Willot Hall, Wilmslow Road, Prestbury, Cheshire: Archaeological Watching Brief

Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) was commissioned by Fish Associates Ltd, on behalf of Mr David Mook, to undertake an archaeological watching brief during ground works for the construction of a three-bay garage, with buildings for a biomass boiler, within the grounds of Willot Hall, Prestbury, Cheshire (NGR SJ 8888 8024). The hall is a Grade II* listed building (2/223; CHER 1504/1) of medieval origin, being a fifteenth century timber-framed hall encased in stone during the seventeenth century. It was further extended in the seventeenth century, and again in the early twentieth century. Consequently, it was anticipated that earthmoving activities associated with the construction may impact on deposits associated with earlier activity on the site. Therefore, an archaeological condition was imposed on the planning permission (ref 08/2104P) for the groundworks to be undertaken under permanent archaeological presence. A detailed specification was issued by the Development Control Archaeologist (DCA) for Cheshire Shared Services for a watching brief, which was adhered to during fieldwork undertaken on 28th and 29th November 2011.