Monument record 11002 - Blacksmiths Yard

A blacksmith’s yard is recorded to the west of Roberts Terrace on early 19th century maps adjacent to a wharf. It is first recorded on Wood’s map of 1833 and continues until the mid 20th century when the site was redeveloped for offices.

Traces of the structures associated with this yard were first recorded during archaeological investigations in 1999 and subsequently during further work carried out in 2000.

The evidence from the 1999 phase of investigation consisted of two trenches within the yard of the blacksmiths workshop identifying a number of brick walls in trenches 2 [202; 224] and 3 [323; 327], evidence for concrete blocks [205; 321] as well as stone walls [223; 321].

The subsequent phase of investigation in 2000 produced more evidence relating to the smithy in the southern part of the excavated area consisting of structural remains dating to the early 19th century. Structure 1 approximately corresponds to the northwest squarish structure recorded on the 19th century Ordnance Survey maps while structures 2 and 3 appear to correspond to the structure built against the north boundary wall of the yard. The evidence for structure 1 consists of the north exterior sandstone wall [82] and one possible internal wall feature [79] as well as an irregular oval pit [93] containing quantities of metal working slag and 18th-19th century pottery. The floor of this structure was sealed by a deliberately deposited layer [83].

Structure 2 consisted of an east-west aligned wall [122] probably representing the southern exterior wall along with a parallel wall to the north representing the northern exterior wall of structure 3 [114]. Two walls on a north-south alignment were recorded representing exterior walls [101; 63]. Several pit features were also recorded within the structures.

In the mid to late 19th century the yard appears to have been completely reconstructed with structure 4 replacing the earlier structure 1 and structures 2 and 3 replaced by a larger structure with several internal divisions (Structure 5 & 6). These structures appear to have been constructed of brick rather than sandstone with internal floor surfaces of water worn cobbles. (4)

<1> Matrix Archaeology, 2000, River Wall Restoration, Old Port, Chester: Archaeological Assessment and Watching Brief (Interim Report), R3160 Gaz 39 (Client Report). SCH6255.

<2> University of Manchester Archaeological Unit, 1999, New Crane Street, Chester; an archaeological evaluation., R2702 (Client Report). SCH4811.

<3> Birmingham Archaeology, 2002, Excavations at New Crane Street, Chester, Cheshire, 2002, R3136 (Client Report). SCH6319.

<4> Hewitson C & Scruby A., 2008, The development of the Waterfront on the river Dee: Excavations at New Crane Street, Chester (Article in Journal). SCH6099.