Monument record 7419/1 - Medieval field system, Saighton Camp

<1> Northern Archaeological Associates, 2006, Saighton camp, Chester. Phase 1 Development Archaeological Evaluation Report, R3383 (Client Report). SCH6933.

Phase 1 was located over the former Officers Quarters, three phases of archaeological investigation were carried out here including a preliminary evaluation of 45 trenches followed by a watching brief across the remainder of the site and an excavation of two areas towards the centre, recording extensive below ground remains of medieval ridge and furrow. The evaluation in 2006 recorded evidence of badly degraded ridge and furrow over the entire area and most noticeably in the south-western part of the site where below ground preservation was at its best.

<2> Northern Archaeological Associates, 2007, Phase 1 Development, Saighton Camp, Chester: Post Excavation Assessment Report, R3572 (Client Report). SCH7337.

The subsequent excavations also recorded evidence of ridge and furrow, however, it was not discussed in detail.

<3> Northern Archaeological Associates, 2008, Archaeological Evaluation Report, Saighton Camp, A55 link Road, Chester, R3386 (Client Report). SCH6936.

Further evidence was recorded to the northeast along the A55 link road where the remains of plough furrows and medieval boundary ditches were also recorded.

<4> Northern Archaeological Associates, 2008, Trial Trenching Report, Phase 2 Development, Saighton Camp, Chester, R3385 (Client Report). SCH6935.

Phase 2 concentrated on investigating the main area of the site and included an evaluation stage of 75 trenches followed by a programme of archaeological recording across the site. The initial evaluation identified a series of isolated linears in seven trenches that appear to represent medieval furrows. Four additional trenches exhibiting more shallow linear features, however, they do not appear to conform to the field patterns seen elsewhere.

<5> Northern Archaeological Associates, 2013, Saighton Camp, Chester. The Roman and Medieval Archaeology, R3550 (Client Report). SCH7335.

The subsequent archaeological recording identified the remains of ridge and furrow cultivation across much of the site. Although no dating evidence was encountered, the pattern was reminiscent of medieval forms of ridge and furrow. A single linear ditch on a northwest to southeast alignment was also identified to the north of the site.

<6> The GeoInformation Group, 2005, 1940s RAF Aerial Photographs from Operation Review (Aerial Photograph). SCH4608.

Aerial photographs from the 1940s record evidence of medieval patterns of ridge and furrow over much of the area surrounding the army camp at Saighton. (See also source 7)

<7> Royal Air Force, 1944-1947, 1940s RAF Aerial Photographs from Operation Review (Aerial Photograph). SCH8041.