120-130a Standishgate, Wigan. Archaeological Evaluation.

In response to a proposal by B & D Croft Ltd to redevelop 120-130a Standishgate Wigan (centred on SD 5848 0623), the Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit (GMAU), in conjunction with the Wigan Conservation Officer, recommended a programme of archaeological investigation in advance of building work. This was to comprise a desk-based assessment of the entire development area, and a RCHME Level-III type building investigation of the standing structures forming 130-130a Standishgate. This programme of work was undertaken and completed by Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) in June 2004. Following on from the results obtained
from the assessment and survey, it was recommended that a programme of archaeological evaluation of 120 - 130a Standishgate be undertaken in advance of redevelopment in order to assess the extent and character of sub-surface remains.
The evaluation comprised the excavation of seven trial trenches, which were targeted so as to provide information regarding the early post-medieval development of the site. The results of the evaluation provided evidence for the occupation of the site since the medieval period. Consequently, on completion of the evaluation, an
archaeological watching brief monitored all earth-moving works associated with the redevelopment of the site.