Projects
Click on the links below to see a selection of our recent projects.
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Silkstone Waggonway Survey and Research
The Silkstone Waggonway was created in several phases between 1809 and the 1830s. The initial stretch, which was owned by the Low Moor Iron Company, was extended by the Barnsley Canal Company from the Barnby Basin to Silkstone Cross. Several Private Waggonways were attached to this, forming a transport system which extends for nearly 10km from Barnby Basin. Tunnels, bridges, pass-bys and the bed stones themselves attest to this feat of engineering. ArcHeritage have conducted a survey of all the historic features along the route, with help from the Roggins Local History Group. (For more information click here).
We have also conducted a thorough map-regression and geo-located historical maps to analyse the phases of the waggonway and answer research questions posed by the Roggins Local History Group. A detailed desk-based assessment is currently in production, outlining our discoveries.
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Rockley Furnace Laser Scan, Survey and Research
Archeritage were commissioned by EPIP to undertake a survey of the furnace at Rockley which has stood since 1704, and has reputedly been used for a range of activities from refining pig-iron, to producing cannon for the Napoleonic War. We have conducted a laser scan survey of the furnace and its environs and are working closely with the South Yorkshire Industrial History Society, including teaching them a range of survey techniques.
This survey has produced wonderfully detailed 3D images of the Furnace and the nearby Engine House, which housed a Newcomen Steam Pump to remove water from the nearby ironstone mine. The survey compliments our desk-based assessment which has shown there is likely to have been a mill in the area that became disused before the furnace was built.
You can find more information on East Peak Innovation Partnership here
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Roman burials at Waterdale, Doncaster
ArcHeritage have recently completed excavations at Waterdale, Doncaster and discovered the remains of a Roman cremation cemetery. The data from the work is still being analysed, but initial studies suggest that this represents the largest site of its kind in South Yorkshire. Some beautiful artefacts were recovered, including locally-made ceramic cremation urns, a first century AD glass vessel and oil lamps, deposited as grave goods.
The project was managed by URS Scott Wilson on behalf of the client, MUSE Developments. The site, in the heart of Doncaster, is being developed as a new Civic Square and New Performance Venue.
An Open Day organised by ArcHeritage, the South Yorkshire Archaeology Service, Doncaster Tourism and Doncaster Museum, attracted over 1100 visitors.
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Eastern Moors upland landscape survey
We have completed a large upland landscape survey project for the new Eastern Moors Partnership, formed between the National Trust and the RSPB to manage the Eastern Moors Estate on the edge of the Peak District. The estate covers an areas of 25 square kilometres of beautiful heather moorland, woodland and the famous gritstone edges which attract climbers and walkers from all over the country. It is an exceedingly rich archaeological landscape which includes four stone circles, the dense remains of prehistoric settlement and agriculture, millstone quarrying, stone extraction, WWII training areas and numerous medieval and later routeways. Deposits of peat also contain valuable palaeoenvironmental evidence.
Our survey catalogued almost 7000 archaeological features which now form a GIS which the Eastern Moors Partnership can use and update. Our report provided a suite of landscape recommendations which take into account the complex sensitivities of both ecological and archaeological management requirements.
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Darnall crucible works, Sheffield
Archeritage have been commissioned by Michael McCoy, Archaeological Consultant, to conduct a full metric survey of the Sanderson’s Darnall works, Sheffield. This range of buildings is a Scheduled Ancient Mopnument, and one of the most important industrial structures in the country; it contains a unique surviving example of a 48-hole crucible furnace shop.
Due to the complexity of the structure and the detail required for the English Heritage level 4 survey, we decided to laser scan the complex, completing the entire onsite survey in 2 days. The laser scan data was then used to produce plans, elevations and cross-sections providing a complete record of the buildings and their current condition.
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Staveley Hall laser scan and visualisation project
ArcHeritage have been commissioned by Michael McCoy, Archaeological Consultant, to complete a full laser scan of Staveley Hall and gardens. From this extensive survey Archeritage will also produce a digital model of the house at its peak of development in 1680. This once grand residence has had several phases of demolition and only a fraction of the original house remains.
We have been able to gain an understanding of the evolution of this stately residence from the 14th century through to the present day by combining our laser scan survey data with historical documents contained in the British Library and the archaeological excavations taking place on the site. The digital 3D model of the house is under construction; preliminary results are revealing the true scale and grandeur of this house.
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Sheffield Manor Visualisation
ArcHeritage are proving specialist input into an ongoing project at the ruins of Sheffield Manor. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned at this medieval site in the 1570s. The University of Sheffield is currently undertaking archaeological research at the site, and as part of this ArcHeritage are providing 3D visualisations illustrating the development and decline of this important monument. These 3D models will form the basis of an interactive presentation located in the visitor and education centre.
This work was commissioned by the University of Sheffield for a project led by the Department of Archaeology at Sheffield Manor Lodge and funded by the Higher Education Innovation Fund.Associated ImagesShare this article -
Roche Abbey
Archaeological recording was undertaken at the 12th-century Cistercian monastery of Roche Abbey. In 1774 the Abbey’s grounds and structures were landscaped by Capability Brown to create a picturesque ‘ruin’. The Abbey is in the guardianship of English Heritage, and archaeological recording was undertaken during improvement works to the public access in and around the site.
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Osborn Mushet Works, Sheffield
ArcHeritage carried out a programme of building recording at the former Osborn Mushet Works in Sheffield. The Art Deco-inspired building was built in 1943 and retained many features of its war-time heritage, including air raid shelters and lookout posts. The whole building was constructed in three separate parts, each with its own service facilities so that in the event of partial bomb damage the factory would have been able to continue production in the remainder of the site.
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Central Leisure Centre, Rochdale
The baths were built in 1937 employing the latest thinking in municipal bath design and hygiene, and incorporating a range of art deco architectural features and motifs. The main pool housed a spectacular hyperbolic arched roof, balconies and a concert stage. The complex represents a good example of an integrated interwar baths and public hall, designed and built by a local authority. ArcHeritage carried out a programme of building recording at the rochdale Leisure Centre prior to its redevelopment' into the beginning of the Rochdale project.
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Wentworth Woodhouse
This magnificent building has what is said to be the largest country house façade in the UK. An extensive programme of refurbishment is breathing new life into the house and gardens. ArcHeritage conducted archaeological recording during the refurbishment works.
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Padley Chapel Management Plan
ArcHeritage led a multi-disciplinary team to undertake an assessment of the medieval site of Padley Chapel and the ruins of its associated hall. The project assessed the historical development, archaeology, ecology, architecture and structural stability of the ruins, and provided recommendations for the long-term management of the site.
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Shepherd Wheel Restoration
We are currently contributing to the restoration of the Shepherd Wheel in Sheffield. This rare building was an 18th-century water-powered grinding workshop, used for the production of knives and other edge tools. Sheffield City Council have secured HLF funding for the complete refurbishment of the site. We have recorded the historic structure and are designing materials for on-site interpretation. We are also conducting an oral history project to record memories of the site before it closed in the 1930s.
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