Lewis, J. H. and Murdoch, K. R. (2007). Excavations at Summerlee Ironworks, Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 137. Vol 137, pp. 501-530.

Title:

Excavations at Summerlee Ironworks, Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire

Issue:

Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 137

Series:

Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

Volume:

137

Page Start/End:

501 - 530

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137_501_530.pdf (13 MB) :

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Licence Type:

ADS Terms of Use and Access

Publication Type:

Journal

Abstract:

Reports the excavations of the Summerlee Ironworks in the late 1980s. These were in operation from 1836-1932 when the works ceased production and the building complex was blown up. Excavations revealed the remains of four blast furnaces, five heating stoves, an engine house, boiler bases, numerous flues and channels, a retaining wall, the base of a water tower, and the chemical plant. The technology of nineteenth-century iron working is reviewed, and related to the structures uncovered at Summerlee. Most of the features discovered relate to late-nineteenth/ early-twentieth-century remodelling and upgrading of the plant; however the bases of some of the furnace arches are probably part of the original construction. The manufacturers of bricks recovered during the excavation are listed, and there is a brief description of the other artefacts retained, consisting largely of metal fragments, tools, and metal working debris. It is noted that the metal finds have deteriorated very badly since their excavation, with the exception of the cast iron artefacts.

Author:

John H Lewis
K R Murdoch

Year of Publication:

2007

Subjects / Periods:

Furnace Arches (Auto Detected Subject))

Metal (Auto Detected Subject))

Blast Furnaces (Auto Detected Subject))

Artefacts (Auto Detected Subject))

Metal Working Debris (Auto Detected Subject))

Metal Fragments Tools (Auto Detected Subject))

Engine House Boiler Bases (Auto Detected Subject))

Source:

ADS Archive (ADS Archive)

Relations:

Created Date:

27 May 2010