Intact skew type bridge across the Milkwell Burn. Arched, constructed in four courses of red brick, with a stone revetment at each end. 7.3 metres wide.
Site Type: Broad
Bridge
SITEDESC
Intact skew type bridge across the Milkwell Burn. Arched, constructed in four courses of red brick, with a stone revetment at each end. 7.3m wide {1}.
Site Name
Blackhall Mill, skew bridge
Site Type: Specific
Bridge
HER Number
5194
Form of Evidence
Structure
Sources
<< HER 5194 >> A. H. Reed, 1993, New Sewage Pipe Line Ebchester to Blackhall Mill, Watching Brief report
SURVIVAL
100%
YEAR1
2002
YEAR2
2020
English, British
Class
Transport
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
Crossref
5194
DAY1
19
District
Gateshead
Easting
411200
EASTING2
1133
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ15NW
MONTH1
11
Grid Reference
NZ
NGR2
NZ
Northing
557330
NORTHING2
5681
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
Blackhall Mill
Description
Narrow gauge, rope hauled wagonway built by the Consett Iron Company circa 1872 to take coal from Carr Pit in Milkwell Burn Wood to the cokeworks at Westwood Colliery. A section of the wagonway was investigated during the course of a watching brief in 1991. The track was found to have been laid on a ridge of sand and gravel. The ridge was 7 metres across at the base and 3 metres across at the top and was 2 metres high. It crossed the River Derwent on a wooden trestle bridge (in County Durham - NZ 1133 5681). The stone abutments are still in situ. The wagonway crossed the Milkwell Burn on a skew type bridge (HER 5194) which still survives.
Site Type: Broad
Tramway Transport Site
SITEDESC
Narrow gauge, rope hauled wagonway built by the Consett Iron Company circa 1872 to take coal from Carr Pit in Milkwell Burn Wood to the cokeworks at Westwood Colliery. A section of the wagonway was investigated during the course of a watching brief in 1991. The track was found to have been laid on a ridge of sand and gravel. The ridge was 7m across at the base and 3m across at the top and was 2m high. It crossed the River Derwent on a wooden trestle bridge (in County Durham - NZ 1133 5681). The stone abutments are still in situ. The wagonway crossed the Milkwell Burn on a skew type bridge (SMR 5194) which still survives {1}.
Site Name
Blackhall Mill, wagonway
Site Type: Specific
Wagonway
HER Number
5193
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 5193 >> A. H. Reed, 1993, New Sewage Pipe Line Ebchester to Blackhall Mill, Watching Brief report
YEAR1
2002
English, British
Class
Industrial
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
CONDITION
Poor
Crossref
1017
DAY1
19
District
Gateshead
Easting
411690
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ15NW
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
11
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
556840
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Hanoverian 1714 to 1837
Place
Blackhall Mill
Description
The furnace is situated at the north end of the mill race which supplied the Blackhall Steel Works (HER 1017). Remains of the furnace can still be seen. In 1719 the furnace was operated by Wilhelm Bertram, a steel worker from Remscheid in Germany. The furnace was supplying steel to the German swordmakers at Shotley Bridge. Swedish traveller Reinhold Angerstein described the furnace at "Blackermille" in 1753 as being built of sandstone, of similar construction to nearby Derwentcote. Shear Steel was the trademark of Bertram. This was apparently introduced into Sheffield in 1767 by a workman from Blackhall Mill. By 1753 swordmaking activities at Shotley Bridge were winding down. The furnace had only supplied one ton of steel, presumably due to the end of the Napoleonic War. In 1810 and 1825 the furnace was operated by the Cookson family. It was not in use by 1863 and is not shown on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map. It was demolished in 1916 to make way for the new school-house.
Site Type: Broad
Furnace
SITEDESC
The furnace is situated at the north end of the mill race which supplied the Blackhall Steel Works (SMR 1017). Remains of the furnace can still be seen. In 1719 the furnace was operated by Wilhelm Bertram, a steel worker from Remscheid in Germany. The furnace was supplying steel to the German swordmakers at Shotley Bridge. Swedish traveller Reinhold Angerstein described the furnace at "Blackermille" in 1753 as being built of sandstone, of similar construction to nearby Derwentcote. Shear Steel was the trademark of Bertram. This was apparently introduced into Sheffield in 1767 by a workman from Blackhall Mill. By 1753 swordmaking activities at Shotley Bridge were winding down. The furnace had only supplied one ton of steel, presumably due to the end of the Napoleonic War. In 1810 and 1825 the furnace was operated by the Cookson family. It was not in use by 1863 and is not shown on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map. It was demolished in 1916 to make way for the new school-house {1}.
