Site Event/Activity record ECH6908 - Dorfold Hall, Chester Road, Nantwich CW5 8LD: Archaeological Watching Brief

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken in 2020 during groundworks associated with the creation of a wedding and events venue at Dorfold Hall, Chester Road, Acton, CW5 8LD. These groundworks took place in three main locations: 1. Within the north-eastern corner of the walled garden – ground reduction for compound. 2. Within the northern half of the stable yard – ground reduction for underpinning works. 3. Along the access road to the north of the stable yard – excavation service trench. A series of brick walls, brick surfaces and a cobble yard were uncovered during the reduction of the ground level within the stable yard. These features are most likely associated with the former stable buildings which are shown on the tithe map of 1842 and again on the 25” County Series Ordnance Survey map of 1910. Furthermore, during the ground preparation works within the walled garden, the original borders of the formal orchard/garden, defined by blue ceramic edging tiles, were uncovered in three separate places. These are depicted on the 25” County Series Ordnance Survey map of 1875. (1)