Site Event/Activity record ECH6037 - Geophysical Survey and Metal Detecting at Land at Flat Lane, Kelsall, Cheshire

In March 2015, Wardell Armstrong Archaeology was commissioned by Taylor Wimpey North West to undertake geophysical and metal detector surveys of land at Flat Lane, Kelsall, Cheshire (centred on NGR SJ 5220 6790), prior to a proposed residential development on the site. Bronze Age and Iron Age archaeological remains are located within close proximity to the site. The site also lies within close proximity to the Roman road of Watling Street and Roman coins have been found in the vicinity of the site, indicating evidence of possible occupation or utilisation of the land around Kelsall during the Roman period. Evidence for medieval archaeological remains on the site and within close proximity of the site is scarce. Kelsall was an important military position in the 18th century and the expansion of the village in the 19th century occurred as a result of quarrying. A previously compiled archaeological desk‐based assessment revealed that there are no designated heritage assets on the site (Wooler 2010). The objective of the geophysical surveys was to determine the presence/absence, nature and extent of potential archaeological features within the study area, and the presence/absence of any known modern features within the survey area, which may affect the results. The purpose of the metal detector survey was to retrieve and record any metal finds in the topsoil, the results being used to inform the need for further archaeological investigation and/or mitigation at the site. The geophysical survey did not detect any distinct archaeological features. Some very ephemeral geophysical anomalies were detected, which are likely to be agricultural features. Artefacts of potentially Roman, medieval and post‐medieval date were recovered during the metal‐detector survey, including several musket balls possibly dating to the Civil War period (1641‐1652). The recovery of potentially Roman, medieval and Civil War period artefacts is significant. The vast majority of the post‐medieval and modern assemblage comprised fittings, scrap metal and other objects representing casual loss or disposal of items by the general public. These artefacts are of low archaeological potential. No spatial distribution pattern was discerned for any of the artefacts.