Monument record 7006 - Prehistoric Features near Fishpool Lane Farm

A north-south aligned ditch up to 2m wide. The ditch may have terminated within the excavated trench or this may be a gap in the ditch. No finds were recovered, but the irregularity of the base of the ditch may suggest Bronze Age handiwork. It does not appear to have been concentric round the barrow (CHER 840/1/4) to the west. A post hole and a series stake holes may be associated, though the later may predate the ditch. A single flint recovered from an area of bioturbation may derive from the ditch (1).

It is possible that these features may be related to the training ground at Ottersbank Farm. The ditch lies along the alignment of the outer edge of the track depicted on historic maps, also the discovery of a post medieval wal,l on the same alignment, to the immediate west must call the dating of these features into question (2 & 3).

<1> Gifford and Partners, 1992, An Archaeological Evaluation at Fishpool Lane, Delamere, Cheshire., p.9 (Client Report). SCH4189.

<2> Various, Various, Oral communication to the HER, Edwards R 9/11/2011 (Oral Communication). SCH2330.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1871-1882, Ordnance Survey County Series (Epoch 1) 25 inch to 1 mile - Cheshire (Maps and Plans). SCH2462.