Land to the West of Norton Priory, Halton, Cheshire. Archaeological Geophysical Survey.

Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) was commissioned to manage a geophysical survey and produce an archaeological analysis and recommendations for further work on land to the west of Norton Priory, Halton, Cheshire (NGR SJ 547 831). Halton Borough Council intends to develop the site, which equates to 14ha, for residential and open space purposes and is looking to submit a planning application to this effect.
A desk-based assessment was undertaken by OA North of the wider area as part of the Castlefields Regeneration Scheme (OA North 2002). A high archaeological potential was identified during this assessment and, consequently, the Planning Archaeologist at Cheshire County Council (CCC) advised that a geophysical survey should be undertaken in the first instance to assess the potential for below-ground archaeological remains. The results of the geophysical survey will aid in the determination of the requirements for subsequent evaluation trenching during the planning process.
OA North subcontracted the geophysical survey to Stratascan Ltd. This consisted of a reconnaissance survey of the whole site employing a magnetic susceptibility survey
and magnetometer scanning survey. From these results, areas of archaeological potential were identified mainly along the eastern side of the site. The western side of the site showed very low levels of magnetic activity and susceptibility enhancement.
An area of approximately 1ha was targeted with a detailed gradiometer and electrical resistance survey along the eastern side of the site. This coincided with the
approximate position of an infilled ornamental pond (Site 31, OA North 2002), once associated with Norton Hall.