More information : (SJ 9030 9593 - SJ 8493 9443) Nico Ditch (NR) (1)
The best preserved portions of the ancient dyke, now known as Nico Ditch are to be seen along the southern boundary of Rusholme parish, between Slade Lane and the Gore Brook. The total length of the dyke is over five miles but building operations have obliterated the greater part of it. The work consists of a ditch, often hardly distinguishable from an ordinary field division, and a bank on the north side. The course, beginning at the south end of Ashton Moss, ran in a south-west direction to Debdale Clough. It then curved slightly northwards and ran in a fairly straight line by Holland Moor House on to the south side of Old Yew Tree Cottage and across the Stockport road to Midway House. It went straight on again across Slade Lane, south of Slade Hall, then across Whitworth Lane, and Wilmslow Road, north of Ashfield, and so to Gore Brook. With the exception of the portion in Ashton parish, the course serves as the boundary between ancient townships. The dyke is frequently mentioned as `Mickle Ditch' and variants in early boundary deeds,(the earliest being 1200). It is never called Nico Ditch, which seems a comparatively modern name. A deed in the Townley MSS makes mention of it at at about the same period as `ad magnum fessatum'. It is clear that as early as 1200 the dyke was already a well-known landmark. (2)
(SJ 800 948 - SJ 887 950) Course indicated on earlier maps by old hedge lines, parish boundaries and footpaths. Ditches and banks still visible in places. (3)
The course of Nico Ditch has been traced by Dr. J.D. Bu'Lock and Mr. F. Willett. This ditch is regarded as Dark Age and ran from near the Irwell on the west to Audenshaw and beyond, on the east. A section in Platt Field, Manchester, was noted on Ordnance Survey maps, but with the help of early records it has beeen possible to trace additional sections even in almost built-up areas. (4)
SJ 9035 9598 - SJ 9052 9612. Section of ditch surveyed at 25"scale. Course of ditch (SJ 9052 9612 - SJ 9062 9622) visible across fairway against profile viewed from south, maximum depth 0.05m. Not surveyable.
SJ 9081 9640 - SJ 9088 9648. Section of ditch. SJ 9090 9828 - SJ 9112 9845. Section of ditch and bank. SJ 9118 9845 - SJ 9120 9841. Section of bank. All surveyed at 25" scale. (5) (Original survey documents available in Linear Archive File)
"No trace was found of the Nico Ditch in the Irlam [Urmston] area (SJ 7495). The conjectured course from where the parish boundary leaves Moorside Road, to the Mersey [Manchester] Ship Canal, crosses low-lying level ground." (6)
A 135m long section of linear earthwork known as the Nico Ditch situated in Platt Fields is now scheduled. (7)
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