Find Spot record 1083/0/24 - Roman find from Middlewich

Cut section of lead salt pan, found by metal detector c.1m deep. Apparently cut up for scrap. Section partially flattened and folded over. 26cm x 50cm x 12cm. Three detached fragments found alongside. Appears to consist of a section of pan base c.55cm x 39cm with flattened pan walls (originally c.7cm deep) on two sides. A 0.8cm wide linear band of scoring follows the outside rim of one pan wall. Cut marks along two sides of the pan. Pan does not display any of the diagnostic features of Roman date - this pan is shallower and made of thinner lead and has no prominent relief moulding below rim. Uncertain whether Roman or medieval (1). Fact that pan was 1m below turf suggests it may have lain in a pit or a ditch but no feature observed (2).

<1> Various, Written Communication to the HER, S Penney 1997 (Written Communication). SCH3756.

<2> Earthworks Archaeological Services, 1998, An Archaeological Watching Brief at Gentrys Green, Kinderton Hall Farm, Middlewich, Cheshire (Client Report). SCH4143.