Series: Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit unpublished report series

A watching brief was carried out during the demolition of a timber framed structure, which was contained within a group of farm buildings which were also demolished. The earliest map of the area to show Lower Lime Farm, dated 1793, showed a second building immediately to the west of the farmhouse, named 'Henry Booths'.It was almost certain that this represented the structure under observation. The timbers from the building were to be removed from site for storage or re-use; their removal was effected with minimal damage. Timbers which had been recorded during a survey in 1991 were removed first, and the watching brief continued during the demolition of a brick wall. Further sections of the timber framework were revealed which had not previously been visible. These were contemporary with those recorded earlier, and formed a box-frame made with pegged mortice and tenon joints. A sketch of these timbers was made prior to their removal. No further features associated with the timber framed structure were revealed. It was concluded that the structure appeared to have been of a similar construction to the farmhouse, and was therefore likely to have been built in c. 1700. It was noted that the possiblity that the structure had been the original farmhouse at Lower Lime Farm could only be substantiated by trial trenching. It was recommended that an evaluation should be carried out. [AIP]

Desk based assessment and field appraisal were undertaken on the proposed route. A number of sites were identified including the route of a Roman road and a number of medieval and post-medieval sites. Further investigation of some of these sites was recommended should they be affected by the development. [Au(abr)]

Archaeological evaluation involving trial trenching and palaeological research was carried out on eight sites along the designated route of the M66 Manchester Outer Ring Road. No archaeological remains were located during the trial trenching which warranted further investigation. [AIP]