Monument record 1297 - Iron Age to Roman activity at Tatton village

Archaeological investigations to the northeast of Tatton Old Hall identified only faint evidence of activity in the Iron Age to Roman period.

Although initial reports from the excavations suggested a far greater distribution of activity from this period (4), the final interpretation was based on calibrated radiocarbon dating and comprised a single archaeological feature. Pit 7 was approximately 1.5m by 1m and contained evidence of burning. A small number of undated features were identified nearby, however, including postholes, pits and a 2m square upright timber setting. Radiocarbon dating indicated a date range of 800-120 cal BC (HAR-5147). (5)

Agricultural activity and woodland clearance in the area were identified in the area from pollen analysis. Cereal pollen appears in the pollen diagram from Tatton Dam for the first time in around 1570-1310 cal BC (HAR-8409). At the beginning of this period the landscape appeared to be dominated by oak/alder and hazel woodland followed by a marked decrease until around 390 AD when the landscape was dominated by open grassland. At the same time cereal pollen became increasingly common suggestive of regular cultivation in the area. (5)

<1> Higham N J & Aylett P, 1990, A Short History of Tatton, p.2-3 (Booklet-Leaflet). SCH4950.

<2> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 7/p.49-56/Higham,N.J/1980 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

<3> Higham N J, 1984, Excavations at Tatton - 7th Season interim report, /2-3 (Unpublished Report). SCH7421.

<4> Higham N J, 1985, Excavations at Tatton - 8th Season 1985, p.2-3 (Unpublished Report). SCH1198.

<5> Higham N.J, Cane T., 1997, The Tatton Park Project, Part 1: Prehistoric to Sub-Roman Settlement and Land Use. JCAS, p.43-46 (Article in Journal). SCH4939.

<6a> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), 1998 SAM 30362 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<6b> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 1998 SAM 30362 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.