| Popis: |
Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd was commissioned by Prospect Archaeology, on behalf of South Tees Development Corporation, to undertake an archaeological investigation prior to development at the site. A single trench (Trench 1) was targeted over the site of the Eston Ironworks where no remains survived, and a larger SMR was undertaken over the remains of the Cleveland Steel Works. A total of nine context were assigned within Trench 1 and 337 within Area B that have been split across five broad phases. These comprise Phase 1: Superficial Geology; Phase 2: Agricultural field drains; Phase 3.1 Cleveland Steel Works in the 19th century; Phase 3.2 Cleveland Steel Works in the 20th century and Phase 4: Demolition and modern remains. No remains of archaeological significance were uncovered within Trench 1 with only Phases 1, 2, 3.2 and 4 encountered, however Area B contained significant remains of the Cleveland Steel Works from both Phases 3.1 and 3.2. Structural remains exposed across Area B comprised numerous brick walls, three rail lines, three upstanding blast furnace (Blast Furnace 2, 3 and 4), two blast furnaces demolished to ground level (Blast Furnace 1 and 6), the base of a possible chimney stack and several floor surfaces of concrete, brick and firebrick. These features were all located within Area B to the west of the rail line. The original three furnaces of the Cleveland Steel Works (Phase 3.1: Blast Furnace 1, 2 and 3) were replaced between 1911 and 1913 with two 'Yankee' furnaces (Phase 3.2: Blast Furnace 4 and 6). Blast Furnace 4 continued in use until 1993. Blast Furnace 5 was constructed in 1937 and continued in use until 1996 and survived to the south of Area B. |
