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Outline

Title
Abstract
Key Takeaways
Figures
Methodologies and Results of the Investigations
Artefactual Material
Metallographic Analysis of Ferrous Metal Objects
Discussion and Interpretation of Results
Roderick Mackenzie Introduction
The Material
Analysis of Slag
Discussion -Site Development and Use
Conclusion
References
All Topics
Anthropology
Archaeology

Archaeological Investigations at Swalwell Ironworks, Tyne and Wear

Profile image of David CranstoneDavid Cranstone

2011, Industrial Archaeology Review

https://doi.org/10.1179/174581911X13070247656462
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Abstract
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AI

A programme of archaeological investigations at the Swalwell Ironworks site, founded by Sir Ambrose Crowley in 1707, revealed well-preserved remains of structures including the eastern Grand Warehouse and a historic forge building. Key findings included modifications to these structures over time, documentary evidence correlating with archaeological findings, and archaeometallurgical analyses indicating activities like puddling. The study underscores the industrial significance of the ironworks and its transformation through various phases until its closure in 1912.

Key takeaways
sparkles

AI

  1. Excavations revealed well-preserved 18th-century remains of Swalwell Ironworks, founded in 1707.
  2. The Grand Warehouse, dating from 1713, served as a wharf for loading goods.
  3. Archaeometallurgical analysis suggests the site included a puddling furnace, crucial for iron production.
  4. Comprehensive historical research aligned with archaeological evidence, confirming the site's significance.
  5. The project highlights gaps in knowledge regarding 19th-century iron-making technology and furnace types.
Figures (17)
~ To the north and east of the Wharf Build- ing, the southern edge of a former water channel, annotated on the 1714 plan of the cartographic research should be undertaken. This work was commissioned by PCA and undertaken by David Cranstone in 2009-10, Figure 2. Detailed site location.
~ To the north and east of the Wharf Build- ing, the southern edge of a former water channel, annotated on the 1714 plan of the cartographic research should be undertaken. This work was commissioned by PCA and undertaken by David Cranstone in 2009-10, Figure 2. Detailed site location.
and the doorway is presumed to be part of the original structure (Figure 17). This wall appears to be contemporary with the wall to the west, but was only partially keyed in to the wall to the east, above the level of the concrete surface.
and the doorway is presumed to be part of the original structure (Figure 17). This wall appears to be contemporary with the wall to the west, but was only partially keyed in to the wall to the east, above the level of the concrete surface.
An additional entrance appears to have been added to the Wharf Building’s south- eastern corner subsequent to the construction
An additional entrance appears to have been added to the Wharf Building’s south- eastern corner subsequent to the construction
three-sided brick chimney, recorded in the north-western corner, internal to the structure and open to the south-east. The chimney was constructed of yellow firebrick of varying dimensions, with occasional reused hand- made red brick. Several of the firebricks recovered from the outer walls of the struc- ture were stamped. Three manufacturers active in the second half of the 19th century were represented: Hannington and Co., G.H. Ramsay and Co. and the Walbottle Coal and Firebrick Co. (see Nolan, below). half of the 19th century. This secondary lining was built of columns of stretchers that were not keyed into the outer walls. Slag had adhered to the inner surface of the brickwork, and all bricks displayed varying degrees of heat damage. This was most severe on the north wall.
three-sided brick chimney, recorded in the north-western corner, internal to the structure and open to the south-east. The chimney was constructed of yellow firebrick of varying dimensions, with occasional reused hand- made red brick. Several of the firebricks recovered from the outer walls of the struc- ture were stamped. Three manufacturers active in the second half of the 19th century were represented: Hannington and Co., G.H. Ramsay and Co. and the Walbottle Coal and Firebrick Co. (see Nolan, below). half of the 19th century. This secondary lining was built of columns of stretchers that were not keyed into the outer walls. Slag had adhered to the inner surface of the brickwork, and all bricks displayed varying degrees of heat damage. This was most severe on the north wall.
oe > ns Southern end of the Wharf Building, Entrance 2 and Test Pit 1. ee © ne The Wharf Building, looking south-east.
oe > ns Southern end of the Wharf Building, Entrance 2 and Test Pit 1. ee © ne The Wharf Building, looking south-east.
on. ——s The Furnace Chimney, looking north-west.
on. ——s The Furnace Chimney, looking north-west.
The first object (89.27.1 — Figure 12) appeared visually to be a partially forged bar of iron or steel, and was recovered from a deposi of demolition material near the furnace chimney. Analysis revealed a microstructure characteristic of annealed steel. The second artefact (89.15.1 — Figure 13) was recovered from the same deposit, and has been identi- fied as part of an agricultural tool known as a straw knife. Visual examination suggests tha it has been made from two strips of wrough iron that have possibly been forged at one end to form a pointed tang. The other ends o each sidepiece have been formed into rings. The artefact would have formed the “back- bone’ component of the finished knife. A steel blade would have been riveted or forge welded between the sidepieces. An illustration from a contemporary trade catalogue shows a very similar design of straw knife (Figure 14). In addition to cataloguing, further analysis was carried out on five ferrous metal objects identified as potentially significant at the post- excavation assessment stage. The aim of the analysis was to try and determine what type of metals the objects are made from, how they were manufactured, and how they relate to
