Monument record 484 - Bronze Age barrow in Warrington

A deep vase of red pottery with a narrow neck, containing burnt human bones was found on removing an artificial mound, upon which a windmill stood (RN:485) (1).The barrow stood c.70yds west of the Wilderspool excavations, near the altar find spot (RN:435). A fragment of the burial urn obtained from this barrow when it was removed, is in Warrington Museum (2). Fragments of Celtic burial urns from Wilderspool (Walton) recorded in 1893 (4). Fragments of Bronze Age pottery from Walton Inferior included in a schedule of Bronze Age pottery find spots & shown on a distribution map as a MBA burial, but not as a barrow (5). Another local example of the erection of a windmill on the top of a barrow has occurred at Wilderspool. A portion of the cinerary urn found therin being removed to the Warrington Museum when the windmill was destroyed in 1893 (6). Fragments of several urns found on floodplain of River Mersey during 19th century. Find area now occupied by Manchester Ship Canal & factories (7). Pottery has decoration on collar and internal rim bevel. Impressions probably made with the end of a bird bone (8).

<1> Kendrick J, 1872, Guide Book to Roman Remains from Wilderspool in Warrington Museum, /17 (Book). SCH1323.

<2> Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 1883 -, Transactions of the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 14/7 1900 (Journal/Periodical). SCH3293.

<3> Shone W, 1911, Prehistoric Man in Cheshire, /67 (Book). SCH2710.

<4> Varley, W. J. & Jackson, J. W., 1940, Prehistoric Cheshire, Sched IV/fig 29 (Book). SCH2692.

<5> Cheshire County Council, 1974, County Treasures Record, SJ68NW27 (Index). SCH1000.

<6> Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 1883 -, Transactions of the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 21/121 May T 1903 (Journal/Periodical). SCH3293.

<7> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ68NW27/1961 (Index). SCH2487.

<8> Longley D, 1977-1978, Longley Archive, /no.114 (Paper Archive). SCH2005.