A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, near Bignall, Staffordshire
November 2013 ARS Ltd Report no. 2013/114
A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, Bignall, Staffordshire
A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, near Bignall, Staffordshire
Archaeological Research Services Ltd Report 2013/114
November 2013
© Archaeological Research Services Ltd 2013 Angel House, Portland Square, Bakewell, DE45 1HB www.archaeologyresearchservices.com
Prepared on behalf of: Heaton Planning Date of compilation: November 2013 Compiled by: Dr. Gareth Davies (updated by Antony Brown MIfA) Checked by: Dr. Clive Waddington MIfA Planning Reference: N/A Local Authority: Staffordshire County Council
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1
1.1 Project Background...... 1 1.2 Location and Land-use ...... 2
2 METHODOLOGY...... 2
2.1 Aims and Objectives...... 2 2.2 Study Area...... 2 2.3 Scheme of Work...... 2 2.3.1 SHER, CHER and SoTSMR...... 3 2.3.2 Historic Landscape Character ...... 4 2.3.3 Archive Service ...... 4 2.3.4 National Monuments Record (NMR) ...... 4 2.3.5 Web Sources...... 4
3 POLICY AND GUIDANCE ...... 4
3.1 National ...... 4 3.1.1 PPS5 Planning for the Historic Environment Planning Practice Guide...... 6 3.1.2 Scheduled Monuments...... 6 3.1.3 Listed Buildings...... 7 3.1.4 Mineral Extraction and Archaeology: A Practice Guide...... 7 3.1.5 Institute for Archaeologists Standards and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk Based Assessment (2012)...... 7 3.1.6 Setting Policy and Guidance ...... 7 3.2 Regional and Local ...... 8 3.2.1 Staffordshire and Stoke-On-Trent Structure Plan...... 8 3.2.2 The Staffordshire Minerals Local Plan ...... 10
4 BACKGROUND RESEARCH ...... 10
4.1 Geo-morphological Assessment ...... 10 4.1.1 Introduction...... 10 4.1.2 Solid Geology ...... 11 4.1.3 Superficial Geology...... 12 4.1.4 Artificial Geology ...... 13 4.1.5 Landform Element Associations ...... 13 4.1.6 Conclusion ...... 15 4.2 Map Regression Analysis...... 15 4.2.1 Plan of Mr. Parrots Estate, Bignall Hill (1718) (D593/H/3/193) (Fig. 2) ...... 15 4.2.2 Yates’ map (1775) (Fig. 3) ...... 16 4.2.3 Audley and Woolstanton Enclosure Maps...... 16
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4.2.4 The Ordnance Survey Old Series 1 inch map surveyed 1833-43 (Fig. 4)...... 16 4.2.5 Tithe Map for Audley (D3729 6/17/6) (Fig. 5) ...... 16 4.2.6 Ordnance Survey First Edition 25” 1870 (Fig. 6) ...... 17 4.2.7 Ordnance Survey 6” 1889 (Fig. 7) ...... 17 4.2.8 Ordnance Survey 6” 1900 (Fig. 8) ...... 17 4.2.9 Ordnance Survey 6” 1911 (Fig. 9) ...... 17 4.2.10 Ordnance Survey 1925 6” (Fig. 10) ...... 17 4.2.11 Ordnance Survey 1938-46 6” (Fig. 11)...... 18 4.2.12 Ordnance Survey 1951 6” (Fig. 13)...... 18 4.2.13 Ordnance Survey 1955 1:10 000 (Fig. 14)...... 18 4.2.14 Ordnance Survey 1967 1:10 000 (Fig. 15)...... 18 4.2.15 Ordnance Survey 1981 1:10 000 (Fig. 16)...... 18 4.2.16 Ordnance Survey 1992 1:10 000 (Fig. 17)...... 18 4.2.17 Ordnance Survey 2006 and 2012 1:10 000 (Fig. 18 and 19) ...... 18 4.2.18 Maps not consulted...... 18 4.3 Geotechnical Investigations and Services Information ...... 18 4.4 Other Documentary Research: Trade Directories...... 19 4.5 Oral History and Photographic History ...... 19 4.6 Portable Antiquities ...... 19 4.7 Period Synthesis...... 19 4.7.1 Prehistoric...... 19 4.7.2 Romano-British...... 20 4.7.3 Early Medieval ...... 21 4.7.4 Medieval (AD 1066-1539)...... 21 4.7.5 Post-Medieval (AD 1539-1720)...... 21 4.7.6 Industrial (1720-1914) and Modern (1914-2050)...... 22 4.8 Site Visit ...... 24
5 BASELINE CONDITIONS ...... 27
5.1 Designated Assets...... 27 5.1.1 Scheduled Monuments...... 27 5.1.2 Listed Buildings...... 27 5.1.3 Conservation Areas...... 28 5.1.4 Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest ...... 28 5.1.5 Historic Battlefields...... 29 5.1.6 World Heritage Sites...... 29 5.1.7 Historically Important Hedgerows...... 29 5.2 Non-Designated Assets ...... 31 5.2.1 Archaeological Remains...... 31 5.2.2 Historic Buildings ...... 33
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5.2.3 Historic Landscape...... 33
6 STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL...... 35
7 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE ...... 37
8 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON SIGNIFICANCE ...... 37
9 STATEMENTS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...... 37
9.1 Publicity, Confidentiality and Copyright...... 37 9.2 Statement of Indemnity...... 37 9.3 Acknowledgements...... 38
10 REFERENCES...... 38
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Listed Buildings Located Within 1 km of the Site ...... 28 Table 2: Conservation Areas Located Within 1 km of the Site ...... 28 Table 3: Non-designated Archaeological Remains located within the site ...... 31 Table 4: Non-designated Archaeological Remains located within 1km of the site ...... 32 Table 5: Non-designated Historic Buildings located with the site boundary ...... 33 Table 6: Non-designated Historic Buildings located with the 1km study area...... 33 Table 7: HLC types Located within the site boundary ...... 34 Table 8: HLC Broad Types within the 1km study area...... 34
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Gazetteer of Archaeological Remains ...... Appendix 2: Gazetteer of Historic Buildings...... Appendix 3: Gazetteer of Historic Landscape Types ...... Appendix 4: Gazetteer of Historically Important Hedgerows ...... Appendix 5: Air Photographic Assessment ...... Appendix 6: Setting Assessment ...... Appendix 7: Figures......
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1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Background UK Coal has identified a potential Surface Mine Scheme known as Great Oak, which is located to the east of Junction 16 of the M6, close to the villages of Audley and Bignall End (Fig. 1). The closest major town to the site is Newcastle under Lyme, c. 4 miles to the south. The Mineral Planning Authority (MPA) is Staffordshire County Council (SCC). In line with national guidelines, for development proposals in areas likely to contain historic interest, SCC require that an assessment of available sources of archaeological information be made and that the information collected is compiled in a desk-based assessment in order to establish the likely archaeological significance of the site and the implications of the proposal. This piece of work has been undertaken in order for the archaeological and cultural heritage implications of the proposed development to be fully considered by SCC. If the assessment reveals insufficient information to fully clarify these issues, SCC may request further archaeological evaluation to be undertaken. This request is in line with the current relevant planning policy, the NPPF which states that: “In determining applications, local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance. As a minimum the relevant historic environment record should have been consulted and the heritage assets assessed using appropriate expertise where necessary. Where a site on which development is proposed includes or has the potential to include heritage assets with archaeological interest, local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation” (DCLG 2012, 30)” If the assessment reveals sufficient information to clarify the archaeological implications of the proposed development, SCC may request further archaeological work be undertaken as a condition of planning approval, or that no further mitigation is required. This report will be used as a basis for liaising with SCC and other local bodies in order to confirm the archaeological value of the site and to establish what level of information will be required at a pre-application stage to support a planning application. This Desk Based Assessment was originally issued to SCC in 2012, but has been updated to reflect a revision to the proposed site boundary, and to include further details which were requested in a Scoping Response from SCC and English Heritage, dated February 2013. The report was updated once again in November 2013 to reflect a further revision of the site boundary, and to take account of comments on the earlier draft that were provided by SCC in October 2013.
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1.2 Location and Land-use The proposed redevelopment site is located mostly on agricultural land, with a small amount of woodland and scrub, between the modern settlements of Bignall End/ Audley (west), Red Street/Crackley (east) and Talke/Talke Pits (north), towards the north of the western side of Staffordshire, centred on grid reference 381600, 351500. The site is an irregular diamond-shape in plan ( c. 80 hectares in size) and is bounded by the A500 to the north and Bignall End Road to the west. On its southern side, the site is bounded by the built-up area of Bignall End, and by agricultural land comprising pasture to the east. On its eastern side, the site is bounded by Talke Road. The agricultural land within the site is currently used almost exclusively as pasture, although there are some wetter areas around small watercourses that are effectively set-aside as boggy moor. The site is bisected by the deep cutting of the dismantled North Staffordshire Railway, which closed in 1963, and is now largely overgrown There are a number of topographic observations to be made. In general, a north to south aligned irregular escarpment of higher land known as Gem Edge runs roughly north-south across the eastern portion of the site. There are three watercourses within the site boundary, one to the west of the railway cutting flowing in a westerly direction. Another is situated towards the south of the site forming an open drain for c. 125m but which is culverted to the east and west, and there is a short south to north flowing stream which issues from two springs to the east of Oldhill Wood at the eastern side of the site.
2 METHODOLOGY 2.1 Aims and Objectives This report sets out the results of an archaeological desk-based assessment of the Great Oak site. The main objective is to provide a statement of the cultural heritage potential of the area, an assessment of the impact of the proposed development and recommendations should development proceed. 2.2 Study Area The study area is defined as a buffer zone extending 1km away from the site boundary (Fig. 1). Consideration of the setting of designated heritage assets was extended to a study area of 10km from the site boundary (see Setting assessment in Appendix 6). 2.3 Scheme of Work The information within this report has been gathered from a number of sources, both primary and secondary, in accordance with the relevant English Heritage and Institute for Archaeologists Standards and Guidance (EH 2006a; IfA 2008; IfA 2009; IfA 2012). The following activities were undertaken as part of this assessment:
A consultation of the Staffordshire County Council Historic Environment Record (SHER), Cheshire Historic Environment Record (CHER), and the Stoke-On-Trent Sites
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and Monuments Record (SoTSMR) for the immediate environs of the proposed development site (see descriptions below).
A consultation of the National Monuments Record (NMR - see description below) held by English Heritage.
A consideration of the Ordnance Survey maps of the site and its environs.
Where relevant and accessible, a consideration of tithe apportionment maps, enclosure maps, early estate maps and other historical maps available in the Staffordshire Record Office, Stafford.
Where appropriate a consideration of historical documents and other archives, Trade and Business Directories, Place and street name evidence, historic photographs available at the William Salt Library, Stafford.
Consultation with UK coal concerning Geotechnical and Services data.
Identification of the relevant planning policies and of any other factors which have a bearing on the cultural heritage of the site and surrounding area.
A rapid reconnaissance and walkover has been undertaken to assess the landscape setting of heritage assets and to identify the current condition of known heritage assets.
