Source/Archive record SCH60 - A Cropmark at Upton Grange, near Chester

Investigation by NJHigham (University of Manchester) in July 1987 of an enclosure originally identified as a cropmark visible on air photographs taken in 1986. The enclosure was rectangular with straight sides and rounded corners. The south end, which was entirely visible measures approximately 150m, but is interrupted by pit in the centre. Approximately 100m of the east side was visible and 60m of west side. A resistivity survey and trial excavation were undertaken in July 1987. The resistivity survey failed to identify the ditch but excavation of a 1m by 8m trench (4th-5th July) did locate it. It was 1.45m deep, 1.1m below subsoil, and 1.6m wide. No dating evidence was recovered. Silting of the ditch occurred almost immediately and the top fill contained much pottery, glass and clay pipe fragments dating to the 19th century. The ditch can be seen as shallow surface depression where it crosses the northern hedge boundary. The playing card shape, steep ditch profile and rapidity of abandonment and silting suggests a Roman military function.