Monument record 553 - Cromwell's Bank

Cromwell's Bank. SJ 54458558 to SJ 55098545. Sinuous linear bank with gaps, probably the result of weaker portions being washed out by high tides. Situated on Cuerdley Marshes, an extensive area of flat & low lying ground split by small creeks & also subject to flooding by the Mersey. Function probably not defensive, but protection from high tides. Age uncertain (1). Cromwell's bank not mentioned in Civil War survey of the area (2). Classified by VCH as defensive or non-defensive work which cannot be classified without difficulty from outward appearance (3). Probably medieval flood bank. A short stretch of bank survives c.6ins high. Air photos show the bank as a discontinuous bank bounding ridge & furrow to the north. Bank probably built in connection with ridge & furrow to protect it from flooding in this low lying area.The ridge & furrow and bank are possibly 13th or 14th century(4). Encloses parcels of ridge and furrow, sketch map and description (5).

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ58NW4/1961 (Index). SCH2487.

<2> Broxap E, 1910, The Great Civil War in Lancashire (Book). SCH3127.

<3> Farrer W & Brownbill J, 1906-14, The Victoria County History of the County of Lancaster, 2/554 1908 (Book). SCH3636.

<4> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 5/35-36 Alexander M E 1977 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

<5> Cromwell's Bank (Monograph). SCH1021.