Monument record 2651/1 - Ollershaw Lane Works

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

The surface remains at the Ollershaw Works, located to the east of Ollershaw Lane and to the north of the Trent and Mersey Canal, were surveyed in outline and recorded in 1992 as part of an archaeological assessment undertaken for Cheshire Weaver Valley Rolling Programme. Remains recorded were substantial and include brick structures/buildings, spoil heaps, two canal arms and other earthworks. The buildings were generally orientated with their long axes at right angles to the canal. Several brick structures were particularly well defined and included turf earthworks marking the course of conduits which would have carried hot air beneath the salt pans.

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

Comparatively large mine covering about 7 acres. The mine was described in an undated (but post 1888) Salt Union Ltd plan as 'lands with brine shaft, engine, etc, salt works containing 23 pans, 3 storehouses, workshops, dock, 10 cottages, stable, coach house, manager's house etc'.

In 1993 the remains on site were subject to a detailed archaeological evaluation. Substantial remains were recorded including buildings surviving as earthworks, up to 2m in height, with much brick and rubble present in some areas. Two canal arms remain on the site, the sandstone walls of one being partially visible. Nine trial trenches located substantial remains of buildings, these coincided to buildings seen on early plans and preservation found to be good.

<3> Hewitson C, 2015, The Open Pan. The Archaeology and History of the Lion Salt Works., p.29 (Monograph). SCH8015.

Figure based on 1st edition OS mapping (1881) showing the Marston and Wincham salt districts, including the Ollershaw Lane Works, which are classified as white salt works.