Monument record 14979/2 - Coppenhall Moss

<1> Leah, MD; Wells, CE; Appleby, C; Huckerby, E, 1997, The Wetlands of Cheshire (North West Wetlands Survey 4), p.131-3 (Monograph). SCH3260.

Coppenhall Moss was investigated by the North West Wetlands project, an archaeological and paleoecological study of the varied wetlands of Cheshire, undertaken between 1993-95. It was one of at least five adjoining mosses (Warmingham, Coppenhall, Meybury's or Maplin's, Leighton and Minshull) which once formed one of the most extensive tracts of peatland in Cheshire, located to the north of Crewe. Virtually no trace of the peatland remains today, the only clue to its existence being placename evidence and a regular field pattern. Four townships shared this moss and could claim turbary rights. A large stone is said to have marked the boundary of the four townships.

Coppenhall Moss was enclosed by Parliamentary Act in 1814 when 160 acres still existed as common. Its enclosure was initially unpopular due to the loss of free fuel and pasture. It took two years to enclose the moss and it was initially used to grow wheat. By 1841 (see 3) the moss was almost entirely enclosed. Most tenants only held one allotment in leiu of their former turbary rights. Due to drainage and improvement for agriculture, this former wetland has no paleoenvironmental potential.

<2> Probert, 1762, Map of several Estates in the Townships of Church Coppenhall and Monks Coppenhall in the County of Chester (Maps and Plans). SCH8731.

An area of linear enclosures known as moss rooms are depicted on the boundary with Leighton Moss and Warmingham Moss. Between this and more irregular enclosures fringing the moss edge is the open common land.

<3> See map for surveyor, c.1837-51, Cheshire Tithe Maps and Awards, EDT 108/2 c.1840 (Maps and Plans). SCH3266.

The moss rooms depicted on (2) have been replaced with a more regular pattern of enclosure. The moss appears entirely enclosed.