| Title: |
An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment of the Roldane Mill Site, Congleton, Cheshire |
| Number of Pages: |
26 |
| Biblio Note |
Please note that this is a bibliographic record only, as originally entered into the BIAB database.
The ADS have no files for download, and unfortunately cannot advise further on where to access hard copy or digital versions.
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| Publication Type: |
Report
|
| Abstract: |
It was demonstrated that there was a very strong possibility that the development site retained evidence for settlement dating to the medieval period. It also had some considerable importance as an industrial archaeological site. 1. The exact site of the Lower Chapel could not be closely located, it was only known as being at the north end of the bridge, probably on the Mill Green side of the road. The fact that the original lease for the silk mill referred to it being the site of 'The Workhouse garden' suggested that the chapel was located on or close to Mill Green. As well as its significance as part of the archaeology of Congleton there was also considerable potential for the study of early post-medieval metallurgy, given its later re-use as a bell foundry. In addition, it was possible that human remains would have been present. If the site could be more accurately located it would have been of significant local or regional importance. 2. The site of the post-1451 Corn Mill could be very closely located by references to the mid-18th century structure that replaced it. Although most of it appeared to have been located immediately to the north-west of the 'Old Mill', it was very likely that ancillary structures such as outbuildings, leats, sluices etc. were located within the boundaries of the proposed development. Many corn mills apparently had piggeries adjacent and there was also the possibility of a granary. The study of early water mills of this type was of increasing interest and the mill site had been identified as of particular importance. No sites of this type had been excavated in Cheshire. The 'Old Mill' buildings were currently derelict and in a poor state of repair and had been significantly altered since the 1940s. It appeared that the original mill leats had been culverted over, though at least one was still active and appeared to be collapsing. It was not known if any sections of the original water wheel and/or its mechanism survived within the building. As the earliest example of its type, especially one that may have been designed by James Brindley, this structure had considerable local and potentially regional/national significance for the study of early industrial technology. 4. The client should also be made aware of the evidence for flooding in this part of Congleton. In addition there was the possibility that the site retained evidence for settlement dating to earlier periods as river valleys such as the Dane were attractive locations for human activity at all periods. [Au(adp)] |
| Author: |
Mark H Adams
|
| Year of Publication: |
2000
|
| Locations: |
| Location - Auto Detected: |
Old Mill |
| Location - Auto Detected: |
Cheshire The Old Mill |
| Location - Auto Detected: |
The Workhouse |
| Location - Auto Detected: |
James Brindley |
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| Subjects / Periods: |
|
| Note: |
Date Of Issue From:
2000
Date Of Coverage From:
01
Date Of Coverage To:
01
Editorial Expansion:
Site name: ROLDANE MILL SITE, CONGLETON
Study area:
Investigation type: Desk-based
District: Congleton
Monument:
Ngr: SJ85946330
Parish: Congleton
Postcode: CW121DZ
|
| Source: |
BIAB
(Archaeological Investigations Project (AIP))
|
| Created Date: |
19 Jan 2009 |