Site Name
Blackhall Mill, furnace
Site Type: Specific
Furnace
HER Number
5192
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 5192 >> A. H. Reed, 1993, New Sewage Pipe Line Ebchester to Blackhall Mill, Watching Brief report
SURVIVAL
1-19%
YEAR1
2002
English, British
Class
Transport
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
COMP2
Rachel Grahame
DAY1
19
DAY2
03
District
Gateshead
Easting
412108
Grid ref figure
10
Map Sheet
NZ15NW
MATERIAL
Timber
MONTH1
11
MONTH2
9
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
557021
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Blackhall Mill
Description
During the course of a watching brief in 1991 during the excavation of a sewer trench, a road constructed of tree trunks was found. Three trunks were observed, 1.5 metres below ground level, each circa 50cm in diameter and 3.8 metres long. The road may have been used for the removal of timber from Chopwell Woods. The woods date to the 12th century. Chopwell oaks were used at the castles of Norham, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh, and by the navy for shipbuilding. Large quantities of bark were supplied to the tanneries of Newcastle.
Site Type: Broad
Road Transport Site
SITEDESC
During the course of a watching brief in 1991 during the excavation of a sewer trench, a road constructed of tree trunks was found. Three trunks were observed, 1.5m below ground level, each circa 50cm in diameter and 3.8m long. The road may have been used for the removal of timber from Chopwell Woods. The woods date to the C12. Chopwell oaks were used at the castles of Norham, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh, and by the navy for shipbuilding. Large quantities of bark were supplied to the tanneries of Newcastle {1}.
Site Name
Blackhall Mill, road of tree trunks
Site Type: Specific
Road
HER Number
5191
Form of Evidence
Structure
Sources
<< HER 5191 >> A. H. Reed, 1993, New Sewage Pipe Line Ebchester to Blackhall Mill, Watching Brief report
YEAR1
2002
YEAR2
2021
English, British
Class
Monument <By Form>
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
COMP2
Rachel Grahame
DAY1
14
DAY2
28
District
S Tyneside
Easting
436021
EASTING2
362
Grid ref figure
10
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MONTH1
11
MONTH2
2
Grid Reference
NZ
NGR2
NZ
Northing
566962
NORTHING2
670
General Period
UNCERTAIN
Specific Period
Uncertain
Place
South Shields
Description
Stones displaying Lewis holes (for the lifting devices of Roman cranes), chisel facing and drill holes were noticed by the Northern Archaeology Group decorating the roundabout at the junction of Mill Dam, Commercial Road, Station Road, Coronation Street and Ferry Street in 1998. Several dozen similar stones border the flowerbeds at one side of the carpark in Coronation Street.
NB re-evaluation of photos of the stones in 2022 suggests that there is nothing distinctively Roman about them. The stones have been removed and their present location is unknown.
Site Type: Broad
Findspot
SITEDESC
Stones displaying Lewis holes (for the lifting devices of Roman cranes), chisel facing and drill holes were noticed by the Northern Archaeology Group decorating the roundabout at the junction of Mill Dam, Commercial Road, Station Road, Coronation Street and Ferry Street in 1998. Several dozen similar stones border the flowerbeds at one side of the carpark in Coronation Street {1}.
NB re-evaluation of photos of the stones in 2022 suggests that there is nothing distinctively Roman about them. The stones have been removed and their present location is unknown.
Site Name
Coronation Street, possible Roman stones
Site Type: Specific
Socketed Stone
HER Number
5190
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 5190 >> Northern Archaeology Group, 1999, Everyday Signs Newsletter, Vol 2, number 5, 4/5/99, p 6
YEAR1
2002
YEAR2
2022
English, British
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Monument <By Form>
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
Crossref
956
DAY1
14
District
S Tyneside
Easting
435100
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ36SE
MONTH1
11
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
561120
General Period
ROMAN
Specific Period
Roman 43 to 410
Place
West Boldon
Description
Roman stones with lewis holes (for the lifting devices of Roman cranes) have been found in West Boldon church. Similar stones have been found at Roker harbour.
