Monument record 762/2/2 - Post medieval bridge, gate piers and wall at Marton Grange

<1> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 2/26-29 Curzon J B 1974 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

Moat is crossed by a bridge on the north-east side. Present bridge incorporates the sandstone abutments of an early draw-bridge which has been replaced by an 18th century brick arch.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ66NW2/1964 (Index). SCH2487.

Brick bridge with stone abutments.

<3> Douglas J, 1872-5, The Abbey Square Sketch Book, 1/no.3 1872 (Book). SCH3014.

Bridge shown on plan.

<4> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 13519 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

See 762/1/2 for description of moat. NB Ground beneath the bridge is scheduled.

<5> Giffords Consulting Engineers, 2008, Marton Monastic Grange, Marton Hall Farm, Cheshire (Client Report). SCH8194.

A structural survey was undertaken in May 2008 of standing structures at the site of the medieval grange site at Marton, including the bridge across the moat, two gate piers orientated on and immediately to the south-west of the bridge, and a brick wall adjoining one of the piers. The survey confirmed the general poor state of these features and recommended remedial works to be undertaken to stabilise condition and prevent further detioration.

The present bridge is a single brick arch spanning between sandstone abutments which may date from an earlier structure, possibly a drawbridge, but may have also have been abutments for a timber footbridge. The wingwalls of the abutments are still present, but only one length of brick parapet survives to the south of the bridge. No coping survives. The two gate piers are of brick with stone plinths and caps. They appear to have held a pair of tall iron gates. The low wall, also brick with stone coping, abuts the northern-most pier and extends some 10m to the north-west across the width of the platform of the moat. It is likely that there was originally a corresponding wall abutting the southern gate pier, but no remains were identified.