Site Event/Activity record ECH6551 - Archaeological Strip, Map and Sample at Land at Heathfield Farm, Wilmslow

The project comprised a targeted archaeological strip, map and sample excavation which was undertaken over the footprint of two former buildings associated with Yew Farm/Heathfield Farm as depicted on historic mapping of the site. This was undertaken in order to record the nature and extent of potential archaeological remains, if present, and to attempt to reconstruct the history and use of the site. The archaeological strip, map and sample excavation revealed no significant archaeology. In both the excavated areas, there were no surviving structural elements relating to the earlier Yews Farm/Heathfield Farm buildings that were located to the west side of the track running down from Dean Row Road. A remnant patch of brick yard surface recorded in Area 1 probably related to the late 19th and early 20th century farm yard, indicating the former ground level, though it had been severely truncated and provided no further archaeological insight. The small range of buildings recorded to the west side of Area 1 were clearly modern, though some bricks used in their construction may have been recycled out of previously demolished buildings on the site. The boundary/drainage ditch recorded in Area 2 probably reflected the western edge of the early 19th century track into Yews Farm/Heathfield Farm and was presumably open and allowed to silt up during the farms working life, suggested by the presence of finds dating from the 18th to the 19th century. The presence of the ditch also suggests that the buildings had not been constructed prior to the 19th century, and probably continued in use until the late 19th century. All finds and features were later post-medieval to early modern in origin, and represented the presence of a domestic kitchen and bathroom on or near to the excavated area. It is presumed the finds relate to the structures formerly present on the site, however, much of the site had evidently been remediated prior to modern agricultural buildings being constructed in the early 20th century.