Monument record 2461 - Possible Roman Road in Frodsham Parish

<1> Various, Written Communication to the HER, Dutton R.J.A. 1995 (Written Communication). SCH3756.

Test Trench conducted at the Netherton end of the drive between the eastern boundary hedge of Dig Lane farm and the modern A56.

The top soil removed of 250mm depth revealed a pebbled surface hammered into hard red clay. On the west side the original ditch had been deepened and more to the centre a field drain had been inserted, and topped off with modern clinker.

The width of the track could not be determined due to a small quarry which had destroyed the east side of the track. A cut through the stony surface revealed that it was only 150mm deep in the centre tapering to 75mm on the western side, beneath there was a layer of a hard compact dark brown sand 250mm thick on a natural ground of hard red sand.

Route founded by Romans probable used as Entrance drive to Frodsham Castle.

<2> Dutton R.J.A., 2011, Roman roads of North East Wales and Cheshire, P.94-5 (Book). SCH6901.

An excavation at the Netherton end of the castle drive, between Dig Lane Farm's eastern boundary and the A56, uncovered a layered structure beneath 250mm of topsoil. This structure consisted of small rounded pebbles compacted into a hard dark brown material about 300mm deep, laid over a very hard red sand base. The full width couldn't be determined due to a small sand quarry that had destroyed the track's east side. On the west side, a row of larger stones, possibly forming a kerb, was found. The ditch had been deepened, with a field pipe inserted and topped with modern clinker. Modern maps depict the old drive as a long wet hollow across the fields towards the castle entrance on the A56. By 1994, the hollow track had been filled and ploughed out, leaving only the trees that bordered the drive. The modern A56 at this location was straightened for a turnpike.