Monument record 1295 - Possible prehistoric activity at Tatton village

Excavations to the north of the Old Hall at Tatton recorded traces of three hearths in 1983. Charcoal taken from the central feature returned a radiocarbon date of 4310 +/- 100 BC (sample HAR 5714) suggesting a late Mesolithic date for the features, however there were no associated artefacts recovered at the time (1)

The radiocarbon dates were recalibrated to give a final date of 5325-4900 BC (cal 2 sigma level 96%) suggesting a late Mesolithic date, however, it has been suggested by the excavator that this date may be the result of burning prehistoric wood from the meres at some point in the Saxon period (CHER 1298/0/1) rather than evidence of prehistoric activity. (4)

<1> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 9/88-97 Higham N J 1983 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

<2> Higham N J, 1984, Excavations at Tatton - 7th Season interim report, /1 (Unpublished Report). SCH7421.

<2> Higham N J, 1985, Excavations at Tatton - 8th Season 1985, /1 (Unpublished Report). SCH1198.

<2> Higham N J, 1985, Tatton Mere Excavations Easter 1985, /1 (Unpublished Report). SCH7418.

<3> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), 1998 SAM30362 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<3> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 1998 SAM30362 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

<4> Higham N.J, Cane T., 1997, The Tatton Park Project, Part 1: Prehistoric to Sub-Roman Settlement and Land Use. JCAS, p.30-37 (Article in Journal). SCH4939.