Site Event/Activity record ECH6923 - Metal Detecting Survey Report: Chester Road, Malpas

A metal detecting survey was carried out, in 2020, on land to the west of Chester Road, Malpas. The work was implemented as part of planning permission to ascertain the potential for archaeological remains on the site. Research shows that the site lies to north of the historic core of Malpas in an area characterised by Medieval town fields in the Cheshire Historic Landscape Characterisation Survey. The survey produced 852 metal artefacts and 51 non metallic finds, the majority of which were Post Medieval in date and represented by iron nails, wire and agricultural implements. Quantities of coke, slag and metal working detritus were also collected, it is unknown whether these originate from the site or brought in and scattered by modern agricultural activity. A possible Roman, 16 probable Medieval and 4 possible Medieval or Post Medieval finds were recovered. Additionally, during field walking, 16 Prehistoric flints were found, along with a single sherd of Roman pottery, four Medieval sherds and a small assemblage of Post Medieval ceramics and clay pipe fragments. There were generally no distinctive patterns of deposition, time period, or items, with the exception of metal working and industrial items, two clusters were identified in the central and southern areas of the site. This may suggest at a small scale industrial activity within the site, however it may also be the result of later dumping and spread via agricultural activities. (1)