Series: Stantec UK unpublished report series

Data collection involved the traversing of the survey area along straight and parallel lines using a Sensys Magneto MXPDA cart-mounted fluxgate gradiometer survey system. Cart traverses had a lateral separation of 2.5m with even coverage being achieved by the use of regularly-spaced markers at the ends of traverses and the real-time positional trace plot on the survey computer. Readings were taken at a rate of 100Hz, equivalent to 0.02m intervals along traverses 0.5m apart. The survey was completed but a high amount of magnetic interference precluded any possible archaeological features from being identified. No magnetic anomalies positively identifiable as potential buried archaeological remains were identified. Possible ground disturbance was recorded which may be associated with the site's use as a military airfield in the Second World War.

Stantec carried out a built heritage assessment prior to refurbishment of a valve tower at Colt Crag Reservoir, Thockrington, Northumberland. The valve tower and its components date to the late 19th-century and include original mechanical components, including cast valve assemblies, geared cast iron headstock, and frame, which are thought to be contemporary with its construction. The assessment identified that the headstock mechanical components had been built by Glenfield and Co Ltd of Kilmarnock, sometime between 1884 and 1889. The cast draw-off valves the headstock operates are known to be original to the reservoir construction and in situ in the valve tower shaft below. A full Historic England Level 2 survey of the components was carried out, and a complete archive of digital photographs from the survey will be deposited with Archaeological Data Services (ADS). This report will be deposited with the Northumberland County Council Historic Environment record, a copy with Northumbrian Water’s records for the site and a copy of the report and digital photographs will be archived with the Archaeological Data Service

Stantec carried out a built heritage assessment on instruction from Thames Water Limited (TWL) prior to repair works at Osney Bridge, Botley Road, Oxford, England, NGR SP 5030 0623. Osney Bridge is a cast-iron and masonry structure, which spans the River Thames carrying Botley Road and its associated pedestrian and vehicular traffic; the bridge also carries a Thames Water pipeline which supplies the City of Oxford with water. In 2021, the pipeline was damaged after being struck by a barge, resulting in it leaking. Osney Bridge was built in 1888 as a cast-iron arch bridge with six ribs, affixed to stone abutments of finely dressed stone, by the Oxford Local Board. The contractors were W.J. McKenzie, Wandsworth, London (for the stone abutments) and the Horseley Company of Tipton, Staffordshire (for the ironwork). In 1932, the bridge was subject to alteration during the installation of the Swinford Pipeline, a 27” diameter cast-iron water pipeline, which was laid along Botley Road from 1931 onwards. The north façade of the bridge was dismantled and rebuilt 6 feet 3 inches (1.91m) further north to accommodate the new pipe, which was reduced to a 24” steel pipe at the river crossing and over top of the western overflow tunnels. A full Historic England Level 2 survey of bridge was carried out, and a complete archive of digital photographs from the survey will be deposited with Archaeological Data Services (ADS). Based on the survey, the bridge is considered to be of local significance due to its aesthetic, historical, communal and evidential values. Whilst the bridge is not considered rare or unique, it is a good example of a late 19th century cast-iron bridge. The bridge has been slightly compromised by alterations in the 20th century (removal of lamps from piers, for example) but the form of the original bridge survives largely intact, and the survey has demonstrated that sufficient of the bridge’s fabric is present to provide a reasonably firm understanding of its development and function. The original architectural form and grandeur of the bridge conveys the prominence and influence of Oxford, and there are links between the bridge and the University and City, represented by its links with the Oxford Local Board. Further study of the association of the Board with the bridge may also increase its significance through association. The historical links with the board also extend to the individuals who were prominent in the construction of the bridge (W.H. White, as City Engineer, for example) and the bridge has connections with a number of renowned companies which were involved in its construction, such as W.J McKenzie and the Horseley Company of Tipton, or who supplied its materials, such as Walter Macfarlane of the Saracen Foundry in Glasgow. The bridge retains an intrinsic aesthetic appeal and forms an important part of the historic character of Osney. The bridge has artistic merit in terms of these aesthetic qualities, and adds interest and charm to the area, through the unusual and attractive design of its facades. In this respect the bridge makes a positive contribution to the area and provides value to both visual character and contextual understanding of the area as recognised by its inclusion in the Osney Town Conservation Area; it also forms a prominent landmark and approach to the City of Oxford and is a key part of one of the main arterial routes into the city, and as such has strong value to the community it serves.

Historic England Level 1 Photographic Survey carried out on spillway at Tunstall Reservoir, Weardale, Co. Durham prior to works being undertaken. A complete archive of digital photographs from the survey will be deposited with Archaeological Data Services (ADS) and a copy of the report with Durham County Council Historic Environment Record. This report and the archive are considered a complete record of the spillway, and no further work was recommended. Archive created and no further works recommended