Site Event/Activity record ECH6721 - The Old Hall, Nether Alderley, Cheshire: Archaeological Evaluation

Following on from a desk-based assessment in 2018 (see ECH6709), an archaeological evaluation was undertaken at the Old Hall prior to proposed extension. Seven trenches were excavated to the south of the hall on the moated platform. These investigations revealed a number of rock-cut postholes, possibly of medieval origin, although no medieval finds were recovered. Also the remains of brick footings were recorded, thought to relate to the demolished courtyard house. Additionally, the excavated evidence suggests that the moated platform was extended eastwards in the seventeenth century, perhaps implying that the north and west moat limbs were dug at that time, thus expanding the earlier millpond to create a water garden landscape feature. An eighth trench was located to the south-east corner of the disused Stable Block, to the north of the Old Hall. It measured 1.2m wide by 8.50m long, and was aligned from north to south. A small extension was excavated to the east, at the south end. The remains of an eighteenth century brick drain were recorded along with deposits potentially associated with the mid-nineteenth century demolition of a barn which stood against the moat edge (Building 8). (1)