This Wagonway is marked as ‘Old’ on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey plan, suggesting that it was out of use by 1858. It may represent the original line of the Washington Wagonway (HER ref. 2642).
Site Type: Broad
Tramway Transport Site
SITEDESC
Wagonway, marked as Old on the 1st edition OS mapping, so out of use by 1858. May represent the original line of the Washington Wagonway, (SMR 2642). A "staith and spout" is shown on Burleigh and Thompson's map of 1737, which is served by wagonways. Could this line be of eighteenth century origins? Gibson's map of 1787 also shows the wagonway. This line ran to Usworth Main, the line was in existence by 1783 until 1804.
Site Name
Barmston, Wagonway
Site Type: Specific
Wagonway
HER Number
3057
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 3057 >> 1st edition Ordnance Survey Map, c.1855, 6 inch scale, Durham, 13
YEAR1
1994
English, British
Class
Industrial
COMP1
Truman L.P.H
COMP2
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
26
DAY2
17
District
Sunderland
Easting
3206
EASTING2
0
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ35NW
MONTH1
07
MONTH2
04
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
5574
NORTHING2
0
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
Usworth
Description
Washington Chemical Works were set up by Hugh Lee Pattinson, co-founder of Felling Chemical Works (SMR 3537), with Robert Stirling Newall, on the site of an earlier bleach works and paper mill, in either 1837 or 1842, producing a range of products, but concentrating on the production of magnesia. Pattinson had patented a process for extracting silver from silver-rich lead ore in 1833. Pattinson patents a process for manufacturing magnesia alba (used for pharmaceutical purposes) and a simple method for obtaining white lead (for paint) in 1841/2. The works were designed to make muriatic acid (hydrolchoric acid) as its main product. Soda was a by-product. By 1850 the works were much enlarged. Isaac Lowthian Bell built a big plant for oxychloride of lead. A valuation of 1850 lists a range of workshops and offices, 230 x 60 ft, comprising of a joiner's shop, cooper's shop, plumber's shop, millwright's shop, smith's shop, paint mill, alkali mill, warehouse and clock tower and bell. Pattinson was responsible for developing the process of manufacturing Carbonate of Magnesia by submitting calcinated magnesian limestone to the action of carbonic acid under pressure, the magnesia dissolving out as bi-carbonate of magnesia, from which the neutral carbonate of magnesia was precipitated by the application of heat. That the works were producing soda crystals by 1850 suggests the setting up of the Leblanc process and the development of a large scale works probably not dissimilar to that at Felling. The discovery of iron ore in Cleveland led to furnaces being erected at Washington in 1856 by Messrs Bell Brothers. Pattinson retired in 1858, sold his shares to Bell and Swan and died in November of the same year. In 1859, Glover, the works manager, erected the first Glover Tower - a revolutionary new way to reduce sulphuric acid loss. By the end of 19th century the company was the largest manufacturer of magnesia chemicals in the world. But by 1878 the partnership is dissolved. Issac Lowthian Bell retired, and Robert Stirling Newall buys out Robert Benson Bowman. By 1891 the Washington Chemical Company acquired from America the process for making non-conducting coverings from magnesia. The business expands. In July 1893 the company is a private concern, consisting of Frederick Stirling Newall (grandson of Hugh Lee Pattinson), his family and friends. The works were in decline by the end of the 19th century and ownership was transferred to Newall's Insulation Ltd in 1903-8 and became Newall's Insulation and Chemical Company and remained thus until its closure in 1973. There is a photograph of women making blocks of "Pattinson magnesia" in Atkinson 1980. Surviving parts recorded in 2014.
SITEASS
The site was demolished and covered with refuse tips and slag heaps. In 1985 much of it was reclaimed. Two stone chemical works buildings still remain. A decorative brick wall survives on Station Road with an iron column still attached to it. The footprint of a kiln and the foundations to support a gasometer (taken down c.1990) are visible to the rear of Turnbull's garage. A bridge abutment survives at the top of Station Road. Geotechnical analysis suggests that there are also subsurface remains. Evaluation work recommended on this site.
