Site Event/Activity record ECH6067 - Barns at Ridley Hall Farm, Wrexham Road, Ridley: Archaeological Watching Brief

Report comprising the results of an archaeological watching brief undertaken during ground disturbing works in association with the conversion of redundant barns to residential use at Ridley Hall Farm. The 19th century barns once formed part of an extensive farm; the former farmhouse stands to the west of the barns and is now a private residence. The barn complex includes the Grade II* Listed Building know as Ridley Hall Gatehouse which is believed to have led to the Ridley Hall built by Sir William Stanley in the late 15th century. The Gatehouse is the only structural evidence of Stanley's Hall; the hall itself was garrisoned by Parliamentary troops during the Civil War and, although surviving a Royalist attack in 1645, was burnt down circa 1700. Stanley's 15th century hall replaced an earlier building the site of which is believed to be marked by the earthworks in the field to the north of the barns, however, the precise location of Stanley's hall is unknown and so Cheshire Archaeology advised that remains of earlier buildings could be found beneath the footprint of the barns. However, no archaeological features or finds were recorded during the current development works and there was no evidence on site of anything other than 19th century and later agricultural use.