Source/Archive record SCH6787 - An Archaeological Watching Brief at All Saints' Church, Daresbury, Cheshire

This report describes the results of an archaeological watching brief conducted during the construction of The Lewis Carroll Interpretation Centre at All Saints’ Church, Daresbury, Cheshire. The new building is situated on the northern side of the church, on the former site of the porch, which has now been removed and rebuilt to the west of the churchyard. Land on the western side of the site, beyond the church boundary wall, was also monitored during the groundworks for the construction of a car park. There has been a church in Daresbury since at least the 12th Century, thus, it was possible that the works would disturb deposits associated with the church and/or inhumations. There are also 19th century accounts of Roman finds from within the church which suggest that the site has potential for deposits of that date. No significant archaeological deposits or finds were present within the churchyard beyond occasional fragments of human bone which were reinterred on site. In the car park, metal detector finds included a lead spindle whorl used for spinning thread. Although this item is difficult to date precisely it is probably Norse or early medieval. Although it does not provide direct evidence for early settlement on the site, it suggests that Daresbury was occupied prior to the establishment of the church in c. 1150 AD. A large stone filled pit which contained 17th to 18th century pottery and glass was found in the car park area and was probably used for the disposal of demolition and domestic debris. Although the original function of this feature could not be determined it suggests that this area of Daresbury has some potential for the presence of remains relating to Post-medieval settlement. However, these are likely to be concentrated closer to Daresbury Lane than the area covered by the watching brief.