A geo-archaeological study of the development area has been undertaken in order to construct a contour map and landform map that has also been integrated into the project GIS. Accompanying the maps is a description of each landform type identified and discussion of its archaeological potential. This follows the recommended approach within Mineral Extraction and Archaeology: A Practice Guide (MHEF 2008)
From the outset of this assessment a GIS-supported approach was adopted. The use of a GIS enables the integration of all spatial data relating to the proposed development whether this is hydrology, geomorphology, ecology or archaeology. This integrated data system can then be analysed in many different ways to assist in the planning, operation and after-care of the development and the landscape in which it is situated by utilising a clear evidence-based approach.
A hedgerow assessment was undertaken to identify any hedgerows considered to qualify as ‘historically’ important under the terms of the 1997 Hedgerows Regulations.
An assessment of potential impacts to settings of designated cultural heritage assets was undertaken, based upon a Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) and followed up by site visits.
2.3.1 SHER, CHER and SoTSMR The Staffordshire County Council Historic Environment Record, Cheshire Historic Environment Record (HER), and the Stoke On Trent Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) non-designated heritage assets including findspots and monuments. During the collation of this data, information on designated heritage assets (Scheduled Monuments (SMs) was also obtained. Secondary documents such as short reports (grey literature) on previous
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archaeological investigations (Events) within or close to the study area were also consulted in order to help assess the level of preservation and potential for archaeological remains to survive within the study area.
2.3.2 Historic Landscape Character The Staffordshire and Stoke-On-Trent HLC (completed 2006) was carried out in partnership with English Heritage as part of a national programme. The primary object of the Staffordshire HLC was to characterise, or describe, the county’s historic landscape utilising the County Council’s Geographic Information System (GIS) to produce a character map for the entire county. The project used digital sources such as the First Edition 6” OS maps (1880s), the OS 1:10,000 maps, Yates’ map (1775) and the aerial photographs. The primary output of the Staffordshire HLC is a series of landscape character polygons that identify broad historical patterns at a landscape level of landscape character as it is today.
2.3.3 Archive Service The Staffordshire Record Office, Stafford, and the Local Studies section of the William Salt Library, Stafford, were consulted in order to study historic documents specific to the proposed development area. At these places historic maps of the area were studied along with local history publications relating to the use and development of the study site.
2.3.4 National Monuments Record (NMR) The National Monuments Record held by English Heritage was consulted in order to obtain information on both designated and non-designated heritage assets within the study area. An aerial photographic cover search was also conducted as part of this desk-based assessment.
2.3.5 Web Sources The web sources listed in the specification were consulted for this investigation:
www.britishhistoryonline.com
www.vision.port.ac.uk
www.heritagegateway.org.uk
www.pastscape.co.uk
www.sytimescapes.org.uk
http://list.english-heritage.org.uk/
3 POLICY AND GUIDANCE 3.1 National 3.1.1 This assessment is carried out under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (DCLG 2012). The NPPF sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. It sets out the Government’s requirements for the
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planning system only to the extent that it is relevant, proportionate and necessary to do so. The purpose of the NPPF is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, which includes “…contributing to, protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment…” (DCLG 2012, 30). Section 12 of the NPPF deals with government policy in relation to conserving and enhancing the historic environment and its role in sustainable development. Paragraph 126 states that Local authorities must undertake to, “recognise that heritage assets are an irreplaceable resource and conserve them in a manner appropriate to their significance”. In developing their strategy, local planning authorities should take into account:
the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets and putting them to viable uses consistent with their conservation;
the wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits that conservation of the historic environment can bring;
the desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness; and
opportunities to draw on the contribution made by the historic environment to the character of a place. Paragraph 128 states that, “In determining applications, local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance. As a minimum the relevant historic environment record should have been consulted and the heritage assets assessed using appropriate expertise where necessary. Where a site on which development is proposed includes or has the potential to include heritage assets with archaeological interest, local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation” (DCLG 2012, 30). Paragraph 129 states that, “Local planning authorities should identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset that may be affected by a proposal (including by development affecting the setting of a heritage asset) taking account of the available evidence and any necessary expertise. They should take this assessment into account when considering the impact of a proposal on a heritage asset, to avoid or minimise conflict between the heritage asset’s conservation and any aspect of the proposal” (DCLG 2012, 30). In determining planning applications, local planning authorities should take account of:
the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets and putting them to viable uses consistent with their conservation;
the positive contribution that conservation of heritage assets can make to sustainable communities including their economic vitality; and
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the desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness. Paragraphs 132 – 141 provide guidance on the approach to be adopted by local authorities in weighing the impact of development against the conservation of heritage assets and their setting and significance (DCLG 2012, 31-32). Paragraph 132 states that “When considering the impact of a proposed development on the significance of a designated heritage asset, great weight should be given to the asset’s conservation. The more important the asset, the greater the weight should be. Significance can be harmed or lost through alteration or destruction of the heritage asset or development within its setting. As heritage assets are irreplaceable, any harm or loss should require clear and convincing justification. Substantial harm to or loss of a grade II listed building, park or garden should be exceptional. Substantial harm to or loss of designated heritage assets of the highest significance, notably scheduled monuments, protected wreck sites, battlefields, grade I and II* listed buildings, grade I and II* registered parks and gardens, and World Heritage Sites, should be wholly exceptional” (DCLG 2012, 31). Paragraph 135 states that “The effect of an application on the significance of a non- designated heritage asset should be taken into account in determining the application. In weighing applications that affect directly or indirectly non designated heritage assets, a balanced judgement will be required having regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset” (DCLG 2012, 31). Paragraph 141 states the Government requirement for the planning process to contribute to public understanding of the historic environment.
3.1.1 PPS5 Planning for the Historic Environment Planning Practice Guide This document provides guidance on the practical implementation of PPS 5 (now superseded by the NPPF, but still the only detailed extant Historic Environment guidance) and is consequently a much more in-depth document than the policy statement itself. This practice guide “supports the implementation of national policy, but does not constitute a statement of Government policy” (CLG/DCMS/EH 2010, 6). This document has been presented by English Heritage as a 'live' document and is therefore intended to be subject to future changes as techniques and practice develop.
3.1.2 Scheduled Monuments Scheduled Monuments, as defined under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act (1979) are sites, which have been selected by a set of non-statutory criteria to be of national importance. These criteria comprise period, rarity, documentation, group value, survival/condition, fragility/vulnerability, diversity and potential. Where scheduled sites are affected by development proposals there is a presumption in favour of their physical preservation. Any works, other than activities receiving class consent under The Ancient Monuments (Class Consents) Order 1981, as amended by The Ancient Monuments (Class Consents) Order 1984, which would have the effect of demolishing, destroying, damaging, removing, repairing, altering, adding to, flooding or covering-up a Scheduled Monument require consent from the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
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3.1.3 Listed Buildings Buildings of national, regional or local historical and architectural importance are protected under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act, 1990. Buildings designated as ‘Listed’ are afforded protection from physical alteration or effects on their historical setting.
3.1.4 Mineral Extraction and Archaeology: A Practice Guide This national guidance document for England specific to mineral extraction and archaeology has been produced by a cross-sector group, the Minerals and Historic Environment Forum, that has been widely consulted upon and endorsed by the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers: England (ALGAO: England), the British Aggregates Association (BAA), Confederation of British Industry (CBI): Minerals Group, English Heritage, the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA), the Mining Association of the UK (MAUK), the Planning Officers Society (POS), the Mineral Products Association (MPA, formerly the Quarry Products Association), and the Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers (FAME, formerly the Standing Conference of Archaeological Unit Managers). This document is referred to in the Historic Environment Planning Practice Guide (CLG/DCMS/EH 2010) for how to deal specifically with mineral extraction. 'Mineral Extraction and Archaeology: A Practice Guide' (MHEF 2008) provides guidance for planning authorities, mineral planners, mineral operators, archaeologists, consultants and developers on dealing with archaeological remains within the minerals planning system. It advocates key principles of best practice including early consultation, the importance of accurate information and high-quality advice at pre-determination phase (including in any desk-based assessment) and the use of a targeted and question-led approach to field evaluation.
3.1.5 Institute for Archaeologists Standards and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk Based Assessment (2012) This guidance (IfA 2012) is non-statutory guidance representing industry best practice. It is commonly stipulated by local planning authorities that archaeological work is undertaken to IfA standards. The IfA also operates an accreditation scheme of Registered Archaeological Organisations in order to monitor the application of standards across the industry. Archaeological Research Services Ltd is a Registered Organisation with the IfA.
3.1.6 Setting Policy and Guidance As defined in the PPS5 Practice Guide, setting is the surroundings in which an asset is experienced (CLG/DCMS/EH 2010, 34). In the document, Conservation Principles: Policy and Guidance (English Heritage 2008) it is noted that ‘places where significance stems essentially from the coherent expression of their particular cultural heritage values can be harmed by interventions of a radically different nature’ (English Heritage 2008, 58). The latest English Heritage position statement on Setting is The Setting of Heritage Assets: English Heritage Guidance (English Heritage 2011). This document refers to the practice guide for PPS5 and, in particular, the statement: “All heritage assets have a setting, irrespective of the form in which they survive and whether they are designated or not. Elements of a setting may make a positive or negative contribution to the significance of an
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asset, may affect the ability to appreciate that significance, or may be neutral” (CLG/DCMS/EH 2010, 34). Paragraphs 114-117 of the PPS5 practice guide (CLG/DCMS/EH 2010, 34) consider setting extensively. In line with this guidance, criteria by which existing setting and change to setting will be judged as making a positive, negative or neutral contribution to the setting of an asset are:
View : the views to and from an asset will play an important part in the way in which we experience an asset.
Environmental factors : setting is influenced by environmental factors such as noise, dust and vibration.
Spatial associations and our understanding of the historic relationship between places: Buildings that are in close proximity but not visible from each other may have a historic or aesthetic connection that amplifies the experience of the significance of each. They would be considered to be within one another’s setting. Importantly, the perceived extent of a setting may change as an asset and its surroundings evolve or as understanding of the asset improves. Also, the setting of a heritage asset can enhance its significance whether or not it was designed to do so
Public appreciation : Finally, it is stated that the contribution that setting makes to the significance of an asset does not depend on there being public rights or an ability to access or experience that setting. Evaluation of the effect of change within the setting of a heritage asset will usually need to consider the implications, if any, for public appreciation of its significance. 3.2 Regional and Local Staffordshire County Council is guided by regional planning policies for considering planning applications. The planning policies are set out in a series of documents, collectively referred to as 'the development plan'. A Structure Plan and a Minerals Local Plan are component parts of this development plan.
