Cuerden, Central Lancashire- Interim Archaeological Assessment

Following a request by Cath Neve of The Environment Partnership, Oxford Archaeology North (OAN) (formerly Lancaster University Archaeological Unit), undertook a desk-based assessment, in January 2002, of a proposed development area (SD 555 246) in central Lancashire in the immediate vicinity of the western extension of the M65. This is the first stage of an assessment which is intended to identify the extent and significance of the archaeological resource in anticipation of potential development within the study area. The secondary stage is a walk-over survey, which will examine the surface survival within the area, and this will be undertaken once access arrangements are in place for the whole area.
The assessment examined primary records held within the Lancashire County Record Office, the Lancashire Sites and Monuments Record, and local studies libraries in Lancaster. It highlighted numerous indications of archaeological potential, from within the study area and sites in close proximity. In total, nine existing SMR sites are situated within the study area, the majority of which are areas of relict field system which are recorded as being of medieval or earlier date; this concurs with the Historic Landscape Character database, held at the Lancashire County Archaeology Service, which defines the study area as being of medieval character. At the eastern side of the study area is the purported line of the Wigan to Preston Roman Road, although the road in this area has not been located. In the north-western part of the study area is the Old School House, a seventeenth century building, which is of Listed Grade II status and of potential local archaeological importance.