Site Event/Activity record ECH6188 - Knutsford, Cheshire. Gas Main Works. Archaeological Watching Brief

Pits were excavated by a mini-digger at intervals along the existing pipeline route; these were left open during the removal of the old pipe and the insertion of the new replacement pipe. The pits were monitored either during their excavation or inspected shortly afterwards. The pits were inspected for evidence of archaeological features and the resulting spoil was visually inspected for finds. Appropriate recording forms were completed and photographs were taken of each inspected pit. Excavation of the pits was almost entirely through the material redeposited during the construction of the original gas main ; only rarely was natural soil encountered. No archaeological features were recorded and no pre-modern finds were recovered. Although the watching brief was maintained along the length of the new pipeline within the ‘area of archaeological potential’, excavation was rarely beyond made ground or outwith the original pipeline cut. Consequently the opportunity to encounter pre-modern archaeological remains was slight. However, the watching brief has contributed to the understanding of the stratigraphy along some of the main thoroughfares within the historic core of the town, and has ensured that the development did not disturb important archaeological remains.