Monument record 1296 - Neolithic farming activity at Tatton village

Archaeological investigations to the northeast of Tatton Old Hall between 1978 and 1988 recorded evidence of Neolithic settlement. (1)

The evidence consisted of a series of four small post holes located on a slight arc. Radiocarbon dating of material from one of the post holes returned a date of 3500-2945 cal BC (HAR-4495) while a single flint core and several struck flint flakes were also recovered. These features were interpreted as representing a possible post built hut structure (2)

A pit approximately 1m diameter was excavated in 1982, which had been cut through loam and into sand subsoil in a drainage hollow. Beneath a sandy higher fill was a mass of burnt material, consisting predominantly of oak charcoal, but also with tiny fragments of charred bone and a small volume of carbonised fruits and seeds. A large and securely stratified sample produced a radiocarbon date of 3370-2925 cal BC (HAR-5146). (2)

A further group of five post holes were located in the 1982 phase of excavations lying approximately 35m northwest of the first group. These post holes similarly appeared to form a slight arc and may represent a second hut structure. A sixth post hole in the sequence was subsequently subject to radiocarbon dating producing a date range of 2195-1680 cal BC (HAR-5716). (2)

No pottery was recovered from this phase of activity suggestive of either an aceramic community or later plough damage.

Some evidence of late Neolithic to early Bronze Age woodland clearance and agricultural activity was also recorded through pollen analysis. Radiocarbon dating from these deposits returned a date range of 1860-1330 cal BC (HAR-9206).

<1> Higham N J & Aylett P, 1990, A Short History of Tatton, p.2 (Booklet-Leaflet). SCH4950.

<2> Higham N.J, Cane T., 1997, The Tatton Park Project, Part 1: Prehistoric to Sub-Roman Settlement and Land Use. JCAS, p.32-33 (Article in Journal). SCH4939.

<3b> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), 1998 SAM 30362 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<3a> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 1998 SAM 30362 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

<4> Higham N J, 1984, Excavations at Tatton - 7th Season interim report, /1-2 (Unpublished Report). SCH7421.

<5> Higham N J, 1985, Excavations at Tatton - 8th Season 1985, p.1-2 (Unpublished Report). SCH1198.

<6> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 9/88-97 Higham N J 1983 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

<7> Scheduling record: English Heritage. 1999. Tatton medieval settlement, prehistoric settlement remains, remains of Tatton Old Hall and mill dam. (Unpublished Document). SCH4988.

<8> Broad, Thomas, c.1800-1816, A Map of Tatton Park, The Property of William Egerton Esq.. (Maps and Plans). SCH4964.