Monument record 7744 - Bowfields Enclosure

<1> GSB Prospection, 2003, Geophysical Survey Report. Middlewich Eastern Bypass, Cheshire., p.3-4 (Client Report). SCH4511.

The results of geophysical survey contained responses of clear archaeological interest which appreared to form an enclosure with a large amount of internal detail. At least three large pit-type responses were also recorded. These may be former storage or rubbish pits, or more speculatively, features associated with salt production.

<2> Oxford Archaeology North, 2003, Middlewich Eastern Bypass, Cheshire. Archaeological Evaluation, p.15-16 (Client Report). SCH4477.

Archaeological trial trenches located over the anomalies identified by the 2003 geophysical survey (source 1: ECH4002/SCH4511) confirmed these as archaeological features. The enclosure ditch was located in three trenches, however no definitive dating evidence was recovered, although morphology suggests a Romano-British date. The enclosure measured approximately 23m north-south by 45m east-west. The ditch located on the north side was 1.8m wide and partially excavated to a depth of 0.6m; the lower fill was not excavated due to poor working conditions. A pit was also partially excavated to a depth of 0.2m close to the north ditch. The ditch defining the east side of the enclosure was also identified and excavated to a depth of 0.24m; it had gradually sloping sides and a rounded base, a similar morphology to the north ditch. The southern ditch was 2.1m wide, with steep sides and flat base and a maximum depth of 0.3m. Post medieval pottery was retrieved from the surface of the subsoil and the upper deposits of the ditches.