Source/Archive record SCH8834 - Archaeological Desk Based Assessment: MacDermott Road, Widnes

An archaeological desk-based assessment was produced in 2019 for a site at McDermott Road, Widnes, WA8 0PF, which is proposed for redevelopment. The site is currently occupied by depot buildings at the south and east, soft landscaping to the west, and areas of hardstanding elsewhere. The site lies within an area which underwent rapid and extensive development in the late 19th century and the impact upon earlier archaeological deposits, especially in the western two thirds of the site is likely to be very severe. Due to these later impacts and the paucity of evidence in the wider area, the potential for archaeological remains from the Prehistoric or Roman periods is considered to be low. The potential for remains dating to the medieval period is also considered low. The site underwent rapid development in the 1860s, including the excavation of the West Bank Dock and the development of numerous chemical and industrial works. The potential for remains of these is high, but are considered to be of less significance. There is also low potential for well preserved remains of the Mersey Flat type boats which were known to have been used as part of the infill of the dock which the development site overlies. If found these remains would be of low to medium significance.