1107245. Cite this using datacite

Title:

Thwaites Site, Blackburn, Lancashire: Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment

Series:

Greenlane Archaeology Ltd unpublished report series

Downloads:

greenlan1-516337_212132.pdf (3 MB) :

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Licence Type:

ADS Terms of Use and Access

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5284/1107245

Publication Type:

Report (in Series)

Abstract:

Prior to the submission of a planning application for retail development on the former Thwaites Brewery at Blackburn, Lancashire Greenlane Archaeology was commissioned to carry out a desk-based assessment of the site. The site is close to the city centre but was part of the glebe lands for Blackburn until the end of the 18th century. Maps show that the area had, however, been extensively developed by the mid-19th century. Much of this development happened in conjunction with the Leeds and Liverpool canal, which was constructed at the end of the 18th century, with several industries making use of this network for trade. There were formerly multiple mills and warehouses, as well as other significant industries, in the area around that time, which was a period of rapid industrial growth, largely as a result of the booming textile industry. The site itself had several mills and other industrial buildings on it at various times throughout the 19th century and much of the east side of the area was occupied by Eanam Brewery, which later became the site of Thwaites Brewery. The Thwaites Brewery building was demolished in 2019 and the whole site has now been cleared of all above-ground structural remains. Although there may be some below-ground remains, particularly those relating to c19th and 20th century buildings formerly on the site, the archaeological potential of the site seems low. The site visit confirmed that the main part of the site was currently cleared to a concrete slab and foundation level, with an area to the south-west beyond Starkie Street now a grass verge. No remains of archaeological interest were evident on the surface, but it is likely that they still exist below ground. An assessment of the significance of the site concluded that, while there are no remains that are statutorily protected within the proposed development area or immediately adjacent, there are several sites of archaeological interest previously recorded within it ranging from industrial buildings to the possible line of the Roman road. In addition, the map evidence shows that the area was full of smaller structures, probably mostly housing, from the mid-19th century onwards. It is clear that there is the potential for archaeological remains to be present, although these are likely to have been significantly impacted upon by more recent development and the subsequent demolition of structures in recent years. The most suitable way to assess the extent of survival and the condition of any remains that might be present would be through archaeological evaluation.

Author:

Thomas Mace
Daniel W Elsworth

Publisher:

Greenlane Archaeology Ltd

Year of Publication:

2022

Locations:

County:	Lancashire
District:	Blackburn with Darwen
Country:	England
Parish:	Blackburn with Darwen, unparished area

Grid Reference: 368614, 428225 (Easting, Northing)

Subjects / Periods:

DESK BASED ASSESSMENT (Event)

Identifiers:

OASIS Id:

greenlan1-516337

Source:

OASIS (OASIS)

Relations:

Created Date:

03 Jul 2023