Site Event/Activity record ECH6276 - An Archaeological Strip, Map and Sample Excavation at St. Mary’s Church, Acton Cheshire

Archaeological Research Services Ltd was commissioned by Wardens and PCC St. Mary’s to undertake an archaeological strip, map and sample excavation at St. Mary’s Church, Acton, Cheshire, during groundworks associated with the construction of an extension of the Church into the churchyard. Fieldwork took place on 5th November 2015 and comprised the excavation of a single trench c. 5m x 3m off the northern aisle of the church. Removal of stone paving slabs and a section of the modern tarmac pathway adjacent to the church revealed a shallow depth of sandy levelling material overlying the natural substrate. Stone blocks sitting on the substrate acted as a foundation for the paving slabs above. A brick-built, stonecapped manhole was also observed along the line of an active drainage trench. No significant archaeological features or deposits, other than a brick-built, partially stonecapped crypt, were observed. The crypt underlay the modern pathway at the northern extent of the trench and will not be impacted upon by development. A watching brief was due to take place during the excavation of a new drainage line running northwards from the church towards the Alms Houses at the north of the churchyard. This was later deemed unnecessary once it became clear that the intended drainage system was to be built within the footprint of existing services and that the necessary excavations would be through previously excavated and backfilled ground. Based on the results of the strip, map and sample excavation, no further archaeological work or recording is considered necessary.