Elton Head Farm, St Helen's, Merseyside. Archaeological Watching Brief.

Following a proposal by United Utilities to construct a surface water outfall pipeline at Elton Head, St Helens, Merseyside (SJ 50267 91968), a programme of archaeological investigation was recommended by the Merseyside Archaeological Service (MAS). This was to comprise a desk-based assessment (OA North 2006) and watching brief of the entire pipeline route. The watching brief was carried out in
order to ascertain the presence or absence of any archaeological remains within the pipeline easement.
In total, only three of the five fields subject to the watching brief contained features of archaeological interest. A fragment of glazed sagger found in Field 1 suggests the presence of a kiln nearby. The stripping of Field 3 revealed a make-up layer associated with Elton Head Farm. This contained building material that possibly predates the eighteenth century and suggests the presence of demolished buildings. The stripping of Field 5 revealed two ditches and a small pit, which contained no dating
evidence.
No recommendations for further archaeological investigation were made, although it is recommended that the entire pottery assemblage be considered together with any
further pottery groups that may be recovered from future excavations on the same site or in the general vicinity.