Source/Archive record SCH7944 - Land at Congleton Road, Sandbach, Cheshire: Archaeological Watching Brief Report

Wardell Armstrong Archaeology was commissioned to undertake an archaeological watching brief on land at Congleton Road, Sandbach in advance of a proposed residential development. This work follows on from a desk-based assessment and metal-detecting survey undertaken for the same site. Although the area has no designated heritage assets, the settlement of Sandbach can be traced to the Saxon period with known medieval archaeological remains within the vicinity of the site and flourishing malt liquor and yarn industries during the late 16th and 17th centuries. Sandbach also became an important coaching town in the 19th century. Finds recovered from the metal detector survey were of Roman, medieval and Civil War date and provided evidence of domestic and military activity. The watching brief occurred over the western half of the site where most of the finds were recovered. It was undertaken in two phases over 33 days from the 10th September to 5th November 2015 and comprised observation of 16 areas of excavation. This work confirmed the presence of previously unknown Romano-British remains in the form of enclosure ditches and a possible structure. However, the small quantity of artefacts would suggest that the main focus of settlement was elsewhere. The remains of a possible sheep race were also recorded.