Monument record 7587 - Holloway/ Trackway and Medieval Pottery Spread

<1> Network Archaeology, 2004, Birch Heath to Mickle Trafford Gas Pipeline: Archaeological Evaluation, Excavation & Watching Brief 2001. Volumes 1-2, Report & Appendices, R2588.1, p59/60 (Client Report). SCH4658.

Site recorded as part of the archaeological work during pipeline construction in 2001.
During topsoil stripping a localised spread of medieval pottery was noted in the centre of Plot 26. Subsequent investigation revealed a north by south linear feature within this spread, also containing medieval pottery. A total of 583 sherds of pottery was collected along with a few scraps of lead and an iron knife. The forms of the pottery include Jugs, jars and at least one pipkin. The condition of the pottery is identified as pottery wasters. This is supported by the presence of medieval pottery kilns close by and the results of an earlier geophysical survey within the plot that suggests a kiln site. Several kilns are believed to be in the Brereton Park Area so the precise source of this waste group is unknown but it adds to the body of evidence relating to medieval pottery production in this area. The linear feature does not appear to directly related to the pottery production, or at least to the phase when the pottery was discarded. Pottery is absent from the lower fills of the feature and is present in the upper fills.
An interpretation of the linear feature is a trackway part metalled with wasters from a nearby kiln, perhaps to support carts carrying various supplies to the kiln.