Monument record 2069/1 - Coole Hall Farm

<1> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, No.7 p.88-9 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

Several fragments and two almost complete examples of clay heads with pointed stems or stalks have been found over a period of years at and near the above map reference. Similar examples have been found at Baddeley Green (Stoke-on-Trent) and Silverdale (Newcastle-under-Lyme) and Stafford. A similar head, but without the stalk, was also found on clearing out the ditch at the moated site at Norbury Booth near Knutsford in 1850 (See 2). The Coole Hall Farm heads seem, on stylistic grounds, to be of seventeenth century date . Their purpose, so far, has not been ascertained. Witchcraft or some superstitious practice has been suggested and the pointed stalk , enabling the head to be implanted into something, lends support to this theory. There is some evidence of pottery-making in the area and the Stoke-on-Trent finds perhaps emphasise a connection with kilns . Dr Hawke-Smith (City Museum and Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent) comments, in this connection, that the heads may possibly represent a rather similar practice to that of classical times when a small model deity was placed in a kiln during firing to protect vessels from disaster.

<2> Society of Antiquaries, 1849-1920, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries, Issue 23, p.82 (Book). SCH2738.

Peter Legh Esq. exhibited a rude representation of a human face, modelled in lastic clay, and probably intended as a pattern for some architectural ornament [illustrated]. It was found in cleaning out the moast at Norbury Booth, near Knutsford, Cheshire.

<3> Various, Various, Oral communication to the HER, Wilson D, 1986 (Oral Communication). SCH2330.

D Wilson reports that Mr Goodwin retains the pottery from all medieval periods and early Midland purple sherds. These include wasters. Associated with earthworks, including three circular platforms and a hollow way. Suggests a kiln site.