The first object (89.27.1 — Figure 12) appeared visually to be a partially forged bar of iron or steel, and was recovered from a deposi of demolition material near the furnace chimney. Analysis revealed a microstructure characteristic of annealed steel. The second artefact (89.15.1 — Figure 13) was recovered from the same deposit, and has been identi- fied as part of an agricultural tool known as a straw knife. Visual examination suggests tha it has been made from two strips of wrough iron that have possibly been forged at one end to form a pointed tang. The other ends o each sidepiece have been formed into rings. The artefact would have formed the “back- bone’ component of the finished knife. A steel blade would have been riveted or forge welded between the sidepieces. An illustration from a contemporary trade catalogue shows a very similar design of straw knife (Figure 14). In addition to cataloguing, further analysis was carried out on five ferrous metal objects identified as potentially significant at the post- excavation assessment stage. The aim of the analysis was to try and determine what type of metals the objects are made from, how they were manufactured, and how they relate to
Analysis suggested manufacture from piled and forge welded wrought iron.
Analysis suggested manufacture from piled and forge welded wrought iron.
Artefact 29.1.1 1s a piece of ferrous metal, with a ‘D’ shaped profile in plan, recovered from an internal deposit within the Wharf Building (Test Pit 1). Visual examination sug- gests that it is possibly an off-cut from the end of a rolled or forged bar. The straight edge of the piece appears to have been cut with shears. The microstructure of the bar is characteristic of wrought iron. Artefact 29.1.2 is a short section of ferrous metal bar, recovered from the same internal deposit and has a square/ rectangular cross-section. One end of the bar appears to have been cut with shears, and visual examination suggests that this may be an off-cut of iron or steel bar, possibly of standard ‘stock’ dimensions (%in. x %in. cross-section). Again, the microstructure 1s characteristic of wrought iron. Finally, Arte- fact 57.32.1 (Figure 16) is a cone-shaped ‘plug’ of ferrous metal, recovered from an internal deposit within the Wharf Building (Test Pit 2). The narrow end of the cone has a distinc- tive fracture surface suggesting that it has been broken off a ferrous metal casting. Anal- ysis revealed a microstructure characteristic of ‘white’ cast iron. Figure 16. Artefact 57.32.1. Feeder from iron casting.
Artefact 29.1.1 1s a piece of ferrous metal, with a ‘D’ shaped profile in plan, recovered from an internal deposit within the Wharf Building (Test Pit 1). Visual examination sug- gests that it is possibly an off-cut from the end of a rolled or forged bar. The straight edge of the piece appears to have been cut with shears. The microstructure of the bar is characteristic of wrought iron. Artefact 29.1.2 is a short section of ferrous metal bar, recovered from the same internal deposit and has a square/ rectangular cross-section. One end of the bar appears to have been cut with shears, and visual examination suggests that this may be an off-cut of iron or steel bar, possibly of standard ‘stock’ dimensions (%in. x %in. cross-section). Again, the microstructure 1s characteristic of wrought iron. Finally, Arte- fact 57.32.1 (Figure 16) is a cone-shaped ‘plug’ of ferrous metal, recovered from an internal deposit within the Wharf Building (Test Pit 2). The narrow end of the cone has a distinc- tive fracture surface suggesting that it has been broken off a ferrous metal casting. Anal- ysis revealed a microstructure characteristic of ‘white’ cast iron. Figure 16. Artefact 57.32.1. Feeder from iron casting.
Artefact 89.27.1 The bar measures approxi- mately 590mm long by 67mm (23in. xX 2'%in.) thick at one end and 58mm wide by 11mm (2in. x in.) thick at the other, and has a
Artefact 89.27.1 The bar measures approxi- mately 590mm long by 67mm (23in. xX 2'%in.) thick at one end and 58mm wide by 11mm (2in. x in.) thick at the other, and has a
suggests that the finery, against this wall if built in the ‘intended’ location in c. 1714, had been removed). The Forge Building had been much altered by 1834 and is shown (Figure 18) as an L-shaped structure with a projection along the western side, which may correspond to the infilled wheelrace found during excavation. The alterations to the structure of the Forge Building may cor- respond to conversion from a finery forge to heavy ironworking. A detailed plan prepared for the auction of the works in 1870 (see Figure 6, Cranstone, this volume) shows that by this stage the Grand Warehouse had been subject to con- siderable change. The former covered keel dock (Pool A) was now an open watercourse, with the Grand Warehouse and former Wharf Building (shown as an ‘Iron Warehouse’) now separate structures. The excavated evidence shows that the ‘Iron Warehouse’ utilised the basement-level walls of the original Grand
suggests that the finery, against this wall if built in the ‘intended’ location in c. 1714, had been removed). The Forge Building had been much altered by 1834 and is shown (Figure 18) as an L-shaped structure with a projection along the western side, which may correspond to the infilled wheelrace found during excavation. The alterations to the structure of the Forge Building may cor- respond to conversion from a finery forge to heavy ironworking. A detailed plan prepared for the auction of the works in 1870 (see Figure 6, Cranstone, this volume) shows that by this stage the Grand Warehouse had been subject to con- siderable change. The former covered keel dock (Pool A) was now an open watercourse, with the Grand Warehouse and former Wharf Building (shown as an ‘Iron Warehouse’) now separate structures. The excavated evidence shows that the ‘Iron Warehouse’ utilised the basement-level walls of the original Grand

