Site Event/Activity record ECH3858 - Survey and Evaluation on Land Adjacent to the Anderton Boat Lift

An Archaeological survey and evaluation were undertaken in January 1999, on behalf of British Waterways, as the second phase of a series of archaeological investigations related to the renovation of the Anderton Boat Lift, the construction of an operations centre and general landscaping work. The work was specifically targeted towards the areas of proposed development. The aims were to locate structural and archaeological deposits and determine their character, and date. Prior to excavation a photographic survey of the site was undertaken including upstanding elements and topographical features. Five trences were excavated; trenches 1, 2, 3 and 4 were positioned to locate the basin and investigate associated features; trench 5 was positioned to investigate deposits within the warehouse complex. The most prominent features on site were the remains of the east basin warehouse complex and the remains of the east basin. Features of individual warehouses were identified, including floor surfaces and walls in brick and red sandstone blocks, also the remains of a chimney and associated flue. The northern wall of the basin was recorded in two places - at the junction with the Weaver, and east of the aqueduct where it was flanked by a flight of steps. The pattern of the eastern warehouse complex corresponds in general with the OS 1st edition map; the basin wall followed the general alignment as depicted on all three editions of OS mapping.