3.2.1 Staffordshire and Stoke-On-Trent Structure Plan. The Staffordshire and Stoke-On-Trent structure plan initially adopted from 28 September 2007 included a number of saved policies including those pertaining to archaeology and cultural heritage. Although this plan was formally revoked on 20 th May 2013 and no longer forms part of the development plan, the relevant policies are outlined below as guidance. Sites of Archaeological Importance NC14 Proposals for development or land use change affecting sites of known or potential archaeological importance, and their settings, will be considered in the light of information held by the County or City Councils. Where necessary, developers will be required to supplement this information with the results of desk-based assessments and field evaluations before any decision on the planning application is taken. Where the planning authority decides on the basis of professional advice that archaeological remains are not sufficiently important to warrant physical preservation in situ, developers will be required to
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make appropriate and satisfactory provision for the excavation and recording of the remains prior to development, and for the publication of the results. Sites of National Archaeological Importance NC15 Development which would adversely affect Scheduled Ancient Monuments or archaeological sites of national importance or, in either case, their settings, will only be allowed in the most exceptional circumstances. Registered Historic Battlefields NC16 Development proposals within registered Historic Battlefields shall be accompanied by an assessment of the possible adverse impacts upon them. Development or change of use likely to have a detrimental impact upon their integrity and amenity will normally not be permitted. Historic Parks and Gardens: Protection NC17A Historic parks and gardens and their settings will be protected from development which would cause harm to their character or appearance. In order to assist in the protection of the character and appearance of recorded sites: (a) an historic landscape appraisal report may be required where development affecting an historic park or garden or its setting is proposed; (b) historic parks and gardens of particular historic design or aesthetic significance may be designated as Conservation Areas to help protect their character and appearance. NC17B Proposals for the positive management and regeneration of historic parks and gardens will be encouraged where they are sympathetic to the special character and interest of the site, and comply with an appropriately formulated assessment and management plan. Listed Buildings NC18 There will be a presumption in favour of preserving Listed Buildings and protecting their settings and historic context. In exceptional circumstances, other planning policies may be relaxed to enable the retention or sympathetic reuse of Listed Buildings, or to maintain the integrity of their settings. An historical and architectural evaluation of Listed Buildings may be required as part of the planning process to ensure decision-making is based on a proper understanding of their fabric and structure. Conservation Areas NC19 Areas of architectural or historic interest will be designated as Conservation Areas. There will be a presumption in favour of retaining and enhancing buildings, groups of buildings, or other features, including open spaces and views through, into or out of the areas which contribute to their special character, appearance or interest. New development within or adjacent to Conservation Areas should respect, protect and enhance their character and appearance with respect to its height, scale, intensity and materials, and only generate levels of activity which will support their preservation and economic viability. Proposals which would result in over-development, undue disturbance and traffic movement detrimental to the character of the Conservation Area will not be permitted.
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3.2.2 The Staffordshire Minerals Local Plan The Staffordshire Minerals Local Plan includes a number of saved policies which include some of those pertaining to archaeology and cultural heritage. Policy 19 states that: ‘In considering planning applications for mineral development the effects on the special interest of the following areas will be taken into account: 7. Sites of significant archaeological interest or their settings, areas of historic or archaeological value, historic battlefields, and historic parks and gardens other than those which are registered.’ Planning applications for mineral development which would cause any direct of indirect adverse impacts on the essential value of the above areas should demonstrate mitigation measures and/or any material planning benefits arising from the proposal outweigh the material planning objections. If the measures and benefits do not outweigh the objections then planning permission will only be granted if the need for the mineral outweighs the material planning objections. In assessing the impacts a lesser degree of weight will be accorded than would be the case with nationally important sites the subject of MLP Policies 15 and 16. Policies 15 and 16, which deal with Scheduled Monuments, Listed buildings etc have not been saved, and Staffordshire now refers to Section 14 of Mineral Policy Statement 1 (2006) and to Policy QE5 of the RSS (2008) (also now revoked but with no successor document).
4 BACKGROUND RESEARCH 4.1 Geo-morphological Assessment
4.1.1 Introduction 'Mineral Extraction and Archaeology: A Practice Guide' (MHEF 2008) considers the benefits of Geomorphological mapping in detail:
“74. Geomorphological mapping can assist in the design of an evaluation programme. Detailed maps of landform units can be used to identify potential palaeoenvironmental remains, assess sediment units, as well as to produce superficial and buried-terrain models that can inform predictive models of sites and their wider landscape setting. Such work can reveal how the landscape was formed and how it has been modified through time. This in turn allows prediction of the survival of remains of different periods at different depths, alongside an assessment of their likely state of preservation and the type of techniques appropriate for their evaluation. 75 Geomorphological mapping usually requires a programme of fieldwork and survey by appropriate specialists, supported by desk-based analysis of Ordnance Survey maps, geological maps, aerial photographs and data from remote-sensing techniques such as LiDAR. Mineral operators frequently conduct their own geotechnical bore-hole testing and where possible this should be used to assist and complement the geomorphological analysis
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for archaeological purposes. Geomorphological maps can be used as the basis for landform classification and these can inform archaeological expectations for an area and subsequent decision-making. 76 A typical application of geomorphological mapping might involve augering across the development area to map the depth and extent of a buried land surface or to identify waterlogged sediment traps and other organic horizons. The technique can also be used to determine the location and depth of hillwash deposits and then follow up such identifications with evaluation trenching to assess their archaeological potential. 77 Field-based geomorphological mapping is a rapid, cost-effective and relatively inexpensive means of analysing environmental change and landform evolution as well as providing a platform for other evaluation work. To maximise cost effectiveness, industry- required geotechnical assessments and archaeological geomorphological mapping should ideally be integrated. Together they can provide important information on past landscape development and land-use by human populations as well as generate data on earlier farming practices. Detailed mapping of extensive areas can be greatly facilitated by high- resolution remote sensing techniques such as LiDAR, although these may add to the cost of survey. Geomorphological mapping is typically employed as part of the pre-determination phase of the planning application although prior work can provide important information to the LDD.” This desk-based geological assessment presents an evaluation of landform elements in the Audley area abstracted from the bedrock and superficial geology maps published by the British Geological Survey (BGS) presented against the Ordnance Survey 1:10,000 map coverage. As such, this assessment is a preliminary form of geomorphological mapping as defined in Minerals Extraction and Archaeology: A Practice Guide (MHEF 2008). Presentation of geological landform units in this way allows us to predict key archaeological and palaeoenvironmental associations within and across the various landform units. In combination with borehole data it allows us to predict the most effective archaeological and palaeoenvironmental techniques that might be required as a part of a required scheme of archaeological works.
4.1.2 Solid Geology The British Geological Survey (BGS) maps indicate that the solid geological sequence beneath the site comprises the following deposits:
Etruria Formation Sandstone – Far western extent of the site.
Etruria Formation Mudstone, Sandstone and Conglomerate – Western side of the site.
Pennine Middle Coal Measures Formation – Mudstone, Siltstone and Sandstone – Much of the site.
Pennine Middle Coal Measures Formation –Sandstone – North to south aligned strip towards eastern extent of site.
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Pennine Upper Coal Measures Formation – Mudstone, Siltstone and Sandstone – Extreme eastern extent of the site. The observations made from the BGS mapping is confirmed by the BGS online geology viewer (www.bgs.ac.uk/geologyviewer). The solid geological map for the proposed development demonstrates, as expected, the presence of coal measures across much of the site. Many of these deposits will be interleaved with strata of mudstone, siltstone and sandstone. It is only in the eastern extent of the site where this sandstone predominates. We might historic mining across the site. The band of Ten-Feet Rock (Sandstone) within the central portion of the site mirrors the western extent of an elevated escarpment.
4.1.3 Superficial Geology The British Geological Survey (BGS) maps indicate that the superficial geology above the solid geology comprises the following deposits:
Devensian Till – Western half of the site.
Glaciofluvial deposits of Devensian Sand and Gravel – Small area east of Bonnie Braes Farm.
Alluvium – Clay, Silt, Sand and Gravel - Two discrete areas in the west of the site.
River Terrace Deposits – Sand and Gravel – Discrete area along the brook line, at the south-west extent of the site
Peat - Discrete area along the brook line, at the south-west extent of the site The superficial geological map for the proposed development area demonstrates that Devensian glacial till predominates to the west but to the east the solid geology is closer to the surface. We might expect these two superficial conditions to contain contrasting archaeological signatures: for example, late prehistoric and medieval landuse might be expected to tend to concentrate towards the areas of till and be easily recognisable in shallow till deposits. In contrast, in the south-west extent of the site (and also a small area at the very north-west of the site) there is a discrete area of superficial deposits specific to valley base/side topographies, including river terrace deposits of sand and gravel overlain by alluvium. River valleys are attractive topographies for human settlement and landuse in the past and we might expect activity to concentrate here. However, these types of deposits (alluvium) can also lead to the burial of earlier archaeological deposits. In such a circumstance, the identification and recovery of archaeological remains at evaluation stage requires rather different methods to those employed on shallowly buried sites. Sands and gravels are particularly attractive for earlier prehistoric activity (Neolithic and Bronze Age) as well as early medieval (Anglo-Saxon) settlement. At the northern extent of the south-western valley base/side there is a mapped area of peat. Peat deposits can have a high potential for containing preserved palaeoenvironmental remains. If present and of an appropriate date, these remains can be used to reveal important information about past climatic conditions, landscape, landuse and agriculture.
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The observations made from the BGS mapping is confirmed by the Soilscapes online resource (http://www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes.
4.1.4 Artificial Geology The British Geological Survey (BGS) maps indicate that there are some quite significant areas of artificial geology within the site; these comprise:
Infilled Ground – Broadly in the eastern half of the site with four specific patches. The first area is located north-east of the former Minnie Pit site in the centre north of the site. The second area is west, north and east of the escarpment area containing the Wedgwood monument. The third area is west of a discussed shaft south of the Bignall Hill Reservoir. The fourth area comprises two discrete zones north-west of The Paddocks towards the southeast extent of the site.
Made Ground – Two discrete areas in the north and south of the site respectively. The first area is immediately west (and surrounding) Jamage Farm at the north of the site. This large area of made ground over a kilometre in width relates to the former Jamage works, but also to the east-west aligned road construction here. The second area is to the south the area north-east of Bignall End running from Ravens Land (west) to Bignall Hill (east. This polygon depicts the greatest extent of the slag heaps and tips of the former Diglake Colliery, now partially levelled, sculpted and landscaped. The former railway at this point runs over a former slag heap. This mine related made ground is depicted on a number of historic photographs and maps (see Section The areas of infilled and made-ground have the potential to provide considerable information about the sequence and processes of industrial activity on the site. In addition, the areas of infilled and made-ground may have buried earlier unknown features of archaeological interest.
4.1.5 Landform Element Associations In addition to the above observations, a recent assessment of aggregates and archaeology for Derbyshire and the Peak District has identified the Geomorphological Processes and Archaeological Associations pertaining to Coal Measure landforms and suggests the most appropriate evaluation and mitigation responses that could be used. These observations are tabulated (Brightman and Waddington 2011) and are reproduced below as they may also apply to the similar geological situation observed at the Great Oak site in Staffordshire: “Table 8-1i – Coal Measures Geomorphological Processes
Potential reworking and (or) burial of Palaeolithic materials in hillslope settings by Quaternary periglacial, hillslope and mass-movement processes
Hillslope settings generally stable during the Holocene, but potential for localised colluviation and mass-movement activity
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Archaeological Associations
The Coal Measures are geologically very similar to the Millstone Grit, comprising interbedded sedimentary, conglomerate rocks and coal beds. Theoretically the archaeological associations should be very similar to those of the Millstone Grit, and this is demonstrably the case on the interface between the two landforms in the uplands, where there are, as an example, a large amount of Bronze Age remains.
Known Mesolithic sites on the Coal Measures are few but illustrate a clear fieldwork bias. The largest concentration of known sites is around Unstone, as a direct result of the fieldwork undertaken by the North Derbyshire Archaeological Trust. While there are few sites known overall from the landform, where fieldwalking has been employed, early prehistoric sites have been identified, and the actual number of sites is probably far higher than currently suspected. The Mesolithic sites show a clear topographic preference for valley sides and raised points above water courses, which echoes sites in the Trent Valley, and also in the uplands such as at Deepcar on the Millstone Grit.
Known Neolithic and Bronze Age sites are predominantly found on the interface with the gritstone on the Eastern Moors and the associations are almost identical to those of landform 1f. Extensive field systems and settlements along with funerary 'barrows'.
