Site Event/Activity record ECH6363 - Archaeological Evaluation at land to the South-West of Lymm Hall, Lymm, Warrington

Evaluation to the south west of Lymm Hall, Lymm, in an area known as ‘the paddock’ (NGR SJ 6838 8694), in advance of a proposed residential development. Eight trenches were excavated, the purpose of which was to evaluate the presence of archaeological features on the proposed development site. The eight trenches had the same stratigraphic relationship and natural ground was reached in each trench. The natural geology was covered by a layer of sterile subsoil and was sealed by a thin topsoil. Overall, the absence of artefacts and features across the site, combined with the known historic usage, suggests that the site had remained an open area, free from structures or development throughout its history. One possible cut feature survived, this was located at the southern end of site. The feature contained nineteenth century material and was orientated north to south along what was thought to have been a former trackway between Mayfield View to the south and Lymm Hall to the north. The depth of the feature suggests it may have been used as a ditch for drainage along the abandoned track. A well with associated pumping mechanism and water trough was identified within the centre of the site. These were also believed to be nineteenth or twentieth century in origin, their purpose being to supply water to the animals in the paddock and the vegetable gardens located south of Lymm Hall. A ceramic field drain and lead water pipe were also identified.