Monument record 2525/20/0 - Bostock Works

<1> Lancaster University Archaeological Unit, 1992, Cheshire Weaver Valley Rolling Programme, An Archaeological Assessment., R2021 (Client Report). SCH4209.

<2> Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust Archaeological Unit, 1993, Cheshire (Weaver Valley) Rolling Programme: Archaeological Site Investigation, R2055 (Client Report). SCH4208.

This mine was clearly a big undertaking in commercial terms, but only a scant record of Bostock Works has been passed down to the present day. Appeared on the 1877 OS map as a large complex of buildings. It was sold by George Deakin Ltd to the Salt Union Ltd (1888). In 1908 it was described as 'containing 62 pans, timber built pan houses and warehouses, 3 brine shafts, brine cistern, general storehouse (brick built)' several other buildings are shown on 1920 plans, by 1940 most of the works have been cleared, with only the main brine cistern and its associated ancillary buildings remaining. By 1952 more of the ancillary buildings were cleared and the railway sidings lifted. Today the massive brine cistern of 1.8ha survives in good condition, and also the edges and some parts of the railway sidings, a few walls and brick rubble.

<3> Wallwork K L, 1974, Derelict Land: Problems in Modern Geography, Plate 75 & 175 (Monograph). SCH1041.

<4> County Historic Environment Record, Site Visit/Watching Brief Observation Report Form, 7/2/2013 (Unpublished Document). SCH4357.

Tunnels linking the Bostock Saltworks with the river bank were used to transport finished salt to the barges. These are well seen on an aerial photograph from the first half of the 20th century. Remains of one of these tunnels was reported to the HER in 2013

<5> Various, Britain From Above, EPW021597

EPW021597 ENGLAND (1928). Meadowbank Salt Works, Winsford, 1928 (Web Site). SCH8299.

https://britainfromabove.org.uk/en/image/EPW021597

EPW021597 ENGLAND (1928). Meadowbank Salt Works, Winsford, 1928. Image shows the Bostock works on the opposite side of the river from Meadowbank works. Three structures can be clearly seen on the Riverbank.