Site Type: Broad
Findspot
SITEDESC
Roman stones with lewis holes (for the lifting devices of Roman cranes) have been found in West Boldon church. Similar stones have been found at Roker harbour {1}.
Site Name
Church of St Nicholas, re-used Roman stones
Site Type: Specific
Socketed Stone
HER Number
5189
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 5189 >> Northern Archaeology Group, 1998, Splashing About with the Romans, Newsletter, Vol 1, number 5, 3/11/1998, p 5
YEAR1
2002
English, British
Class
Commemorative
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
CONDITION
Good
DAY1
06
District
Newcastle
Easting
424860
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ26SW
MATERIAL
Portland Stone
MONTH1
11
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
564420
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
Newcastle
Description
The 134 foot coarse gritstone Roman Doric column was originally designed by Benjamin Green to be 150 feet high. The heroic size Portland stone statue of Earl Grey, sculptured by Edward Hodges Bailey, is 13 feet high and stands on a pedestal above a balcony reached by 164 steps within the column. The column was built by Joseph Welsh. The foundation stone was laid in September 1837 and the statue placed in position in August 1838. The foundation stone has within it a chamber containing a glass bottle, in which is a sketch of the monument, a list of subscribers to its erection and a collection of coins, medals and tokens. The column was paid for by public subscription. The pedestal was originally surrounded by railings carrying lamps which have since been removed - as has the fountain which stood to the north of the monument. The statue was struck by lightning in 1941 and the head was broken off the statue. It was replaced by sculptor Roger Hedley in 1947. Erected to commemorate the efforts of Charles Earl Grey K.G. towards parliamentary reform. Inscription on north commemorates the centenary of the passing of the 1832 Reform Bill. LISTED GRADE 1
SITEASS
Has undergone extensive cleaning and restoration [2000/1]. The missing right hand was replaced and a strengthening bar was added to the statue {2}. Tim Coulter however reports that the overall impression of the monument now is of over cleaning and over restoration. The low terrace built around the monument as part of this restoration work has reduced the height of the access door. Recommendations: consider safety aspects of the possible delamination of face bedded stones on the fluted shaft. The bed of the stones may have been weakened by the process of working the stone {3}. Condition survey 2008 - appears to be generally in good condition. Spiral staircase to viewing platform not inspected. Open joints in sandstone paving of the terrace. Recommendation - rake out and re-point all open joints in sandstone paving and steps of terrace, inspect iron handrails on viewing platform.
Site Type: Broad
Commemorative Monument
SITEDESC
The 134ft coarse gritstone Roman Doric column was originally designed by Benjamin Green to be 150ft high. The heroic size Portland stone statue of Earl Grey, sculptured by Edward Hodges Bailey, is 13ft high and stands on a pedestal above a balcony reached by 164 steps within the column. The column was built by Joseph Welsh. The foundation stone was laid in September 1837 and the statue placed in position in August 1838. The foundation stone has within it a chamber containing a glass bottle, in which is a sketch of the monument, a list of subscribers to its erection and a collection of coins, medals and tokens. The column was paid for by public subscription. The pedestal was originally surrounded by railings carrying lamps which have since been removed - as has the fountain which stood to the north of the monument. The statue was struck by lightning in 1941 and the head was broken off the statue. It was replaced by sculptor Roger Hedley in 1947 {1}. Erected to commemorate the efforts of Charles Earl Grey K.G. towards parliamentary reform. Inscription on north commemorates the centenary of the passing of the 1832 Reform Bill {4}. McCombie - the inscription extols Grey as 'champion of civil and religious liberty' under whom the 'great measure of parliamentary reform was… safely and triumphantly attained'. First proposals for the column were opposed because it would spoil the buildings, and the Town Moor was suggested as the site instead. The stone platform belongs to the refurbishment of c.1982, following Metro engineering works.
