Monument record 14979/4 - Mebury’s or Maplin's 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.

Mebury's 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.

'Mebury's Moss' is labelled on a map dating to 1762 (source 2) of the Township of Church Coppenhall; it is located at the junction of Coppenhall and Leighton mosses. This is the only reference to Mebury's Moss, but it is probably the 'Mable Moss' mentioned in the 'Calendar of Chester Recognizance Rolls' in 1541 (Dodgson 1971, source 4) which is later referred to as 'Maplin's Moss'. It was enclosed by the same Parliamentary Act as Coppenhall Moss in 1814. 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.

This map depicts Mebury’s Moss as unenclosed.

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

<4> Dodgson J McN, 1970-2, 1981, The Place-Names of Cheshire, p.25 (Book). SCH3228.