Site Event/Activity record ECH6338 - Archaeological Monitoring of Frodsham Wind Farm

A programme of archaeological monitoring was carried out during groundworks associated with the development of Frodsham Wind Farm, Helsby, in April 2015. The site lies on land between the River Mersey and Helsby in an area known as Ince Marsh, Helsby Marsh and Frodsham Marsh. Desk-based research (ECH4626) suggested that the area had a low potential for Prehistoric, Roman and Early Medieval archaeology, but some potential for the presence of Medieval structures evidenced by homesteads recorded in the 19th century tithe apportionment. There was also a high potential for survival of a Post Medieval flood defence earthwork recorded on historic maps, along with high potential for some remains associated with a World War II prisoner of war camp identified from vertical air photographs dating to the 1940s. A walkover survey was undertaken in order to identify remains for these sites, along with monitoring of works associated with creation of the site compound, situated just to the south of the site of the POW camp. The latter works revealed mid 20th century concrete structures and demolition material associated with the POW camp. (1)