Site Name
Earl Grey Monument
Site Type: Specific
Commemorative Monument
SITE_STAT
Listed Building Grade I
HER Number
5188
Form of Evidence
Structure
Sources
<< HER 5188 >> I. Ayris, P. Jubb, S.Palmer & P. Usherwood, 1996, A Guide to the Public Monuments & Scupture of Tyne and Wear, p12-13; Tyne and Wear Specialist Conservation Team, 2001, Annual Report, p 2 & 9; T. Coulter & R. Ogilvy, in association with City Design, 2002, Monuments, War Memorials, Drinking Fountains - Condition & Recommendatations, p 14-16;
Dept. of National Heritage, of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, 20/272; Peter Brett, 2000, The Grey Monument: The Making of a Regional Landmark; Paul Usherwood, Jeremy Beach and Catherine Morris, 2000, Public Sculpture of North-East England, p 96-98; Robert W. Rennison, 2006, Grey's Monument in Tyneside's Finest, 2006, pp 166-7; Malcolm L Scaife, 1974, Newcastle Old and New; Spence and Dower, Oct 2008, Monuments, War Memorials and Drinking Fountains in the care of Newcastle City Council - a report on condition with recommendations for repair and maintenance; Grace McCombie, 2009, Newcastle and Gateshead - Pevsner Architectural Guide, p.150-1; David Lovie, 1997, The Buildings of Graingher Town, p 6
SURVIVAL
100%
YEAR1
2002
English, British
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
Crossref
1371
DAY1
29
District
Newcastle
Easting
424400
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ26SW
MONTH1
10
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
563640
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Hanoverian 1714 to 1837
Place
Newcastle
Description
The infirmary burial ground was set up in the 18th century and the last burial was in 1845. In 1996 the burial ground was excavated in advance of the construction of the International Centre for Life. A large quantity of disarticulated bone was found along with 43 articulated inhumations. Many burials had been wrapped in shrouds or blankets held together with pins. The burials were layered and intercut. Two well-preserved coffins survived in a waterlogged condition, containing skeletal remains. Hair survived on some of the burials. Evidence for dissection of human cadavers, presumably as teaching practice for the infirmary's medical students was noted. If this is the case it is likely that the anatomical training was being carried out surreptitiously since such practice was not legally condoned until the Anatomy Acts of the later 19th century. An entire left leg with pelvis had been added to one of the burials. Jumbled human remains were also found in two charnel pits outside the burial ground. Many of the long bones and skulls had been cut with saws. These probably represent amputation waste and autopsied/dissected cadavers on which medical students had practiced amputation and other medical techniques. This burial ground is the most substantial post-medieval assemblage of human skeletal remains to be available for study in the north-east of England to date. It offers the opportunity to study the anthropology of the working class of an emerging industrial society and the development of medical and autopsy technique. The skeletal remains were examined by Duncan J. Robertson of the University of Sheffield. There were more adults than sub-adults represented in the burial ground and more males than females. The inhumations examined displayed evidence of infections, traumas (such as compression episodes of the spine) and developmental anomalies. Dental lesions and caries were present. Degenerative joint changes were evident particularly on the vertebrae.
Site Type: Broad
Cemetery
SITEDESC
The infirmary burial ground was set up in the 18th century and the last burial was in 1845. In 1996 the burial ground was excavated in advance of the construction of the International Centre for Life. A large quantity of disarticulated bone was found along with 43 articulated inhumations. Many burials had been wrapped in shrouds or blankets held together with pins. The burials were layered and intercut. Two well-preserved coffins survived in a waterlogged condition, containing skeletal remains. Hair survived on some of the burials. Evidence for dissection of human cadavers, presumably as teaching practice for the infirmary's medical students was noted. If this is the case it is likely that the anatomical training was being carried out surreptitiously since such practice was not legally condoned until the Anatomy Acts of the later C19. An entire left leg with pelvis had been added to one of the burials. Jumbled human remains were also found in two charnel pits outside the burial ground. Many of the long bones and skulls had been cut with saws. These probably represent amputation waste and autopsied/dissected cadavers on which medical students had practiced amputation and other medical techniques. This burial ground is the most substantial post-medieval assemblage of human skeletal remains to be available for study in the north-east of England to date. It offers the opportunity to study the anthropology of the working class of an emerging industrial society and the development of medical and autopsy technique. The skeletal remains were examined by Duncan J. Robertson of the University of Sheffield. There were more adults than sub-adults represented in the burial ground and more males than females. The inhumations examined displayed evidence of infections, traumas (such as compression episodes of the spine) and developmental anomalies. Dental lesions and caries were present. Degenerative joint changes were evident particularly on the vertebrae {1}. The skeletons were reburied at Lemington Cemetery (pers comm John Nolan).