In the lower lying areas of the Coal Measures, Bronze Age occupation has been demonstrated through the excavation of Bronze Age occupation defined by a boundary ditch at Tibshelf.
The Roman period archaeology is centred on the remains at Chesterfield which was a short-lived fort later occupied as an industrial centre. There are also cropmark enclosure sites known, which may be Iron Age or Romano-British in origin, but illustrate the potential of the Coal Measures, where undisturbed, to host good visible cropmarks.
From the medieval period onwards, the archaeology of the Coal Measures is dominated by the industrial remains associated with the natural resources, predominantly coal and clay, but also sandstone and ironstone.
As well as the industrialised landscape, there are also significant remains of medieval and post-medieval agriculture in the form of ridge and furrow, which will mask, but also protect underlying archaeology.
The scale of post-medieval and modern industrial activity has undoubtedly had a detrimental effect on the archaeology of earlier periods, but the limited fieldwork undertaken on this landform has illustrated that there are surviving remains. Rapid landscape-scale prospection techniques such as fieldwalking and aerial photography have been proven to be effective on this landform.
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Evaluation and Mitigation Issues
The application of fieldwalking at Unstone has illustrated that this is a fruitful technique for this landform, where conditions are conducive.
Where arable land remains on the Coal Measures, and has not been impacted upon by later industry or development, there appears to be both good formation of cropmarks, and also reasonable survival of artefacts within the ploughsoil. This suggests the applicability of aerial photography as a prospection method on the Coal Measures.”
4.1.6 Conclusion As most of the Great Oak site is covered by till this is a superficial geology which, although being known to host late prehistoric, Roman and medieval remains, has been shown by many published landscape studies to have lower densities of sites that can be found, for example, on sands and gravels. On the basis of a the results of the recent assessment of aggregates and archaeology in nearby Derbyshire (Brightman and Waddington 2011, Table 5) those parts of the Great Oak site underlain by sandstone in the eastern part of the site have some potential to host prehistoric sites and medieval and later remains dominated by quarrying, but a low potential to host Roman remains. The peat and alluvial deposits associated with the Brierly Brook stream course to the west of the site might also have potential to contain palaeo-environmental remains. However, this no longer falls within the revised site boundary.
4.2 Map Regression Analysis As part of the documentary research, an in-depth analysis of the early maps for the proposed development area and its surroundings was undertaken. A cartographic date range of 1718-2004 was obtained. Key features from the maps are considered below. Key features relevant the Audley Colliery (Diglake and Minnie shafts) and Jamage colliery are covered in the aerial photographic interpretation of the site in Appendix 5 and are therefore not reproduced here.
4.2.1 Plan of Mr. Parrots Estate, Bignall Hill (1718) (D593/H/3/193) (Fig. 2) This earliest consulted which depicts part of the Great Oak site in any detail. Present day field names, including Parrots Drumlin, indicate that Mr. Parrot’s estate included part of the northern end of the Great Oak site. Lower Wood on the 1718 map corresponds to the east- west aligned strip of woodland aligned on an east-west watercourse immediately north of the Great Oak site. The field layout is largely unrecognisable in comparison to today’s layout, largely due to the impact on the landscape of the later road, Jamage Colliery and works associated with the railway. However, it is evident that the farmstead which is at the centre of the Estate is situated within site boundary. This comprises at least two ranges surrounding a large farmyard with other ancillary buildings likely to be barns. The farmstead has two orchards and a formal garden appended on its south-western side.
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4.2.2 Yates’ map (1775) (Fig. 3) From the late Sixteenth century a number of small-scale maps of Staffordshire started to be produced and include maps such as Speed’s Map of 1610. These maps are incredibly informative for the county overall, but do not depict any detail pertaining to the study area beyond locating Audley and/or Talke. The first medium-scale map depicting the study area in any detail is Yates’ map of 1775. On this map there are some key features within the Great Oak site. Firstly, Ravens Lane is depicted towards the southern site boundary, as are the settlements Audley and Bignall Hill. Within the western part of the Great Oak site structures are shown along routeways that correspond roughly with the present locations of Great Oak Farm, Bonnie Braes Farm and Woodlands Farm. The topographic hachure labelled as Gem Edge refers to the escarpment upon which the Wedgwood Monument would eventually be built. Immediately east of the Great Oak site the north to south aligned routeway through Red Street is also depicted.
4.2.3 Audley and Woolstanton Enclosure Maps There are no enclosure maps for the proposed redevelopment area and this suggests that the area was already enclosed at an early date. There nearest enclosure maps are for Nutton Heath and Wollaston Marsh.
4.2.4 The Ordnance Survey Old Series 1 inch map surveyed 1833-43 (Fig. 4) The Old Series OS map of 1833-44 appears to depict a single building in the vicinity of the farmstead shown on the 1718 map which is labelled 'Parrots Barn'. Also depicted on this map are numerous ‘Coal Pits’ at Diglake Farm, and ‘Colliery’ is depicted further to the south where the Diglake Colliery is situated.
4.2.5 Tithe Map for Audley (D3729 6/17/6) (Fig. 5) Following the Yates map, the Audley tithe map is the next map to show the Great Oak site in detail. The tithe map depicts a number of features including the farmsteads of Great Oak, Bonnie Braes, Woodlands Farm, Jamage Farm along the periphery of the site. Within the interior of the site Diglake Farm is depicted. Although the main North Staffordshire railway was not in place until 1870, a small railway is shown linking the Ravens Lane/Bignall area with Diglake. At the end of the section of railway a mine shaft is depicted. This corresponds to the disused shaft depicted on the current OS map but not relocated during the walkover survey. North of the Diglake Farm shaft, another shaft is depicted corresponding with the location of the Minnie pit which was in operation between 1818-1854. This feature is shown on the current OS map and ancillary structures around it were located during the walkover survey. Around the area of the later Wedgwood Monument, the reservoir is depicted. As the Historic Landscape Characterisation suggests, a number of field boundaries particularly in the western half of the site remain the same as today. Particularly in the north of the site, however, many former field boundaries depicted on the Tithe map have now been removed due to later development (this is also the case for plots affected by the later insertion of the railway).
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4.2.6 Ordnance Survey First Edition 25” 1870 (Fig. 6) The Ordnance Survey first edition depicts a number of features of interest that contrast with the earlier Tithe map. A number of features are shown in the central portion of the site: the new Staffordshire Railway, the Diglake and Minnie Pit ‘Old Shafts’ and the working ‘Audley Colliery’ in the south. The Audley Colliery area also contains features such as a Limekiln and a Smithy. Moving east, fifthly, there are three ‘Old Shafts’ (Coal) depicted to the east of the site. The westernmost of these features was identified during the site visit (but now falls outside of the revised site boundary). To the north of these, the Wedgwood monument is depicted, and Jamage Colliery is depicted and to the south of this an ‘Old Quarry’, and to its west, within the site boundary, is a quarry with a coal shaft within it (AR18). There are a number of separate Ordnance Survey 25” maps depicting the Great Oak site. Sections of the 1877/79 to 1881 Ordnance Survey map 25” relating to Diglake and Jamage collieries are reproduced in more detail in Section 4.4 above.
4.2.7 Ordnance Survey 6” 1889 (Fig. 7) No significant new features are depicted within the environs of the site boundary on the 1889 OS map.
4.2.8 Ordnance Survey 6” 1900 (Fig. 8) A large reservoir east of Oldhill Wood to the south of Jamage Colliery had been constructed within the site boundary by 1900, and a new chemical works had been constructed immediately to the east of Jamage Colliery. There had also been a major reorganisation of the field systems within the site boundary, with many of the boundaries to the east of the railway being removed or straightened.
4.2.9 Ordnance Survey 6” 1911 (Fig. 9) No significant new features are depicted within the environs of the site boundary on the 1911 OS map.
4.2.10 Ordnance Survey 1925 6” (Fig. 10) The main developments by 1924/1925 are in the vicinity of Jamage Colliery. The only difference depicted in the Audley Colliery area is that the mine is depicted as disused on the 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1924. As such, the 6” map is not reproduced here. By 1924 the works in the Jamage area had expanded substantially. Several additional reservoirs were constructed and this includes two within the study area centred at SJ 8244 5127. Several finger-dumps of spoil are recorded at SJ 8259 5147 as well as additional potential spoil heaps located in proximity to the aforementioned reservoirs and further south at SJ 8255 5110, linked to the main Colliery and Chemical Works complex via additional tramways. The major change within the site boundary is the construction of the new Rookery Colliery buildings (AR14) and its associated tramway (AR15). The colliery had apparently been re- opened in 1898, but no evidence of this was visible on the 1900 and 1911 OS mapping.
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4.2.11 Ordnance Survey 1938-46 6” (Fig. 11) No significant new features are depicted within the environs of the site boundary on the 1938-46 OS mapping.
4.2.12 Ordnance Survey 1951 6” (Fig. 13). By the 1951 OS map Jam age Colliery is depicted at its greatest extent. The reservoirs to its south are now developed and previously installed reservoirs are labelled as ‘Old Levels’. The Audley Colliery area to the south is now fully disused as is the eastern branch of railway servicing it.
4.2.13 Ordnance Survey 1955 1:10 000 (Fig. 14). This map depicts both the Rookery and Jamage Collieries as ‘Disused’, although their appearance is little changed from the previous map.
4.2.14 Ordnance Survey 1967 1:10 000 (Fig. 15). By 1967, the majority of the colliery buildings had been demolished and the tramways lifted, although large spoil heaps surround the former Jamage site, with a smaller heap next to the former Rookery site. Oldhill wood, immediately to the east of the site boundary, had been greatly reduced in size since the previous map.
4.2.15 Ordnance Survey 1981 1:10 000 (Fig. 16). The only change depicted within the site boundary is the construction of Diglake Cottage close to the former colliery at Diglake Farm.
4.2.16 Ordnance Survey 1992 1:10 000 (Fig. 17). By 1992 the spoil heaps at Jamage had been landscaped and Diglake Cottage had been demolished. The smaller spoil heap adjacent to the former Rookery Colliery was still extant.
4.2.17 Ordnance Survey 2006 and 2012 1:10 000 (Fig. 18 and 19) These maps both depict the landscape as it is today, with no remaining spoil heaps associated with the former mining activity.
4.2.18 Maps not consulted As part of this desk-based assessment it was not possible to access two early maps of the site and held in Stoke On Trent: Bignall End, Plan of Division of Land, 1800 (Stoke On Trent, D4842) and Plan of Estate Belonging to T and J Wedgewood, 1803 (Stoke On Trent, D4842).
4.3 Geotechnical Investigations and Services Information UK Coal has commissioned a geotechnical report for the site (Silkstone Environmental 2013). However, this report contains a summary of geotechnical issues for the site only, and provides no information that is of archaeological interest. A trawl of Services Information is being undertaken by UK Coal, but the results of this are still awaited.
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4.4 Other Documentary Research: Trade Directories A consultation of trade directories for the study area demonstrated that Audley and Bignall End feature as regular entries from Whites directory of 1851 onwards. The 1851 entry describes Audley as: ‘Audley is an irregular built village, seated on a commanding eminence…5 miles NW of Newcastle Under Lyme. Its parish contains 4474 inhabitants… Bignall End (has a population 517)…In the parish are several extensive coal mines, which give employment to a great number of the inhabitants. For the conveyance of coal, Sir Nigel Gresleys canal was cut in 1775’ Later directories, for example Kelly’s directory of 1912, include a number of commercial businesses also list residents. Commercial residencies in 1912 include representatives of John Wedgwood, colliery owners and coke manufacturers, Bignall Hill Colliery. By 1940 only Jamage Colliery is listed in Kelly’s Directory.
