Monument record 2752 - Possible Brick Kilns by King Street

<1> Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit, 1993, King Street Northwich - An Archaeological Assessment, R2043/7 (Client Report). SCH1870.

Brick Kiln field. Field name appears on 1842 Tithe Apportionment and suggests 'land on which bricks are made'. No visible evidence for a kiln site.

<2> Field J, 1972, English Field Names, /29 (Monograph). SCH1112.

<3> University of Manchester Archaeological Unit, 1996, Gadbrook Park II, Northwich, Cheshire: An Archaeological Assessment (Client Report). SCH4070.

An archaeological assessment (desk-based study and walkover survey) was undertaken in 1996 in advance of a proposed development at Gadbrook Park II, Northwich. The Rudheath tithe award of 1842 records the name 'Brick Kiln Field' to the east of the A530, indicating the possible presence of a kiln site nearby producing bricks for local use. In the region the use of brick for farmhouses and other farm buildings became widespread during the 18th century, although there are some instances found in the late 17th century.

<4> Geophysical Surveys of Bradford, 1996, Gadbrook Park Northwich, 96/87 (Client Report). SCH1255.

Geophysical survey carried out on 16/9/96 of 0.5ha on E side of King Street, showed area heavily disturbed and no responses clearly indicating surviving kiln-type features.

<5> Lancaster University Archaeological Unit, 1996, Gadbrook Park Cheshire, /16-17 & 23-24 (Book). SCH1254.

Two trenches excavated 23-27/9/96 (trenches 5 & 6). Trench 5 was excavated parallel to & on the E side of King Street & trench 6 was excavated at right angles to King Street. No material associated with a kiln recovered, but a ditch-like feature (no. 23) was filled with much burnt and fired clay. This was either contemporary with the brick kilns or was still open at the time of the brick manufacture (no earlier than the late 17th C). Trench 6 (c.40m N of Trench 5) did not produced the same material.