Site Name
Old Infirmary Burial Ground
Site Type: Specific
Inhumation Cemetery
HER Number
5187
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 5187 >> J. Nolan & D. Robertson, 1999, The International Centre for Life, Final Report; Gernaey, AM, Minnikin, DE, Copley, MS, Power, JJ, Ahmed, AMS, Dixon, RA, Roberts, CA, Robertson, DJ, Nolan, J & Chamberlain, A 1998 Detecting Ancient Tuberculosis, Internet Archaeology 5 http://intarch.ac.uk/journal/issue5/gernaey_index.html
SURVIVAL
None
YEAR1
2002
English, British
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
Crossref
7005, 7006
DAY1
25
District
Sunderland
Easting
435340
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ34NE
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
10
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
547330
parish
Hetton
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
Hetton-le-Hole
Description
Friend and mentor of George Stephenson, Nicholas Wood was involved in the development of the locomotive and some early colliery railways. He was also involved in the Hetton Coal Company and in the construction of the Brandling Junction Railway. He died in 1865 aged 70. LISTED GRADE 2
Site Type: Broad
Tomb
SITEDESC
Friend and mentor of George Stephenson, Nicholas Wood was involved in the development of the locomotive and some early colliery railways. He was engineer to the Hetton Coal Company, designing the Hetton railway of 1822 with Stephenson. He was involved in the construction of the Brandling Junction Railway. He died in 1865 aged 70 {1}. Tomb, circa 1855. Sandstone, Gothic style altar tomb. Inscriptions - "SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF MARIA FOSTER, WIFE OF NICHOLAS WOOD ESQ. OF HETTON-LE-HOLE WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE JANUARY 24, 1855 AGED 56 YEARS" "ALSO OF THE ABOVE NICHOLAS WOOD F.R.S. WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE DECEMBER 1865 AGED 70 YEARS".
Site Name
St. Nicholas Church, Tomb of Nicholas Wood
Site Type: Specific
Tomb
SITE_STAT
Listed Building Grade II
HER Number
5186
Form of Evidence
Structure
Sources
<< HER 5186 >> I. Ayris & S.M. Linsley, 1994, A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of Tyne and Wear, p 79; Dept. of National Heritage, of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest 8/6; N. Wood, 1825, A Practical Treatise on Rail-Roads and Interior Communications in General
SURVIVAL
100%
YEAR1
2002
English, British
Class
Commemorative
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
CONDITION
Good
Crossref
3230
DAY1
25
District
Sunderland
Easting
436140
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ34NE
MATERIAL
Granite
MONTH1
10
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
546220
parish
Hetton
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
Easington Lane
Description
Memorial to the 28 men and boys who perished in an explosion at Elemore Colliery on 2nd December 1886. Designed by the same firm who undertook the memorials to the Usworth Colliery disaster in the previous year. The grey granite pedestal standing on a square base has recessed columns of pink granite at the corners and supports a tall octagonal spirelet. Panels bearing the names of the dead are positioned on the east and west faces of the monument, the inscription on the north dace quotes a Dr. Watts: "Dangers stand thick through all the ground to push us to the tomb". LISTED GRADE 2
Site Type: Broad
Commemorative Monument
SITEDESC
Memorial to the 28 men and boys who perished in an explosion at Elemore Colliery on 2nd December 1886. Designed by the same firm who undertook the memorials to the Usworth Colliery disaster in the previous year. The grey granite pedestal standing on a square base has recessed columns of pink granite at the corners and supports a tall octagonal spirelet. Panels bearing the names of the dead are positioned on the east and west faces of the monument, the inscription on the north dace quotes a Dr Watts: "Dangers stand thick through all the ground to push us to the tomb" {2}.
Site Name
Elemore Colliery Disaster Memorial
Site Type: Specific
Commemorative Monument
SITE_STAT
Listed Building Grade II
HER Number
5185
Form of Evidence
Structure
Sources
<< HER 5185 >> I. Ayris & S.M. Linsley, 1994, A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of Tyne and Wear, p 79
I. Ayris, P. Jubb, S.Palmer & P. Usherwood, 1996, A Guide to the Public Monuments & Sculpture of Tyne and Wear, p 32; Department of National Heritage, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, 8/9