4.5 Oral History and Photographic History Consultation of the William Salt Library identified no directly documented oral history pertinent to the proposed redevelopment area. However, a number of press statements incorporating quotes relating to the industrial history of the study area are recorded within publications such as ‘The Diglake Colliery Disaster’ (Dyble, 1995). These publications are fully incorporated into Section 4.7 below.
4.6 Portable Antiquities A consultation of the Portable Antiquities Database (www.finds.org.uk) showed that a single artefact, an Elizabethan lead token findspot (MST15421), had been recovered by the use of metal detectors within the immediate study area.
4.7 Period Synthesis Information from primary and secondary sources, including archaeological or historical journals, has been incorporated into this brief period synthesis.
4.7.1 Prehistoric Staffordshire was settled during the early Prehistoric period, and activity within the wider area surrounding the site occurs from the Neolithic period onwards. At this time much settlement activity was concentrated around River valleys, but Hillforts located upon rock outcrops are also a notable feature of the region (Leah et al. 1998, 95). There is little known prehistoric activity within the Great Oak site. However, the possible Bronze Age Round barrow (burial mound) and Early Bronze Age dagger (findspot uncertain) found in c. 1921 at the Bignall Hill reservoir site provide intriguing evidence for earlier prehistoric activity within the Great Oak development site. There are now no extant traces
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of this site. Furthermore, prehistoric heritage assets within 2km of the site (a Prehistoric barbed and tanged arrowhead findspot, two Neolithic/Bronze Age Axe hammers and a reference to a possible prehistoric hillfort) provide evidence for human activity within the wider study area during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, including possible funerary activity. Evidence of permanent settlement is sparse and is restricted to the reference to a hillfort. During the later Iron Age Staffordshire is thought to have been occupied by the Cornovii tribe to the west and the Corieltauvi to the east (Phillips and Phillips 2011, 26). Although the area did not have any real political unity at this time, the pattern of human settlement and landuse in Staffordshire becomes more closely aligned to the pattern that we observe during the succeeding Romano-British period. However, in the study are itself there is no known evidence for later prehistoric land use, and little can be said of the nature of occupation at the Great Oak site at this time.
4.7.2 Romano-British Staffordshire was certainly occupied in the Roman period, but a limited number of remains and finds in certain areas indicate that much of the modern county was wooded (Phillips and Pillips 2011, 26). Nevertheless, military campaigns in this frontier zone of the first century AD established a number of roads, marching camps and then permanent forts in the area ( ibid .). This is reflected by the Roman period sites (AD43-410AD) within 2km of the Great Oak site, comprising Chesterton Roman fort and the proposed Roman road from Littlechester to Chesterton (AR7) which is thought to pass through the site itself (there are also possible coin and pottery finds from and defence/administration within the study area. Chesterton fort was constructed as a permanent fort following the initial conquest of the area. It was carefully sited, with the ramparts erected close to the edge of a rocky outcrop. The outer ditch was dug into a hard-clay which overlies the sandstone. The innermost defensive ditch had been cut into sandstone bedrock, and originally measured 15ft wide by 5 to 6 ft deep, with a square-cut drainage channel at the bottom. The 25ft wide rampart was formed from two substantial turf walls filled with sandstone fragments. Just behind the rampart, and built into the back of it, was a large clay oven, typical of the arrangements in an auxiliary fort. In the area behind the ovens, a drainage ditch was found, probably marking the edge of the intervallum road. This road separated the Cook-house built into the back of the rampart from the timber barrack-blocks in the interior of the fort. (http://www.roman- britain.org/places/chesterton.htm). By the mid-second century military installations were replaced by civilian settlements as the Roman way of life was partly adopted by an indigenous population. The fort at Chesterton is likely to have attracted concentrated settlement activity at this time as evidenced by the settlement at Holditch ( ibid ). However, at this time there is little tangible evidence from the Great Oak site. Tangible evidence for settlement in Staffordshire declines in the later Roman period and there is no late Roman evidence from the immediate study area. In conclusion, with the exception of possible evidence for Roman communication and transport routes there is no known evidence for Roman period settlement within the Great Oak site.
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4.7.3 Early Medieval The end of the Roman period results in the absence of widespread evidence for settlement and landuse in much of Staffordshire. Nevertheless, evidence such as place names hint at an early history for certain places. Within the study area the placename ‘Talke’ may be a Celtic survival referring to a prominent hill (Phillips and Phillips 2011, 28) perhaps named by an early community. ‘Audley’ is an Old English name referring to the field (lea) of an Aldithe (a female personal name) (Speake 2000, 13) and may indicate some form of Anglo-Saxon agriculture, if not settlement, within the immediate Great Oak study area. However, there are only two early medieval sites (AD410-1066AD), within the vicinity of Great Oak (although just outside the study area); the documented village of Audley and an Anglian cross of the Ninth century but uncertain provenance. Audley appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, but is also likely to have Early Medieval origins. From the present evidence, although there was certainly early medieval settlement in the environs of Great Oak, little can be said of the nature of human settlement and land use at this time. It is likely that much of the site and immediate study area was agricultural land or, perhaps more likely, unmanaged woodland.
4.7.4 Medieval (AD 1066-1539) As noted above, the first tangible post-Roman evidence for documented settlement within the immediate study area is the Domesday Book (1086) reference to Audley. By the Norman period, however, there was certainly a notable settlement presence in Audley with Audley motte and bailey constructed by the Twelfth century and later a Church. There are also remains comprising ridge and furrow earthworks, deserted settlements and moated sites and vernacular buildings within the wider study area. However, from the present evidence, although there was certainly medieval settlement in the environs of Great Oak, is likely that much of the site itself was reserved for farming activities.
4.7.5 Post-Medieval (AD 1539-1720) Moving into the post-medieval period there are a number of sites which were identified during a walkover survey of the Chatterly Sidings area towards the western periphery of the study area including a field boundary, an embankment, a trackway, hollow-ways, a ditch, a dewpond and a possible quarry (SLR 2008). These monuments continue to reflect a largely agricultural study area with many features indicating the increased management of land partly in relation to extractive industries. Nevertheless, sites such as a formal garden, country farmhouses, a Chapel, a Church and a lead token findspot are all indicators that there was settlement above the level of pure subsistence in the immediate Great Oak study area and that there may have been some rural wealth to invest in post-medieval building. Yet, due in part to the industrial and later impact within the study area, we do not see a huge amount of evidence for activity within the Great Oak site at this time. From the present evidence, although there was certainly post-medieval settlement in the environs of Great Oak, it is likely that much of the site itself was reserved for agricultural land or pasture, and that some of the fields may have been laid-out at this time.
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Moving into the later post-medieval period we see the emergence of industry within the study area, including an iron working site, workers cottages, a glass furnace, a pottery kiln and associated infrastructure including a canal. These sites are incorporated into the discussion below.
4.7.6 Industrial (1720-1914) and Modern (1914-2050) At the start of the industrial revolution, industry changed the landscape of many towns and villages of Staffordshire very quickly, with certain industries coming to dominate certain towns, such as Brewing in Burton and silk-weaving in Leek. However, industry was also carried out in the countryside and for a long time a dual economy of agriculture and industry was practised in areas such as Bignall End. For example, the farmers of Audley were also practising as nailers in the early Eighteenth century (Palliser, 1976, 115). Rural industries, including mills and forges, relied heavily on water power and, before the emergence of coal as a fuel, the proximity of woodland for the production of charcoal to smelt iron was an important consideration ( ibid .). Canal routes also feature prominently in the study area as a means for transporting both raw materials and finished products. The inter-relationship of earlier industry and woodland is clearly demonstrated in the present study area where patches of woodland still dominate. This is also reflected by the distribution of historic woodland in the study area, as shown in the Staffordshire Historic Landscape Characterisation. Nevertheless, industrial period sites are well represented within the environs of the site, and include a town house, a watermill and mill pond, a milepost, two lodges, an iron working site, a churchyard, a model farm, a public park, the Wedgwood monument, a colliery chimney, a Church, a boundary hedge, a row of houses, a post box and a tramway. Moving into the Nineteenth century, however, the story of the study area becomes dominated by coal. Early exploitation of the local coal seam is evidenced in the immediate landscape with several ‘old coal shafts’ recorded on the 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1877-81, presumably disused by this time. Three shafts, known as the Minnie Pit, are situated c. 200m further north of the later Diglake Colliery. These were sunk in 1818 with the addition of a steam pump in the 1820s; however, since there was no rail or canal connection the workings became uneconomic and were abandoned in 1854. Further ‘old’ shafts are located to the east of the site. However, completion of the Audley line of the North Staffordshire Railway in 1870 led to the sinking of a second Diglake Colliery. The North Staffordshire Railway running through the study area eventually had branches to pits at Jamage, Chesterton and Bignall Hill. Passenger services commenced in 1880 and the branch closed in 1963 at the time of the Beeching Reforms. The former eastern branch of the railway line is now a tree-lined embankment, which is extant on the latest Google Earth imagery of August 2007 (see Site Visit). Also known as Diglake Colliery, Audley Colliery occupied a triangular plot of land some 0.05 km 2 in area, formed by the junction of the North Staffordshire Railway and an eastern branch line. The colliery comprised at least three shafts, which provided access to a complex
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underground network, several associated buildings and structures areas of spoil, and a number of tramways that connected to the North Staffordshire Railway. The Diglake Colliery was made notorious by a disaster of 14th January 1895, which saw areas of the mine flood when an inrush of water from old workings flooded the mine and some 77 miners lost their lives (Dyble, 1995). By this time the mine had been in operation for over 20 years, as it was recorded on the 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1877-81. It is believed that the mine was never re-opened following the disaster and is recorded as disused by the time of 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1924. The Diglake Colliery disaster was an appalling tragedy. A number of mine disasters are recorded in the parts of Staffordshire around the present study area. The very worst colliery disaster close to the Great Oak site, however, was at Shraley Brook, a flourishing mining village near Audley where 155 miners lost their lives in 1918 at the Podmore Hall Colliery (Palliser, 1976, 252). At the north of Great Oak site was the Jamage Colliery, one of a number of pits owned by the Bignall Hill Colliery Company, Jamage was opened in 1875 and closed in 1941. Recorded together with Brick Works on the 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1879-81, the Colliery comprises a shaft, associated buildings, areas of spoil and several tramways linking to the Jamage Branch of the North Staffordshire Railway. Sometime in the 1890s a Chemical Works was constructed just south of the Jamage Branch of the railway to the immediate east of the Jamage Colliery. The tramways linking to the Jamage Branchline extending southward into the Great Oak site and are recorded on the 1899 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map. The tramways led to the Chemical Works and also a newly created Reservoir, which appears to have enhanced an existing smaller pond. By 1924 the works had expanded substantially. Several additional reservoirs were constructed (including two within the study area centred). Several finger-dumps of spoil are recorded as well as additional potential spoil heaps located in proximity to the aforementioned reservoirs and further south, linked to the main Colliery and Chemical Works complex via additional tramways. The 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1938-9 confirms these to be the sites of ‘old levels’, presumably already disused by this date with the additional tramways no longer depicted. Vertical photography captured by the RAF in August 1945 shows remains of both Jamage Colliery and the Chemical Works, including spoil heaps, levels, associated buildings and tramways but by the 1951 1:10560 scale Ordnance Survey map the colliery is recorded as disused. The 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1957-62 records ‘opencast workings’, although no evidence of this could be discerned from the available aerial photographs. The land has since been reclaimed for arable cultivation and no evidence of the former colliery is visible on the latest 2007 Google Earth imagery. The Modern period sites (AD1900-) around the Great Oak site include a tramway, an industrial building, a mine spoilheap, an ironstone mine, a farmstead, a possible air raid shelter, a quarry), a railway tunnel, a coal cleaning plant and a filter bed and reflect the importance of industry to the area in the Twentieth century. There has also been alteration to the field layout within the site since the first edition 1:2500 scale County Series Ordnance Survey map of 1877. For example, the A500 was constructed in the early 1960s, first
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recorded on the Ordnance Survey map of 1963-7). This has impacted on the earlier field system, truncating a block of Post-Medieval narrow ridge and furrow.