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References (21)

  1. at Crowley's Iron Works, Swalwell, Gateshead' (NCC unpublished, 2004).
  2. Cranstone, D., 'From Slitting Mill to Alloy Steel: the Development of Swalwell Ironworks', Industrial Archaeology Review, this volume, 41-57.
  3. Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, 'An Archaeo- logical Excavation at Sands Road, Swalwell, Gates- head, Tyne and Wear. Post-Excavation Assessment Report' (PCA unpublished, 2007).
  4. Mackenzie, R.G., 'Archaeometallurgical Assess- ment', in Pre-Construct Archaeology, ref. 5.
  5. Morse, T., 'Geological Assessment', in Pre- Construct Archaeology, ref. 5.
  6. Nolan, J., 'Brick Assessment', in Pre-Construct Archaeology, ref. 5.
  7. Davison, P.J., Brickworks of the North-East (Gateshead: Gateshead Libraries and Art Services, 1986), 131. 10 Ibid., 132, 138. 11 Ibid., 132, 136. 12 Ibid., 89.
  8. Brearley, H., The Heat Treatment of Tool Steel (Longmans, 1911), 10.
  9. Mackenzie, R.G., 'Why pay more?' An Archaeo- metallurgical Investigation of 19th Century Swedish Wrought Iron and Sheffield Blister Steel (unpublished PhD thesis, University of Sheffield, 2004).
  10. Barraclough, K.C., Steelmaking Before Bessemer: Vol. 1 Blister Steel the Birth of an Industry (The Metals Society, 1984), 4.
  11. Gordon, R.B., 'Process Deduced from Ironmak- ing Wastes and Artefacts', Journal of Archaeological Science, 24 (1997), 12-14. 17 Ibid.
  12. Mackenzie, ref. 6.
  13. Mackenzie, R.G., 'Archaeometallurgical Analysis of Slag and Assessment of Selected Soil Samples from the Site of Crowley's Works, Swalwell' (unpublished, 2009).
  14. Killick, D. and Gordon, R.B., 'Microstructures of Puddling Slags from Fontley, England and Roxbury, Connecticut, USA', Journal of the Historical Metallurgy Society, 21.1 (1987), 34.
  15. Turner, T., The Metallurgy of Iron (Charles Griffin & Co. Ltd, 1908), 404. 22 Ibid., 363.
  16. Berg, T. and Berg, P., R R Angerstein's Illustrated Travel Diary, 1753-1755 (Science Museum, 2001).
  17. Petts, D. and Gerrard, C., Shared Visions: The North-East Regional Research Framework for the His- toric Environment (Durham County Council, 2006).
  18. Cranstone, D., 'Industry and Technology', in Shared Visions: The North-East Regional Research Framework for the Historic Environment, ed. by D. Petts and C.M. Gerrard (Durham: Durham County Council, 2006), 92-102 (p. 97).
  19. Cranstone, D., 'Winlaton Mill Ironworks: an Interim Report', Archaeology North, 2 (1991), 22-4.
  20. Bayley, J., Crossley, D., and Ponting, M., Metals and Metalworking. A Research Framework for Arch- aeometallurgy, The Historical Metallurgical Society Occasional Publication No. 6 (2008), 69. 28 'Between Archives and the Site: the 19th-Century Iron and Steel Industry in the Monklands, Central Scotland', Post-Medieval Archaeology, 42.1 (2008), 157-80; Smith, J.R. and Trevarthen, M., 'Mount Foundry, Tavistock: an Early 19th-Century Iron and Brass Foundry in West Devon', Post-Medieval Archaeology, 44.2 (2010), 349-55; Trevarthen, M., 'Mount Foundry, Tavistock: an Early 19th-Century Iron and Brass Foundry in West Devon', Proceedings of the Devon Archaeological Society, 67 (2009), 217- 47;
  21. Belford, P., 'Five Centuries of Iron Working: Excavations at Wednesbury Forge', Post-Medieval Archaeology, 44.1 (2010), 1-53.

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