Site Type: Broad
Chemical Industry Site
SITEDESC
Washington Chemical Works were set up by Hugh Lee Pattinson, co-founder of Felling Chemical Works (SMR 3537), with Robert Stirling Newall, on the site of an earlier bleach works and paper mill, in either 1837 or 1842, producing a range of products, but concentrating on the production of magnesia. Pattinson had patented a process for extracting silver from silver-rich lead ore in 1833. Pattinson patents a process for manufacturing magnesia alba (used for pharmaceutical purposes) and a simple method for obtaining white lead (for paint) in 1841/2. The works were designed to make muriatic acid (hydrolchoric acid) as its main product. Soda was a by-product. By 1850 the works were much enlarged. Isaac Lowthian Bell built a big plant for oxychloride of lead. A valuation of 1850 lists a range of workshops and offices, 230 x 60 ft, comprising of a joiner's shop, cooper's shop, plumber's shop, millwright's shop, smith's shop, paint mill, alkali mill, warehouse and clock tower and bell. Pattinson was responsible for developing the process of manufacturing Carbonate of Magnesia by submitting calcinated magnesian limestone to the action of carbonic acid under pressure, the magnesia dissolving out as bi-carbonate of magnesia, from which the neutral carbonate of magnesia was precipitated by the application of heat. That the works were producing soda crystals by 1850 suggests the setting up of the Leblanc process and the development of a large scale works probably not dissimilar to that at Felling. The discovery of iron ore in Cleveland led to furnaces being erected at Washington in 1856 by Messrs Bell Brothers. Pattinson retired in 1858, sold his shares to Bell and Swan and died in November of the same year. In 1859, Glover, the works manager, erected the first Glover Tower - a revolutionary new way to reduce sulphuric acid loss. By the end of 19th century the company was the largest manufacturer of magnesia chemicals in the world. But by 1878 the partnership is dissolved. Issac Lowthian Bell retired, and Robert Stirling Newall buys out Robert Benson Bowman. By 1891 the Washington Chemical Company acquired from America the process for making non-conducting coverings from magnesia. The business expands. In July 1893 the company is a private concern, consisting of Frederick Stirling Newall (grandson of Hugh Lee Pattinson), his family and friends. The works were in decline by the end of the 19th century and ownership was transferred to Newall's Insulation Ltd in 1903-8 and became Newall's Insulation and Chemical Company and remained thus until its closure in 1973. There is a photograph of women making blocks of "Pattinson magnesia" in Atkinson 1980. Surviving parts recorded in 2014.
Site Name
Washington Chemical Works
Site Type: Specific
Chemical Works
HER Number
3056
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
1st edition Ordnance Survey Map, c.1855, 6 inch scale, Durham, 13; I. Ayris, Washington Station and Washington Staith - Industrial Development, Brief summary; F. Atkinson, 1980, North East England - People at Work 1860-1950; Archaeo-Environment Ltd, 2004, Washington Chemical Works - desk based assessment; Archaeological Services Durham University, 2014, Teal Village Farm, Washington, Tyne and Wear - building recording
YEAR1
1994
YEAR2
2014
English, British
Class
Industrial
COMP1
Truman L.P.H
Crossref
3174
DAY1
26
District
Sunderland
Easting
3190
EASTING2
0
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ35NW
MONTH1
07
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
5554
NORTHING2
0
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
Usworth
Description
Historic Ordnance Survey map evidence shows an Engine House on the course of a wagonway (HER ref. 3174).
Site Type: Broad
Power Generation Site
SITEDESC
Engine House on wagonway (SMR 3174).
Site Name
Usworth, Engine House
Site Type: Specific
Engine House
HER Number
3055
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 3055 >> 1st edition Ordnance Survey Map, c.1855, 6 inch scale, Durham, 13
YEAR1
1994
English, British
Class
Industrial
COMP1
Truman L.P.H
Crossref
3057, 2624, 3174
DAY1
26
District
Sunderland
Easting
3182
EASTING2
0
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ35NW
MONTH1
07
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
5557
NORTHING2
0
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
Usworth
Description
An Engine and Boiler appear on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey plan on the line of an Old Wagonway (HER ref. 3057). At the time they may have still been working for the nearby Washington Wagonway (HER ref. 2624), or another wagonway (HER ref. 3174) which ran down to Washington Staith.
Site Type: Broad
Machinery
SITEDESC
Engine and Boiler on the 1st edition OS mapping shown on the line of an Old Wagonway, (SMR 3057), but may have still been working, for the nearby Washington Wagonway, (SMR 2624), or the wagonway (SMR 3174) which ran down to Washington Staith.
Site Name
Usworth, Engine
Site Type: Specific
Engine
HER Number
3054
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 3054 >> 1st edition Ordnance Survey Map, c.1855, 6 inch scale, Durham, 13
YEAR1
1994
English, British
Class
Transport
COMP1
Truman L.P.H
COMP2
Jennifer Morrison
Crossref
2625
DAY1
26
DAY2
31
District
Sunderland
Easting
3193
EASTING2
0
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ35NW
MONTH1
07
MONTH2
05
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
5567
NORTHING2
0
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
Usworth
Description
Washington Station was constructed on the North Eastern Railway (HER ref. 2625). The line was only used for mineral traffic. The station buildings and associated goods shed were recently in use as a store.
Site Type: Broad
Railway Transport Site
SITEDESC
Washington Station on the North Eastern Railway (SMR 2625). The line was only used for mineral traffic. The station buildings and associated goods shed in use as a store {2}.
Site Name
Washington Station
Site Type: Specific
Railway Station
HER Number
3053
Form of Evidence
Extant Building
Sources
<< HER 3053 >> 1st edition Ordnance Survey Map, c.1855, 6 inch scale, Durham, 13
Tyne and Wear Industrial Monuments Trust, 1978, Sites of interest in River Wear plan area
YEAR1
1994
YEAR2
2001
English, British
Class
Industrial
COMP1
Truman L.P.H
DAY1
26
District
Sunderland
Easting
3167
EASTING2
0
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ35NW
MONTH1
07
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
5552
NORTHING2
0
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
Usworth
Description
Historic Ordnance Survey map evidence shows Coke Ovens at this location. The number is unclear from the 1st edition Ordnance Survey plan, but three batteries of ovens are shown.