4.8 Site Visit A site visit was undertaken on the 8th March 2012 and comprised a rapid walkover of the site and an appraisal of any identified archaeological features. This site walkover addressed a wider area than the proposed development site, as this was prior to the revision of the site boundary which reduced the area of the proposals considerably. Consequently, some features that are included in the following discussion are outside of the revised site boundary. Where features are discussed which are within the revised site boundary that is the subject of this updated DBA, they are referenced by their ‘AR’ project ID number used in the gazetteer in Appendix 1 and on Figure 20. The site visit established that the agricultural land within the site is currently operated almost exclusively as pasture, although there are some wetter areas around small watercourses that are effectively set-aside as boggy moor. As noted in Section 1.2 above, there is a north to south aligned irregular escarpment of higher land running roughly north south through the central portion of the site, the highest point lies to the centre east of the site ( c. 233m AOD) where the Wedgwood Monument is situated. Further to the west of this escarpment lie two watercourses. The western watercourse (Brierly Brook) is partially canalised in places but is mostly a north-east to south-west aligned brook flowing from north-east to south-west. The western brook lies at a low point of the site ( c. 139m AOD in places). East of the escarpment to the north-west of the site lies a north to south aligned watercourse that drains to the north. The very southeast extent of the site lies at a height of c. 217m AOD. A number of archaeological features that are not presently noted as heritage assets on the Staffordshire HER were noted during the site visit and are now discussed from west to east. Figure 30 provides a location plan of photographs of the archaeological features discussed. Towards the western extent of the site, in a field of short-grassed pasture immediately south of the Brierly Brook, two adjacent depressions in the ground were observed. The larger depression, over 20m wide, is depicted in Figure 26. These depressions may represent the surface remains of features depicted as ‘Old Shafts’ on the First Edition Ordnance survey map onwards, but may possibly also represent former surface extraction pits. A possible north to south aligned palaeochannel running from the northern extent of the depressions north-east to the Brierly Brook was also observed. Figure 27 shows the north-east to south-west aligned watercourse known as the Brierly Brook looking east along its valley. This is a good example of the boggy pasture with marshy patches of landscape found in the lower-lying parts of the site. To the north side of the brook a shallow, possibly artificial, bank was identified (Figure 28). This may be derived from an earlier cleaning-out of the brook. Towards the western extent of the brook a number of ceramic drainage pipes and some stonework, possibly reminiscent of a small ad-hoc bridge pier, was observed (Figure 27).
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East of Great Oak Farm a large pond feature was noted (Figure 29). This may be a natural spring-fed feature. Moving north-west, but still west of Bignall End road, the possible entrance to a disused shaft was noted. There are no further documentary tie-ins for this particular shaft and its date is unknown (Figure 30). Towards the northern extent of the site two possible north to south aligned small former water channels (AR2) were observed (Figure 36). At this point the east west aligned 1960s road can be seen to be cutting through the landscape. Moving towards the centre of the Great Oak site, the most significant landscape feature to be observed is the dismantled portion of the North Staffordshire railway that runs on a north-north-east to south-south-west alignment through the site (AR7). In the central portion of the site the former railway was observed as a steep cutting and associated banking material. At this point no structural remains were observed (Figure 32). Towards the northern extent of the site the former railway was observed as a very deep cutting (Figure 33), at this point there was also a fine extant rail bridge built of sandstone and reinforced with iron/steel bars (Figure 34). Further south, another rail-bridge was observed. This bridge carried the railway over an east-west aligned metalled trackway towards Diglake Farm (Figure 35). At Diglake Farm, the disused shaft that is presently marked on the Ordnance Survey map was not observed, although access around the farm was restricted. However, these sites have been noted by the aerial photographic analysis (see Figure 18). Just south of the Diglake Farm rail bridge a brick building ( c. 5m by 2m) built on top of the embankment was observed. The function of this building is uncertain but it seems to be contemporary with the railway (Figure 36). Moving further south along the track south of Diglake Farm the railway course becomes less certain, but is certainly raised onto the former slag heap (Figure 37). At the southern extent of the site, the former slag heap so prominent in the late Nineteenth century (Figure 25), was observed to be landscaped and somewhat denuded (Figure 38). Moving east of the dismantled railway the landscape becomes more undulating with a number of knolly areas west of the Wedgwood monument. In this half of the site a number of further features were observed. Towards the northern extent of the site, not far to the east of the course of the railway, remains associated with the buildings depicted on the 1946 map as Rookery Colliery were observed. Buildings are depicted in this area from as early as the first edition Ordnance Survey map. There were at least two ranges of structures ( c.2m by 6m) observed constructed of reinforced concrete both aligned north to south (Figures 39 and 40). The eastern building was associated with a possible freestanding lavatory or tank, also of reinforced concrete. South of the reinforced concrete buildings was a lake, probably artificially enhanced as a fishing lake, but perhaps also originally associated with the now disused mine workings. Immediately west of the lake was part of a large spoil heap associated either with the lake
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excavation itself or former mine workings. In this area, a number of the natural former land surfaces appeared to be obscured by later spoil, now overgrown. Moving further south, although the former shaft around Diglake Farm could not be relocated, the sites of the former Diglake Colliery shafts 1 and 2 (the site of the 1895 disaster) were successfully located (Figure 43 and 46). The overall area of the shaft workings has been artificially raised and flattened and is now wooded, implying that spoil heaps had been landscaped in a number of areas (Figure 42). The southern Diglake shaft (Shaft 1), site of the 1895 disaster, was observed as a partially buried structure (Figure 43) c.15m east of the most northerly cottage of Bignall End. The shaft opening had been walled, presumably to shore up the opening and provide a structure for equipment such as winches to be inserted. The wall was of mortar-bonded red brick approximately 4 skins thick. In plan, the structure was mostly circular but with a flat western side. Along the flat side, holes in the brick work, presumably to house structural iron/steelwork (now gone) such as a domed cover, were observed. The shaft structure was observed to a maximum height of c.1m. Immediately south of Diglake Shaft 1 a banked area of possibly landscaped shaft spoil, aligned east west was observed, running alongside the present wooded plot boundary (Figure 47). This tree lined embankment also aligns with the route of the former eastern branch of the North Staffordshire railway line. Immediately east of Diglake Shaft 1, a number of possible mineral rail sleepers constructed of now quite decayed timbers were observed running in a north-east to south-west direction (Figure 45). No rail was present. It is possible that these possible sleepers represent an ad hoc construction associated with the former shafts, but this remains uncertain. Around 20 metres east-north-east of the first shaft, a second shaft (Diglake Shaft 2), also the site of the 1895 disaster and depicted on the Ordnance Survey mapping, was identified (Figure 46). The second shaft appeared structurally identical to the first, but was buried to a greater extent making any distinguishing structural features impossible to observe. Moving further east towards the Wedgwood Monument, another disused mine shaft was observed (Figure 47). This shaft, depicted on the Ordnance Survey map, appeared as a shallow depression in the ground and no structural remains were apparent. Presumably this shaft had both been backfilled and dismantled as it went out of use. Moving on to the higher land towards the east of the Great Oak site the Bignall Hill reservoir was observed (Figure 48). This is the proposed site of a Bronze Age barrow and dagger find but is now an area containing modern period landscaping, and no earthworks relating to possible prehistoric features could be observed. The reservoir site itself is not within the Great Oak site boundary. The most prominent feature in this part of the site, however, is the Wedgwood monument (see Gazetteer for fuller discussion, Figure 49). Although the monument is in a poor state of repair and is vastly reduced from its original size it still commands the horizon from a number of points in the Great Oak site and is a prominent landmark. A typical viewshed
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from the monument is depicted in Figure 50 which demonstrates the scale of the view from the monument north towards Talke. In the north-east of the site (Figure 50) Jamage Farm was clearly visible and the surrounding landscape, now pasture, has been significantly re-landscaped following the disuse of the Jamage Colliery. Oldhill Wood and a number of small watercourses were observed (see left of Figure 50), but no archaeological features remain extant. Finally, within the extreme south of the site another brick built feature, possibly a well or uncovered manhole, was observed (Figure 51). This feature, c.1m square, is possibly early Twentieth century in date but its function is uncertain. There are a number of structures, including stabling, in this area and structures such as this remind us that there may be a number of sub-surface services present in the parts of the site nearer to Bignall Hill/Bignall End.
5 BASELINE CONDITIONS 5.1 Designated Assets
5.1.1 Scheduled Monuments The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)’s archaeological advisors, English Heritage, maintains a schedule of nationally important historic sites and monuments which are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. On-Site There are no Scheduled Monuments located within the Site. Off-Site There are 16 Scheduled Monuments within 10km of the site boundary. These are discussed in more detail in the setting study in Appendix 6. The closest Scheduled Monument to the site is Castle Hill Motte at Audley (NHLE no.1011071), c.1km to the west.
5.1.2 Listed Buildings The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is responsible for compiling a statutory list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest and English Heritage provides advice and maintains this list. On-Site There are no Listed Buildings located within the site. Off-Site There are four Listed Buildings within the wider 1km study area, which are illustrated in blue on Figure 20, and further details are provided in the Gazetteer in Appendix 2. There are also nine Grade I and 54 Grade II* Listed Buildings located within 10km of the Site. These are discussed in more detail in the setting study in Appendix 6. In addition, there are 623 Grade
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II Listed Buildings within 10km of the site, the closest being Wedgewood’s Monument (NHLE no. 1374392), c. 270m to the east. Table 1: Listed Buildings Located Within 1 km of the Site Project ID NHL No. Grade Description
LB1 1374409 II Hullock’s Pool Farmhouse
LB2 1038561 II Bignall End milepost at grid reference SK805 510
LB3 1374392 II Wedgwood Monument
LB4 1374407 II Harecastle Farmhouse, Newcastle Road
5.1.3 Conservation Areas Local authorities are afforded the power under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to designate as a Conservation Area any area of ‘special architectural or historic interest’ which is seen as worth protecting or enhancing. Local authorities have extra powers in such areas as regards demolition, minor developments, and the protection of trees. On-Site There are no Conservation Areas located within the site. Off-Site There is one Conservation Area located within 1 km of the site as described Table 5 below: Table 2: Conservation Areas Located Within 1 km of the Site Project ID Description CA1 Audley Conservation Area
5.1.4 Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest English Heritage is enabled by Section 8C of the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 (inserted by Section 33 of, and Paragraph 10 of Section 4, to the National Heritage Act 1983) to compile the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. NPPF paragraph 134 states that substantial harm to or loss of a Grade II park or garden should be ‘exceptional’ and should require ‘clear and convincing justification’. Substantial harm to or loss of Grade I and Grade II* parks and gardens should be ‘wholly exceptional’. Significance can be harmed or lost through alteration or destruction of the heritage asset or development within its setting. On-Site There are no Registered Parks or Gardens located within the Site.
