Monument record 719/0/12 - Condate - Roman Iron Furnaces, south of Waterloo Road

<1> Royal Archaeological Institute, 1845-Present, Archaeological Journal, Vol 128, p.31-77, Jones G D B, 1971, 'Excavations at Northwich (Condate)' (Journal/Periodical). SCH338.

During excavations in 1968-70, south of Waterloo Road, four probable iron furnaces of Roman date were recorded (Trench 1). These features post-dated the military phases recorded in this area by the same excavations. The most complete furnace (Furnace 1) consisted of a bowl-shaped oval depression, circa 5ft by 6ft, and circa 2.5ft deep, cut into natural clay. On two sides the clay had been cut away making free standing clay walls. On the western side, there was a channel, possibly a flue. Fragments of clay daub probably derived from the collapsed superstructure. Iron slag in the immediate area suggests the furnaces were for iron-roasting or smelting. A daub-filled construction trench and associated post hole running diagonally in the northern half of Trench 7 could relate to the later second century industrial activity.

<2> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1970-Present, Britannia, Vol 4, p.284, Wilson D R, 1973 (Journal/Periodical). SCH445.

After abandonment of the fort and possibly between the 2 fort phases, part of the area was occupied by 6 iron reducing furnaces located north-east of the fort, associated with a considerable quantity of pottery of late Flavian/Trajanic date. The larger furnaces were inside lean-to-sheds.

<3> DOE, 1972, Archaeological Excavations 1971, p.42-3 (Book). SCH333.