Monument record 15565 - Linear Earthworks East of Linleywood

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1871-1882, Ordnance Survey County Series (Epoch 1) 25 inch to 1 mile - Cheshire, SJ8154, 1887-1891 (Maps and Plans). SCH2462.

This map depicts a sinuous linear ditch like earthwork c.325 metres long and aligned north-west to south-east. It is labelled ‘Intrenchment’. Most of this earthwork is in Staffordshire.

<2> See map for surveyor, c.1837-51, Cheshire Tithe Maps and Awards, EDT 110/2, 1839 (Maps and Plans). SCH3266.

The field in this township containing the earthwork and the field to the immediate north-west are called ‘Ditches’. The earthwork is not depicted.

<3> Dodgson J McN, 1970-2, 1981, The Place-Names of Cheshire, Vol.II p.322 (Book). SCH3228.

The Ditches: there are documentary references dating from 1265-91 (le Diches) and 1271 (le Dyches).

<4> The GeoInformation Group, 2005, 1940s RAF Aerial Photographs from Operation Review (Aerial Photograph). SCH4608.

The earthwork is visible on these aerial photographs, the section in Cheshire is particularly well defined and there is a suggesting that the earthwork, albeit slighter, continues in the field to the north.

<5> Environment Agency, 2003-2020, Environment Agency LiDAR Surveys, Composite 1m DSM (16/06/2022) (Digital Archive). SCH7819.

The earthwork appears to be still extant. It continues for c.180 metres to the north-west from the north-western end of the earthwork depicted on the Ordnance Survey map (see1). Notably, at this northern end, there are further similar earthworks located to the north-east and south-west on a similar alignment. One may be a continuation of this feature.

<6> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ 85 SW 2 (Index). SCH2487.

A doubtful antiquity probably connected with old mine workings. There are many similar earthworks in the area. [AC 02/01/1951].

The southern half of this feature has been destroyed by housing development. The northern half, from Linley Lane onwards SJ 82065390 is typical linear quarrying of probably early nineteenth century. [ASP 20/12/1974].

<7> Page, W (ed), 1908, Victoria County History of Staffordshire: Volume I, p.372 (Book). SCH9206.

<8> Lewis, S, 1849, A Topographical Dictionary of England, Vol.IV p.296 (Book). SCH9207.

At Linley Wood, are evident remains of an encampment, supposed to be Roman, where many relics have been dug up.

<9> North Staffordshire Field Club, 1917-60, Transactions of the North Staffordshire Field Club, Vol.70, p.91 (Journal/Periodical). SCH3533.

A Linley Wood, which is considered to be the habitation of an agricultural community, the members were shown terraces erected to make a plateau for cultivation purposes.

<10> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ 85 SW 3 (Index). SCH2487.

No features answering the description made by the North Staffordshire Field Club (see 9) were noted at Linleywood. Possibly a reference to the probably early nineteenth century quarrying (see SJ 85 SW 2). [ASP 20/12/1974].