Source/Archive record SCH9064 - An Archaeological Standing Building Survey: Cawley Farm, Holcroft Lane, Culcheth, Cheshire

An archaeological building survey was undertaken in 2021 of Cawley Farmhouse, Holcroft Lane, Culcheth, Cheshire (NGR SJ 66803 95375), in advance of proposed demolition of the building and construction of a replacement dwelling. Cawley Farmhouse is superficially a common nineteenth century farmhouse, however the building retains a number of features which suggest a more complex history. There is evidence that the principal range consists of two separate phases, unfortunately extensive recent works to the south-westernmost bay prevents clear confirmation of this. It is possible that this south-westernmost bay originated as single bay one and half unit cottage, the house was then extended to the north east with the construction of a double pile house, such houses became common from the late eighteenth century, suggesting a tentative date for the extension and for the south-western bay. The house also contains a number of fixtures and fittings which date to the mid-seventeenth century; these features push back the potential age of the house, but are by and large moveable fixtures and therefore potentially reused. However, two door surrounds on the first floor may be structural and may date to the mid-seventeeth century in date. The house is a very good example of a double pile house which is securely dated to the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, so it is likely that the apparently seventeenth century features are either reused or reflecting the later adoption of fashions in the area.