Site Type: Broad
Fuel Production Site
SITEDESC
Coke Ovens; the number is unclear from the 1st edition OS mapping, but three batteries of ovens are shown.
Site Name
Usworth, Coke Ovens
Site Type: Specific
Coke Oven
HER Number
3052
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 3052 >> 1st edition Ordnance Survey Map, c.1855, 6 inch scale, Durham, 13
YEAR1
1994
English, British
Class
Transport
COMP1
Truman L.P.H
Crossref
2625, 2290
DAY1
26
District
Sunderland
Easting
3164
EASTING2
0
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ35NW
MONTH1
07
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
5520
NORTHING2
0
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
Usworth
Description
This station at the junction of the North Eastern Railway, Pontop and South Shields Railway (HER ref. 2290), and the North Eastern Railway (HER ref. 2625) is marked as ‘Old’ on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey plan, so was probably out of use by 1858.
Site Type: Broad
Railway Transport Site
SITEDESC
A station at the junction of the North Eastern Railway Pontop and South Shields Railway, (SMR 2290), and the North Eastern Railway, (SMR 2625). It is marked as Old on the 1st edition OS mapping, so it was probably out of use by 1858.
Site Name
Usworth, Station
Site Type: Specific
Railway Station
HER Number
3051
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 3051 >> 1st edition Ordnance Survey Map, c.1855, 6 inch scale, Durham, 13
YEAR1
1994
English, British
Class
Industrial
COMP1
Truman L.P.H
COMP2
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
26
DAY2
11
District
Sunderland
Easting
3138
EASTING2
0
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ35NW
MONTH1
07
MONTH2
06
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
5523
NORTHING2
0
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
Usworth
Description
Washington Iron Works were established by 1858 and linked by rail to nearby coke ovens (HER ref. 3052). By the end of the 19th century the works had expanded but the coke ovens had closed, the site being used for the construction of the Chemical Works school. The iron works was owned for many years by Joseph Cook and Sons, engineer and iron & steel founders. They manufactured pit headgear, underground wagons, shovels and hardware for the coal mining industry.
Site Type: Broad
Metal Industry Site
SITEDESC
Washington Iron Works were established by Washington Chemical Works by 1858 and linked by rail to the nearby coke ovens (SMR 3052). By the end of 19th century the works had expanded but the coke ovens had closed, the site being used for the construction of the Chemical Works school. The iron works was owned for many years by Joseph Cook and Sons, engineer and iron and steel founders and manufactured pit headgear, underground wagons, shovels and hardware for the coal mining industry {2}. Had 1 furnace.
Site Name
Washington Iron Works
Site Type: Specific
Iron Works
HER Number
3050
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 3050 >> 1st edition Ordnance Survey Map, c.1855, 6 inch scale, Durham, 13
I. Ayris, Washington Station and Washington Staith - Industrial Development, Brief summary; The Industrial Resources of the District of the Three Northern Rivers, The Tyne, Wear and Tees including the reports on the local manufacturers read before The British Association in 1863 (edited by Sir W.G. Armstrong, I. Lowthian Bell, John Taylor and Dr Richardson, 1864).
YEAR1
1994
YEAR2
2001
English, British
Class
Industrial
COMP1
Truman L.P.H
DAY1
26
District
Sunderland
Easting
3178
EASTING2
0
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ35SW
MONTH1
07
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
5439
NORTHING2
0
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
North Biddick
Description
This Coal Pit is marked as ‘Old’ on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey plan, suggesting that it was out of use by 1858.
Site Type: Broad
Coal Mining Site
SITEDESC
Coal Pit, marked as Old on the 1st edition OS mapping, probably out of use by 1858.
Site Name
North Biddick, Coal Pit
Site Type: Specific
Colliery
HER Number
3049
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 3049 >> 1st edition Ordnance Survey Map, c.1855, 6 inch scale, Durham, 13
YEAR1
1994
English, British
Class
Industrial
COMP1
Truman L.P.H
DAY1
26
District
Sunderland
Easting
3174
EASTING2
0
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ35SW
MONTH1
07
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
5444
NORTHING2
0
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
North Biddick
Description
This Brick and Tile Works is marked as ‘Old’ on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey plan, suggesting that it was out of use by 1858.
Site Type: Broad
Brick and Tilemaking Site
SITEDESC
Brick and Tile Works, marked as Old on the 1st edition OS mapping, probably out of use by 1858. Disused in 1869
Site Name
Botany Bay Brick and Tile Works
Site Type: Specific
Brickworks
HER Number
3048
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 3048 >> 1st edition Ordnance Survey Map, c.1855, 6 inch scale, Durham, 13