Monument record 109 - Runcorn burh

Runcorn Burh. Founded by Aethelfleda, lady of the Mercians, in the 10th century. Site not exactly known but considered to be the Castle Rock, the promontory jutting out into the River Mersey, removed to improve naviagation and construct the railway viaduct. In 1845 described as a triangular piece of ground cut off from the land by a ditch, 6 yards wide (1). There are plans showing the area before the railway (2) and (3). Placename evidence suggests there may have been a Norman castle here for a short period (4). The area has now been destroyed by bridge building and other industrial workings (4). Built c.912 by Aethelflaed at the same time as Eddisbury in response to presence of Norse fleet in Irish Sea (5).

<1> Dodgson J McN, 1970-2, 1981, The Place-Names of Cheshire, vol .II p.177 (Book). SCH3228.

<2> Hanshall, J. H., 1817-1823, The History of the County Palatine of Chester, p.418 (Book). SCH1382.

<3> Beaumont W, 1873, The History of Halton, 1 (Book). SCH3144.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, White J 1964 SJ58SW8 (Index). SCH2487.

<5> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, 1/252-3 Thacker A 1987 (Book). SCH3556.

<6> Armitage, 1912, Early Norman Castles, p.38-9 (Book). SCH3882.

<7> Longley D, 1977-1978, Longley Archive, /no.296 (Paper Archive). SCH2005.