Site Event/Activity record ECH6980 - Field Visit to Observe Stonework Revealed by Storm Damage at Hockenhull Platts

Field visit to view stonework adjacent to the Packhorse Bridges (at Hockenhull Platts) exposed by trees blown down by storm Arwen. The first fallen tree lay immediately to the east of the eastern bridge and has fallen to the south. The second tree had fallen circa thirty metres to the east of the eastern bridge and to the west of a small triangular enclosure, blocking the lane. The triangular enclosure could not be inspected due to scrub. The tree throws associated with the tree falls revealed a linear feature comprising stone blocks. The blocks (a mixture of reused dressed stone, roughly dressed pieces, and unshaped rocks), seem to define the southern side of the ditch on the southern side of the lane. The fact they are apparent in both tree throws suggest they continue for at least thirty metres east from the eastern bridge. Further investigation was difficult due to the waterlogged conditions, but whilst some blocks seem to represent only a single course, others do seem to sit on a lower course buried in the alluvium and/or under water. This structure may be a revetment to the lane-side ditch, but without formal excavation it is difficult to be certain. Dating evidence was restricted to a few recently discarded plastic bottles in the alluvium. However, it is probable that the stonework is contemporary with the current bridges.