Monument record 4676 - Tarvin Civil War Enclosure and Saxon Cross

<1> Earthworks Archaeology, 2003, Proposed Residential Development on Land off Broomheath Lane, Tarvin, Cheshire: An Archaeological Evaluation, R2488 (Client Report). SCH4505.

The presence of one corner of one corner of a possible rectangular ditched enclosure of unknown date was identified by archaeological evaluation in 2003

<2> Earthworks Archaeological Services, 2006, Watching Brief at Laburnum Cottage, Broomheath Lane, Tarvin. (Client Report). SCH4867.

In 2006 a watching brief at a nearby house recorded a ditch with mid 17th century pottery, (including Midlands Purple Ware and a single sherd from a cistercian ware cup) and a single copper alloy domed disc , probably a decorative end piece to another object also from the mid 17th century.

<3> Chester Archaeology, 1991-2009, The Past Uncovered, Feb 2007 (Newsletter). SCH4495.

In 2006 the ditch feature was excavated in advance of housing development. Heavily weathered fragments of the head, arms and shaft of a Saxon stone cross were found. The head has a flat boss in the centre which was probably surrounded by a relief carved ring. The arms and shaft have traces of moulding. The cross would have been a substantial monument with an arm span of 55 cm.

<4> Harrison, S, 1984, Loyal Chester, A Brief History of Chester in the Civil War Period (Book). SCH5285.

The ditch appears to be associated with the Civil War.Historical records of Civil War period fortifications are known for many Cheshire villages, including Tarvin, each being associated with the siege of Chester. Troops and ordnance were moved from the Paliamentary Garrison at Tarvin in preparation for an assault of Chester in September 1645. It is possible that the cross was destroyed at this time.

<5> Various, Written Communication to the HER, Bailey, Prof R.N. 4/12/2006 (Written Communication). SCH3756.

Photographs of the cross fragments and a draft description

<6> Bailey R N, 2010, Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Stone Sculpture Volume IX, Cheshire and Lancashire: 9, p/128 (Book). SCH7146.

Full decription and measurements of Cross fragments

<7> Earthworks Archaeological Services, 2015, Archaeological Strip and Map Excavation at Broomheath Lane, Tarvin (Client Report). SCH7806.

Excavation to investigate a possible enclosure identified in an earlier evaluation at this site.Excavation of this feature demonstrated it was square in plan with a single entrance located midway along the west side; post holes on the outside of the entrance implied that a gate or similar obstruction was located here.The enclosure was shown to postdate traces of madeival or late open field systems in the the form of ploughed out ridge and furrow so a probable post medieval date seems likely. Fragments of an Anglo Saxon cross head may relate to recorded destruction of four ancient stone crosses including one at tarvin by local religious iconoclasts. Cross fragments are weathered suggesting prolonged exposure to the elements prior to deposition in the ditch. The earthworks themselves are possible Civil war defence structures.



Monument polygon updated to reflect the location of the enclosure as shown in this report. Previously centred at SJ 4920 6633