More information : SJ 839483. Modern building development and excavation by
Prof J M T Charlton of Keele University and others, between 1957-61,
has uncovered a widespread area of dense Romano-British occupation
at Holditch, approx 3/4 of a mile SE of the Roman fort at Chesterton.
(SJ 84 NW 2). Large quantites of Roman brick, tile, slates, and other
building debris (including building foundations indicating both
stone and timber construction) and a solidly constructed road 22 ft
in surface width were found. There are indications of a street system
under Wolstanton Golf Course (SJ 842483) and of a ditch system
between London Road and Talke Road (SJ 480484). Finds included
a great deal of pottery, coins, metal objects etc. The large amount
of charcoal, lead waste and iron-ore slag indicate an extensive
metal-working site. The pottery type and distribution suggests that
there were pottery kilns in the area. The site seems to have
been occupied from c 80-160 when it was abandoned.
All finds are in Newcastle-under-Lyme Museum and all records and
plans of the excavation are in Keele University Library. (1-2)
The settlement site now lies beneath an industrial estate. (3)
Roman settlement. (4)
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