Site Event/Activity record ECH7060 - Holy Trinity Church, Hurdsfield Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire: Archaeological Watching Brief

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken in 2022 on land at Holy Trinity Church, Hurdsfield Road, Macclesfield, to monitor groundworks associated with the construction of a new permanent building within the churchyard in an area which was formerly used for burials. Excavation did not reach the depth of the natural geology but instead only disturbed topsoil and made-ground related to the construction of the church. One small section of brick and stone wall was discovered, likely dating to the late 19th to 20th centuries, although no other archaeological features were found. This indicates that there may have been previous phases of building work undertaken within the church grounds which have since been demolished or built over. Despite the expectation that human remains may be encountered, none were discovered throughout the duration of the watching brief despite excavation taking place in close proximity to gravestones. This suggests that the churchyard has undergone change and renovation over time, and that gravestones may have been moved away from their original places of installation. (1)