Monument record 1150/1/2 - Ice House at Somerford Hall
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Summary
An Ice House is in a wood above the site of Somerford Hall. The ruined chamber is of unusual design and shape. There is no public access.
For a long time, there were few ways of preserving food other than salting and pickling. From the 17th century, the idea of an Ice house was introduced to large estates. They were structures built to house blocks of ice to prevent them from melting. They were well insulated and partly underground. The ice was obtained from ponds and lakes frozen in the winter months. Sometimes fields were deliberately flooded by farmers to provide extra income.
Map
Type and Period (2)
Full Description
Ice House situated on bank side in a wood above a woodland pond 100m N of the kitchen garden and 300m N of the site of Somerford Hall. The ruined chamber is of unusual design and shape. There are two levels and a further small entrance chamber replaces the normal tunnel. No public access (1). Recorded by OS as the possible site of a tumulus (NGR SJ81186550). Site could not be located during survey in April 1972 by T. Clare (2).
<1> Laurie I C, 1986, Ice Houses of Cheshire, /12 (Booklet-Leaflet). SCH3178.
<2> Cheshire County Council, 1974, County Treasures Record, 8/A.163 (Index). SCH1000.
Sources/Archives (2)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (1)
External Links (0)
Location
| Grid reference | SJ 812 655 (point) 8 Figure Ref |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | SJ86NW |
| Civil Parish | SOMERFORD, CONGLETON, CHESHIRE EAST |
| Historic Township/Parish/County | SOMERFORD (RADNOR), ASTBURY, CHESHIRE |
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Record last edited
Jan 11 2002 2:40PM