Site Event/Activity record ECH6501 - Land at Forge Mill, Forge Lane, Congleton, Cheshire (13/2623C): Archaeological Assessment

Archaeological assessment prepared in 2016 for an area of land at Forge Mill, Forge Lane, Congleton, for which outline planning permission is being sought for a residential development of 46 units including, associated parking, landscaping, creation of a nature area, open space and off-site highway works. The site extends to an area of circe 6.43ha (of which circa 2ha is proposed for development); it is situated on the north-western side of the Congleton and is located at the end of Forge Lane, approximately 1 km from Congleton town centre, and centred at SJ 84834 63701. To the north and the east the site is bounded by the River Dane with agricultural fields forming the southern boundary of the site. The western boundary is formed by wooded area leading onto a large industrial estate. In historic terms the principal interest at the site is the former complex of mill buildings, 'Forge Mill', established in the early 19th century and utilised for silk spinning. This complex may have replaced an existing forge, which is thought to date from the early 18th century. The mill complex is shown on the tithe map and a variety of other cartographic sources. There are no visible remains of the 18th or 19th century buildings, with the exception of a square pond, however, potentially extensive below-ground remains relating to the former 18th and 19th century buildings may be present. (1)