Site Event/Activity record ECH6834 - Hare Hill Hall, Over Alderley, Macclesfield, SK10 4PY: Archaeological Watching Brief

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken at Hare Hill Hall in 2020. It revealed the partial remains of a post-medieval brick-built surface, inspection chamber, and L-shaped brick wall. The bonding material and construction form would suggest a mid to late 19th century date for these features, which is supported by the recovered artefact assemblage. It is almost certain that the L-shaped wall found during the strip for the new stables is that of the large rectangular building shown on the 1842 tithe map, although the high level of demolition made it impossible to ascertain any further details about this structure or indeed its original function. Its siting to the immediate west of the formal gardens and within tithe plot 541 (Harchill's Hall Pleasure Grounds) would suggest that it was possibly an associated folly, although the close proximity of Hare Hill Stables to the immediate west may suggest an equestrian function or store. The watching brief also showed that, in the location of the new ménage, the level of disturbance from the construction of the former tennis court had all but removed any trace of the earlier formal garden features shown on the 1842 tithe map. (1)