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Off-Site There are nine Registered Park and Gardens within 10km of the site, the nearest being Victoria Park, Tunstall (NHLE no.1001590), c. 3.5km to the east of the site. Further discussion concerning these can be found in the setting study in Appendix 6.
5.1.5 Historic Battlefields Since 1995, English Heritage has compiled the Register of Historic Battlefields. Although the Register is non-statutory, local authorities are required to take the historic importance of sites into consideration when considering planning applications. NPPF paragraph 134 states that substantial harm to or loss of Registered Battlefields should be ‘wholly exceptional’. Significance can be harmed or lost through alteration or destruction of the heritage asset or development within its setting. On-Site There are no Historic Battlefields located within the Site. Off-Site There are no Historic Battlefields within 10km of the Site. The nearest Registered Battlefield, the site of the Battle of Nantwich (1644) and is located c.16.9km to the west of the site.
5.1.6 World Heritage Sites The Convention Concerning the World Cultural Heritage (1972), ratified by the UK Government, provides the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) with the power to inscribe sites of international importance as World Heritage Sites. Local authorities and stakeholders are encouraged to protect these sites through the production of Management Plans which aim to manage the sites in a sustainable fashion. Furthermore, NPPF paragraph 134 states that substantial harm to or loss of World Heritage Sites should be ‘wholly exceptional’. Significance can be harmed or lost through alteration or destruction of the heritage asset or development within its setting. On-Site There are no World Heritage Sites located within the proposed development ‘red-line boundary’. Off-Site There are no World Heritage Sites located within 10km of the Site. The nearest World Heritage Site, Derwent Valley Mills (NHLE no.1000100), is located c. 45km to the east of the site.
5.1.7 Historically Important Hedgerows Under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 , hedgerows are afforded statutory protection should they qualify as being ‘important’ for historical or archaeological reasons (amongst others). The historical and archaeological criteria are detailed in Schedule 1 Part 2 of the Regulations, and include;
Hedgerows which mark pre-1850 parish boundaries;
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Hedgerows which incorporate or are within Scheduled Monuments or sites listed on an SMR/HER;
Hedgerows which mark the boundary of a pre-1600 estate or manor;
Hedgerows which are an integral part of a field system pre-dating the Enclosure Acts (meaning an Enclosure Act mentioned in the Short Titles Act; the earliest of these was made in 1845). Part 3 of the Regulations state: (1) These regulations apply to any hedgerow growing in, or adjacent to, any common land, protected land, or land used for agriculture, forestry or the breeding or keeping of horses, ponies or donkeys, if— (a) it has a continuous length of, or exceeding, 20 metres; or (b) it has a continuous length of less than 20 metres and, at each end, meets (whether by intersection or junction) another hedgerow. And: (5) For the purposes of ascertaining the length of any hedgerow— (a) any gap resulting from a contravention of these Regulations; and (b) any gap not exceeding 20 metres, shall be treated as part of the hedgerow. The Hedgerow Regulations do not define precisely what a hedgerow is, but the associated guidance document states that: ‘ In the absence of a statutory definition, the courts are likely to give the word its ordinary, natural meaning, such as that found in a good dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary definition (2 nd edition 1989) may therefore be used as a guide; ‘A row of bushes forming a hedge, with the trees etc growing in it; a line of a hedge. For the purposes of the Regulations, the hedgerow does not have to contain trees, but any trees growing in it form part of the hedgerow. Where a former hedgerow has not been actively managed and has been grown into a line of trees, it is not covered by the Regulations’ (Hedgerow Regulations 1997: A Guide to the Law and Good Practice , paragraphs 3.3 - 3.4). An assessment was made of all hedgerows within the site boundary to ascertain which, if any, would qualify as ‘historically important’ under the terms of the Regulations. This was achieved by geo-referencing the 1840 Audley Tithe Map, and comparing this against the modern Ordnance Survey mapping to identify any field boundaries likely to be survivals from 1840. Subsequent historical OS maps were studied to identify any later alterations to these boundaries. A site walkover was then undertaken to ‘ground-truth’ the findings and assess the character of the hedgerows which survive on these historic boundaries. A total of 20 field boundaries were identified which had the potential to support hedgerows which would be designated as ‘historically important’ under the Regulations, and these are depicted in blue on Figure 21. A number of the historic field boundaries were found to have
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hedgerows which were grown out and untended, and therefore likely not to qualify as protected under the terms of the Regulations. These include four where only lines of trees now mark the course of the boundary (Plates 55, 56, 74 and 75), which would not be protected under the Regulations, and three where overgrown bushes survive as well as trees, and which therefore might qualify. These latter examples (H6, H17 and H18) have been depicted with dashed green lines on Figure 21. Nevertheless, a total of 15 hedgerows were identified within the site boundary which it is considered would qualify as ‘historically important’ under the Hedgerow Regulations. These are depicted in green on Figure 21 and full details of the assessment are provided in Appendix 4. Photographs of these hedgerows can be found in Figures 52 – 75.
5.2 Non-Designated Assets
5.2.1 Archaeological Remains On-Site There are 18 known Archaeological Remains within the site boundary. These are depicted in brown on Figure 20 and further details are provided in the Gazetteer in Appendix 1, and in Table 3 below. The ‘value’ scores have been assigned using the criteria for assessing impacts to cultural heritage assets outlined in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DfT 2007). Table 3: Non-designated Archaeological Remains located within the site Project ID HER ID NMR ID Description Value AR5 N/A N/A Ridge and furrow (levelled) Negligible AR6 N/A N/A Ridge and furrow (levelled) Negligible AR7 N/A 1325535 King Street Roman Road Medium Talk Of The Hill Branch Mineral Negligible AR9 N/A 1370354 Railway AR10 N/A N/A Quarries Negligible AR14 N/A N/A Rookery Colliery Low AR15 N/A N/A Tramway (site of) Negligible AR16 N/A N/A Parrott’s Barn (site of) Negligible AR17 N/A N/A Farmstead (site of) Low - Medium AR18 N/A N/A Disused mine shaft and quarry Low AR19 N/A N/A Ridge and furrow (levelled) Negligible AR23 N/A N/A Ridge and furrow (levelled) Negligible AR24 N/A N/A Diglake Farm Colliery Low AR25 N/A N/A Ridge and furrow (levelled) Negligible AR31 N/A N/A Ridge and furrow (levelled) Negligible AR32 N/A N/A Ridge and furrow (levelled) Negligible
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Project ID HER ID NMR ID Description Value AR33 N/A N/A Ridge and furrow (levelled) Negligible AR34 N/A N/A Ridge and furrow (extant) Low
Off-Site There are a further 22 Archaeological remains within the 1km study area, as listed in Table 4 below. These are depicted in brown on Figure 20, and further details can be found in the Gazetteer in Appendix 1. Table 4: Non-designated Archaeological Remains located within 1km of the site Project ID HER ID NRHE ID Description AR1 MST10455 N/A Hullock's Pool Farmhouse, Audley AR2 N/A N/A Linear earthworks AR3 MST15421 N/A Lead Token Findspot, Newcastle-under-Lyme AR4 N/A 76166 Perf stone axe hammer BA AR8 MST6091 N/A Site of Kiln, Audley AR11 N/A 1370354 Talk Of The Hill Branch Mineral Railway AR12 MST713 N/A Chapel, Talke (site of) AR13 MST14193 N/A Harecastle Farm, Kidsgrove Hedge Boundary, Chatterley Sidings, AR20 MST13743 N/A Newcastle AR21 MST14055 N/A Bassey Ironstone Mine, Chatterley AR22 N/A 1500951 Wesleyan Methodist chapel (site of) AR26 MST13226 N/A Boyles Hall, Audley (site of) AR27 MST494 N/A Axe Hammer, Bignall End, Audley AR28 N/A N/A Coal mine shaft AR29 N/A N/A Coal mine shaft AR30 N/A N/A Rail sleepers associated with mine shafts AR35 MST506 N/A Bignall Hill Bronze Dagger AR36 MST445 N/A Bignall Hill Round Barrow AR37 N/A 76150 EBA bronze dagger (findspot) AR38 MST4495 N/A Pottery Kilns, Bell's Hollow, Newcastle AR39 MST1774 N/A Cross Remains, Chesterton (site of) AR40 MST2057 76155 Red Street Glass Furnace (site of)
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5.2.2 Historic Buildings Six non-designated Historic Buildings have been identified in the course of this assessment using the data sources listed in Section 3. These buildings are depicted in light blue on Figure 20, and details are provided in the Gazetteer in Appendix 2 and in Tables 5 and 6 below. On-Site There are two Historic Buildings within the limits of the proposed development site. Table 5: Non-designated Historic Buildings located with the site boundary ID HER ID Description Value
HB4 N/A Sandstone rail bridge east of Woodlands Farm Negligible - Low
HB5 N/A Sandstone rail bridge west of Diglake Farm Negligible - Low
Off-Site The four off-site Historic Buildings within the Study Area comprise: Table 6: Non-designated Historic Buildings located with the 1km study area ID HER ID Description Value
HB1 MST18374 Post Box, Chapel Street/Albert Road, Bignall End Low
HB2 N/A Fingerpost, junction of Great Oak and Binall End Road Low
HB3 N/A Oaklee House, Bignall End Road Low
HB6 N/A Bus shelter, Bignall hill, Bignall End Low
5.2.3 Historic Landscape The Staffordshire HLC was completed between April 2003 and March 2006 and was carried out in partnership with English Heritage as part of a national programme. Although the original HLC mapping was ‘value-free’, a second phase of work which ascribed values to the HLC types was carried out (SCC 2008). This phase of work was carried out in response to a request by Stafford Borough Council to provide baseline data for their proposed housing allocation areas as part of the Local Development Framework (LDF), and the sensitivity scores in Tables 9 and 10 below have been adopted from this study. It should be noted that the sensitivity scores do not correspond to those derived from the methodology in Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DfT 2007).
