Monument record 498/1 - Waterlogged timbers from Dutton Street

<1> Unknown, 1875-1960, Warrington Examiner, 27/02/1932 (Newspaper-Magazine). SCH3682.

Remains of a crannog or lake dwelling found during the construction of a new sewer. Found six feet inside the gate of the builders yard at the end of Dutton Street (see CHER 4244/102/0). No measurements or photographs were taken, but a shaped timber was recovered and deposited with the museum. The 'shaped and morticed pieces of oak' were described as being familiar to objects from crannogs in Ayreshire and Somerset. The only other object found that was belived to be associated with the crannog, was a single tine of antler. Notably a medieval copper pendant and sixteenth century slipware, also found on site, were believed to be unassociated.

<2> Boscow H, 1947, Warrington - A Heritage, p.15 (Book). SCH3671.

'A timber structure, supported on piles, and resembling the early types of this dwelling, was discovered in Hawley. Owing to the fact that it was surrounded by buildings, no detailed examination was possible.'

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ68 NW48 RW Emsley 20/10/1960 & 20/12/1960 (Index). SCH2487.

The timbers were found at a depth of nine to ten feet below the surface. The round posts were on the north side of the trench in an upright position, flat pieces of oak were lying flat. Worked and shaped pieces of wood were stuck in the mud at various angles. The timber area was c.10 feet wide and aligned north-south. Thirty-eight pieces of timber, together with the other finds, were deposited with Warrington Museum.

<4> Longley D, 1977-1978, Longley Archive, no.608 (Paper Archive). SCH2005.

<5> Crowe A M, 1947, Warrington Ancient and Modern, p.2 (Book). SCH3673.

'Mr Dunlop reported the discovery of the remains of a crannog or lake dwelling.....timbers of which were found nine to ten feet from the surface and are now in Warrington Museum.'

<6> Holman, J & Sellars, I, 1972, Warrington: A History for Schools, p.8 (Book). SCH7120.

'Workmen uncovered what is believed to be an Iron Age stake dwelling of c.100 BC'

<7> L - P Archaeology, 2003, Archaeological Evaluation Report on land known as Church Street, Warrington, 6.2.3-21 (Client Report). SCH4478.

During an archaeological evaluation nine timbers and other wood fragments were recovered from an archaeological evaluation trench excavated at the end of Dutton Street in 2003. The timbers were encountered at a depth of 2-2.9m and none were noted at any other angle than upright. The broad dimensions of these timbers are in character with those recovered in 1931 and include mortice joints and setting holes (on more plank like timbers). The timbers are a mix of sawn and radially split, with shaped ends to facilitate their upright position. Warping of the timber suggest that they were unseasoned. The timbers are post medieval in date. This may be the timber revetment to a drain known as Dutton's Honey pot.

<8> Crosby A, 2002, A History of Warrington, p. 122 (Book). SCH4492.

'In 1831 a survey found that the ditches along Mill Lane in Howley were blocked and formed pools of raw sewage. In Horsemarket Street privy waste flowed down the road and at the ironically-named Dutton's Honeypot a drain from the town ended in a festering swamp near the river.'