Monument record 435/1 - Wilderspool Roman Site

May identified a 'Walled Town'. Defended by a wall with outer facing stones & rubble infill, a berm & outer ditch. These defences formed a four- sided figure enclosing c.3 acres. Only the W. side was fully excavated. On the W & E sides were buttresses interpreted as ballistaria. On the NW angle was an angle tower & a causeway with a possible gate. At the SW angle where the main Roman road from the S. entered the settlement, were traces of the pillars of a gateway. A possible third gate was located in the W. rampart. Find of bronze regula or pes (folding foot-rule) found on W. side (1). Thompson suggests defences imply initial military occupation c. AD 80 (2).

<1> May T, 1904, Warrington's Roman Remains (Book). SCH3693.

<2> Thompson, F.H., 1964, A History of Cheshire. Volume Two: Roman Cheshire, /18-19 1965 (Book). SCH2862.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ68NW5 1980 (Index). SCH2487.