of 22 trial pits to mitigate proposed groundworks by recording archaeological features and deposits. Foundation design for the newbuild comprises a grid of rectangular concrete pads which will sit on the sandstone bedrock. The trenches produced artefacts dating from the 17th century through to the 19th centuries, along with a fragment of medieval roofing tile. Late Medieval Activity Demolition material recovered from trial pits 7, 8 and 14 was indicative of a high status, C14 to C15 structure having existed near to the north-west comer of the proposed college extension footprint. The putative building would have been diametrically opposite the gatehouse and probably represented one of the main elements of the manor house; possibly the great hall, solar or accommodation wing for example. The layout of this probable stone-built residence was unknown, save that in this position it was near enough to the gatehouse to have formed part of a courtyard house. Early Post-Medieval Activity Postholes indicate a late C 16 to early C 17 structure on a possible south-west to north-east alignment. This crude dwelling or agricultural type building, possibly a barn or stables, etc) may reflect the specific requirements of the post-Dissolution tenants of Saighton Grange. The posthole structure was probably destroyed in the late C17 as part of a broad phase of construction, demolition and landscaping work. Late Post-Medieval Activity The building recorded in trial pits 7 and 8 survived until the mid. C19, and was possibly demolished in 1861 when work began on the new house. The horse gin was probably installed at this time, along with the housing or screening wall encountered in trial pits 16 to 19. These features were demolished and buried during the eru·ly C20 and the site was re-landscaped. Recommendation The revelation that the eastern part of the site contains a backfilled quarry, with a maximum depth in excess of 2.2m deep, may require that the building foundation is redesigned. Any such redesign may have an additional impact upon surviving archaeological deposits and features within the western part of the site. This may necessitate additional archaeological works by way of mitigation.