Monument record 197/1/4 - Willaston Old Hall or Chaneux Hall (bridge)

Watching brief 1990 during construction work on Nantwich by-pass - medieval timber bridge revealed in N arm of moat. 64 oak timbers revealed forming the foundations of a massive timber drawbridge. No identifiable superstructure elements recovered, but the surviving sole plate level carpentry structure has been analysed and allows a limited reconstruction. Variety of carpentry techniques displayed, including mortice and tenon, scribed and jowled joints. Carpenters' marks also visible. Dendro date of after 1215 for the felling of the bridge timbers (1).

<1> Cheshire County Council, 1990, Rescue Excavation & Watching Brief at the Medieval Moated Site of Willaston Old Hall, p. 12 & 30-39 (Client Report). SCH2859.

<2> Cheshire County Council, 1992-1995, Cheshire Past, 1/16-17 Reynolds S 1992 (Newsletter). SCH870.