Source/Archive record SCH5447 - Dunham Tank to Knutsfored Pipeline, Greater Manchester and Cheshire: Watching Brief, , Evaluation, and Strip and Record Investigation

United Utilities proposed the construction of a new water main from Knutsford Waterworks, Cheshire (SJ 74995 79396) to Dunham Reservoir (SJ 75284 87414). In addition to crossing two counties, with the majority of the route lying in Cheshire East, it also crosses the Dunham Massey National Trust Estate. As a consequence, consultations were held with the Cheshire Planning Archaeologist, Greater Manchester County Archaeologist, and The National Trust Archaeologist, this being dependent upon the precise geographical location along the route. An archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey relating to the application area was recommended. Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) was subsequently commissioned by United Utilities to undertake this work in August and September 2008, with a supplementary research report being undertaken during April and May 2009, following modifications to the pipeline route, and comments received from The National Trust Archaeologist. In total, 54 sites were identified within the revised study area, 14 of which were considered likely to be affected by the pipeline route. Following discussions with a representative of the client, the County Archaeologist for Greater Manchester, and The National Trust Archaeologist, a programme of archaeological works was agreed. This comprised a geophysical survey to be located in order to investigate the presence or otherwise of remains associated with a smithy; evaluation trial trenching along the projected line of the Chester to Manchester Roman road, and a permanent presence watching brief during all ground disturbances. Following an additional re-route of the pipeline to the south of Rostherne village, Cheshire, a programme of strip and record investigation was undertaken, across an area of earthworks thought to have Bronze Age origins. The geophysical survey failed to locate the site of the smithy (subject to a separate report). The evaluation trenching did not reveal any remains associated with the Chester to Manchester Roman Road, and the watching brief encountered only agricultural-type features of likely post-medieval date. The strip and record investigation revealed a ditch and at least one pit that might pre-date the medieval period, although these features have not been closely dated. Several field boundary and irrigation ditches that are likely to have been associated with the enclosure of agricultural fields during the medieval and post-medieval periods were also identified. Following the completion of the programme of work undertaken to date, no recommendations are made for further archaeological investigations.