Site Event/Activity record ECH4816 - Ingersley Vale Mill, Bollington, Cheshire: Archaeological Building Investigation (and Watching Brief)

A Level I building survey, including photographic record, was undertaken for Ingerlsey Vale Mill in advance of proposed re-development which includes the demolition of several of the outlying buildings of the mill complex along with the refurbishment of the central spinning mill and the waterwheel house. Following the survey, a watching brief was undertaken during the first phase of demolition works to mitigate for the potential of finding any surviving water management systems. Also undertaken was a Level II survey of the original spinning block, the waterwheel house, and the leat that adjoins the waterwheel house at roof height. The watching brief revealed the buried remains of foundations for three boilers, which were previously unknown. Whilst the earlier of these appear to have been associated with a steam engine, providing supplementary power for the mill, the primary role of the later boiler was to provide hot water for the bleaching process, which heralded a rapid expansion of the complex during the late nineteenth century. (1)