Site Event/Activity record ECH7050 - Spike Island Project

Report from the Spike Island Project received by the HER ( compiled from emails) Project to current project to unearth the remains of John Hutchinsons No.1 works in Widnes.We don’t wish to excavate, we only wish to record the features still visible and assess their condition and how they relate to the factory. In addition, funding permitting we hope to be able to undertake a geophysical survey of the site, to see if we can ascertain the location of the dwellings, and if permitted to excavate them, as they were situated away from any industrial activity. Results reported At the moment we have unearthed four tower bases constructed out of Yorkshire stone. (pic attached), we have unearthed a small amount of some of the features relating to John Hutchinson's factory. We have unearthed four tower bases and some of the bricked factory floor. We have halted any future work. This is because not only is the site under threat of the vegetation destroying what remains but also vandalism. Geophysical survey of the site where maps indicated the presence of housing which was constructed for the dock workers and was known as the "dock township". We are intending to use this to help us understand the development of the site prior to the construction of John Hutchinsons factory. The map I have attached to the email shows the areas where housing would have stood. Map research indicates that these areas were never built on once the houses had been demolished.