Source/Archive record SCH8476 - Scheme 31215 (4ZE 003 - 052R-4ZL001B) Capenhurst to Frodsham Archaeology Level 1 & 2 Assessment

Further assessment undertaken in 2015 of cultural heritage issues arising from National Grid’s proposals to carry out refurbishment works to the existing 4ZE overhead electrical transmission line (OHL) together with a single tower included within the 4ZL line. The assessment comprises a Level 1 desk study and Level 2 walkover survey and proposes further mitigation measures. The route of the OHL runs through a landscape with relatively sparse records of archaeological remains. Those remains which have been identified are primarily the result of modern industrial, military and agricultural activity and include the Shropshire Union Canal (HER MCH18836), the former Royal Ordnance Factory at Capenhurst (HER MCH9838), and the former Dunham on the Hill Ammunition Store (HER MCH9985). Evidence of earlier occupation of the area is restricted, with the scheduled medieval moated site at Elton (SM 1012122) and the non-designated moated site and associated features (HER MCH1631, MCH1692 and MCH1693) near to Tower 4ZE047 being the principal examples of any earlier activity. Some of the field boundaries within the study area, particularly around Stoak and Little Stanney, appear to have originated as strip-fields in the medieval period, but the majority of the study area is typified by large rectilinear fields which are typically associated with later enclosure or rationalisation of historic field systems. The potential need for archaeological monitoring of intrusive works has been identified at two locations and listed building consent may be required in a further location. These mitigation measures are recommended because there is potential for as yet unknown archaeological remains associated with the moated sites (SM 1012122 and HER assets MCH1631, MCH1692 and MCH1693), near to towers 4ZE024- 4ZE025 and 4ZE047, resulting in the need for archaeological monitoring to be carried out for any intrusive work at these locations; also historic access routes to towers 4ZE032-4ZE033 use the Grade II listed Densions Bridge (LB 1139453) and, where adjustments to the structure are required, listed building consent may be required.