A total of 15 ‘refined’ HLC types were identified within the study area, and these are mapped on Figure 22, and described in more detail in Appendix 3, and listed in Tables 7 and 8 below. On-Site There are two refined HLC types within the limits of the proposed development Site, as tabulated below. However, it should be noted that to the east of the railway line, the ‘Early
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Irregular Enclosure’ type has undergone significant alteration, and should more properly be regarded as ‘Post 1880s Re-organised Fields’. Nevertheless, to the west of the railway line the character remains ‘Early Irregular Fields’ and this reflects the character of the wider landscape. Table 7: HLC types Located within the site boundary Refined HLC type Sensitivity Early Irregular Enclosure Low Post War Amalgamated Fields Low Post 1880s Reorganised Fields Low
Off-Site The 15 off-Site Historic Landscape types within the study area comprise: Table 8: HLC Broad Types within the 1km study area Refined HLC type Sensitivity Ancient Woodland High Communications Low Early Assarts High Early Irregular Enclosure High Early Reorganised Piecemeal Enclosure High Early Small Rectilinear Fields High Industrial and extractive Low-High Other Parkland Low Plantations Low-High Post 1880s Reorganised Fields Low Post 1880s Settlement Low Post 1880s Small Replanned Enclosure Low Post War Amalgamated Fields Low Pre 1880s Settlement High Recent Woodland Clearance Low
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6 STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL Within the site itself there are 17 known heritage assets. These comprise eight discrete areas of levelled ridge and furrow of negligible sensitivity, and one area of extant ridge and furrow of low sensitivity, which were identified by the AP survey. It should be noted, however, that ridge and furrow can sometimes preserve any surviving sub-surface remains particularly well due to the greater depth of soil that is mounded up to from the rigg, thereby giving greater protection from the destructive effect of ploughing to buried features. If any archaeological remains do survive underneath ridge and furrow areas on the site their level of truncation by subsequent ploughing is likely to be less than if it was flat arable land. Other assets include the sites of two former collieries (Diglake Farm and Rookery) which are of local (low) value, and the sites of associated mineral railways/tramways which are of negligible value as they have been removed and there will be little, if anything, surviving archaeologically. The route of the former Audley Branch Railway and two railway bridges which span it also fall within the site boundary, and these are considered to be of low value. Of greater sensitivity are the course of King’s Street Roman road, which is thought to bisect the north-eastern part of the site (AR7), and the site of the farmstead that was depicted on the 1718 Estate map. This farmstead (AR17) was quite extensive and potentially high status, as it appears from the estate map to be the seat of the estate. The fact that it is also situated on the presumed course of the Roman road suggests there may be some historic depth to settlement activity at this location. It is considered that the Roman road is of medium sensitivity, and the site of the farmstead is of low or medium sensitivity, depending upon its antiquity, and the state of survival of any archaeological features associated with it. There are two HLC types within the site boundary, one of which, Post War Amalgamated Fields was considered by SCC as having low sensitivity to change (SCC 2008, 5). However, Early Irregular Enclosure, which is mapped across the western side of the site, was considered to be of high sensitivity (SCC 2008, 5). It should be noted that the area to the east of the railway line mapped as Early Irregular Enclosure underwent significant alteration in the 1890s, and therefore is more fittingly described as Post 1880s Re-organised Fields, a type which was considered to be of low sensitivity (SCC 2008, 5). It is noted that the methodology which identified the sensitivity ratings for Staffordshire HLC types is no longer considered best practice (Debbie Taylor, Landscape Archaeologist for SCC, pers. comm. ). However, an assessment using the new methodology, based upon Conservation Principles (English Heritage 2008) has not yet been completed the Newcastle-under Lyme District., and therefore it is considered that the earlier sensitivity ratings still provide a useful measure of the potential sensitivity of the landscape to change. This evidence indicates a low to moderate potential for prehistoric remains, a high potential for Roman remains, and a low to moderate potential for medieval remains to be located within the Great Oak site itself. From the 17 th century, however, industrial activity is frequently attested. Within a wider 2km study area, this is reflected most strongly in the designated monuments (Listed Buildings) but also within non-designated heritage assets. Furthermore, in most parts of the widest 2-5km study area, particularly Staffordshire, there is a significant peak of activity
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during the nineteenth century reflecting the strong industrial heritage and the dominance of extractive industries such as coal mining and associated infrastructure (e.g. train lines) at this time. Walkover survey at Chatterly Sidings (SLR 2008), outside the development area, has also indicated the potential for extant remains relating to slightly earlier post-medieval agricultural practices to be present within the study area in the form of earthwork features. The impression of increasing later Post-Medieval, Industrial and Modern period activity within the study area was confirmed by the observations made during the aerial photographic analysis and site visit, if not by an abundance of formally document designated and non-designated heritage assets. The site visit identified 20 extant features visible at ground level of archaeological potential, dating to the Industrial period and later, that might be considered equivalent to non- designated heritage assets (although it should be noted that many of these are outside of the revised site boundary). These are (broadly from west to east) a possible shaft/quarry, stonework adjacent to a brook, a bank next to a brook, a possible disused shaft entrance (on OS mapping), earthworks denoting the line of the former North Staffordshire railway and two shorter branches, two rail bridges, a brick building atop a former railway embankment, a large area of artificial raised ground denoting former colliery slag heap (now partially landscaped), two possible colliery buildings at the Minnie pit site, a possibly artificially enhanced lake and slag heap, shafts 1 and 2 of Diglake Colliery (on OS mapping) the site of the 1895 disaster, possible timber rail sleepers, an unnamed shaft west of the Wedgwood monument (on OS mapping), the now landscaped remains of Jamage Colliery/works and a possible well or manhole. The aerial photographic analysis confirmed a number of the observations made during the site visit but also identified areas of levelled and extant ridge and furrow cultivation remnants of likely post-medieval date. The extant ridge and furrow coincides with those areas defined in the Staffordshire Historic Landscape Characterisation as irregular fields of post-medieval type. The aerial photographic analysis also identified certain industrial features not observed during the site visit for access reasons, such as the shafts around Diglake Farm, a railway embankment and further areas of quarrying. This assessment has also identified that there is potential for a number of mine shafts, extraction areas and other industrial workings to survive as sub-surface remains within the Great Oak site. This includes the areas around the Diglake Colliery, the short-lived Minnie Pit, the Jamage Colliery and works to the northern extent of the site and an unnamed shaft to the west of the Wedgwood Monument. In addition, the sub-surface extent of the Diglake Colliery shafts, the site of the 1895 disaster, are well recorded (Appendix 5) and there is the likelihood of a variety of remains associated with the mine to survive within. The combined evidence therefore indicates a moderate potential for post-medieval remains and a high and known potential for Industrial period and later remains to be located within the Great Oak site. However, at present there are parts of the Great Oak site where the archaeological potential is not yet known.
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7 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE On the basis of existing evidence it is considered that any Prehistoric or Roman archaeological features encountered within the Great Oak site would be of local or regional significance, whilst medieval or post-medieval features would be of local significance only. Where a documented historical context is not apparent then Industrial period (and later) remains are of local significance only. It is presently difficult to assess the significance of partially extant remains in a number of areas (for example the former Minnie Pit) as the full extent and state of preservation of these remains has not been observed in any detail.
8 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON SIGNIFICANCE There will be direct impacts to known heritage assets and features of possible equivalent importance within the Great Oak site. There is also potential for impacts to occur to as yet unidentified archaeological features in those areas not affected by industrial development. However, given that those areas have been under agriculture for many years, and some areas ploughed in medieval and post-medieval times, any prehistoric or Roman remains that could survive are likely to be truncated, although the ridge and furrow areas may preserve earlier remains in fairly good condition. As most of the ground is covered by till this is a superficial heavy and relatively poorly-drained geology which, although being known to occasionally host prehistoric and Roman remains, has been shown by many published landscape studies to be typically less likely to host the same density of sites that are found on, for example, sands and gravels. On the basis of a the results of the recent assessment of aggregates and archaeology in nearby Derbyshire (Brightman and Waddington 2011, Table 5) those parts of the site underlain by sandstone in the eastern part of the site may be more likely to have a higher density of any surviving sub-surface remains than the areas of till, including potentially the Roman road. There is also the potential for indirect impacts to the settings of heritage assets within the wider study area. These potential impacts are discussed in more detail in the setting study in Appendix 6.
9 STATEMENTS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 9.1 Publicity, Confidentiality and Copyright Any publicity will be handled by the client. Archaeological Research Services Ltd will retain the copyright of all documentary and photographic material under the Copyright, Designs and Patent Act (1988). 9.2 Statement of Indemnity All statements and opinions contained within this report arising from the works undertaken are offered in good faith and compiled according to professional standards. No responsibility can be accepted by the author/s of the report for any errors of fact or opinion
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resulting from data supplied by any third party, or for loss or other consequence arising from decisions or actions made upon the basis of facts or opinions expressed in any such report(s), howsoever such facts and opinions may have been derived. 9.3 Acknowledgements Archaeological Research Services Ltd would like thank David Green and Dave Lambert of UK Coal for commissioning the work, the landowners and their agents at the Great Oak site for allowing access, the Cheshire, Stoke On Trent and Staffordshire HERs for providing data and advice, and Jenna Conway, Kate Newsum-Smith and Simon Heaton at Heaton Planning for their assistance.
10 REFERENCES Brightman, J. and Waddington, C. 2011. Archaeology and Aggregates in Derbyshire and the Peak District: A Resource Assessment and Management Framework. ARS Report No. 2011/101 Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). 2010. Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment . London, The Stationery Office. Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and English Heritage (EH). 2010. PPS 5 Planning for the Historic Environment: Historic Environment Planning Practice Guide . London, English Heritage. Department for Transport (DfT). 2007. Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 11, Section 3 Part 2 Dyble, D. 1995 Diglake Colliery Disaster , Roggin Publications. English Heritage 2006a. Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MoRPHE ). London, English Heritage. English Heritage 2006b. Understanding Historic Buildings. A guide to good recording practice. London: English Heritage. English Heritage 2008. Conservation Principles: Policies and Guidance . London, English Heritage. English Heritage 2011. The Setting of Heritage Assets. English Heritage Guidance . London, English Heritage. Institute for Archaeologists 2008. Code of approved practice for the regulation of contractual arrangements in field archaeology . Reading, Institute for Archaeologists. Institute for Archaeologists 2009. Code of Conduct . Reading, Institute for Archaeologists. Institute for Archaeologists 2012. Standard and Guidance for historic Environment Desk- Based Assessments . Reading, Institute for Archaeologists. Lancaster, T. 2009. Audley Through Time . Amberley Publishing, Stroud.
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Leah, M. et al. 1998 . The Wetlands of Shropshire and Staffordshire . North West Wetlands Survey 5. Lancaster Imprints 7. Lancaster University Archaeological Unit. Minerals and Historic Environment Forum (MHEF). 2008. Mineral Extraction and Archaeology: A Practice Guide . London, Minerals and Historic Environment Forum and English Heritage. Phillips, A.D.M. and Phillips, C. B. An Historical Atlas of Staffordshire. Manchester University Press. 2011. Silkstone Environmental Ltd. 2013. Geotechnical Report for the Great Oak Site. SLR Consulting, 2008. An archaeological desk based SJ 8426 5138 assessment of land at Chatterley Sidings, Newcastle-under-Lyme. Speake, R. 1993. Audley In Old Picture Postcards . Volume 1. European Library – Zaltbommel/Netherlands. Speake, R. 1993. Audley In Old Picture Postcards . Volume 2. European Library – Zaltbommel/Netherlands. Staffordshire County Council. 2008. Methodology for Producing the Historic Environment Summaries
Websites: British Geological Service. Geology Viewer
http://www.warrinerprimaries.com
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/coalface/Mouldspits/dpits.htm
http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/engine/resource/default.asp?resource=4361
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APPENDIX 1: GAZETTEER OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS
Project HER ID NRHE ID Name Description ID An isolated farmstead laid out around a loose, Hullock's Pool two sided courtyard with detached farmhouse. AR1 MST10455 N/A Farmhouse, The farmstead possibly dates to circa 1600 and Audley is still partly extant, although much altered. The farmhouse is a Grade II Listed Building (LB1) Two linear earthworks identified as 'small Linear AR2 N/A N/A former water channels' were identified during earthworks the walkover survey of the larger A cast lead token decorated on both sides, Lead Token recovered during metal detecting in Newcastle- Findspot, AR3 MST15421 N/A under-Lyme parish around June 2004. Similar to Newcastle- a late 16th century/Elizabethan derivative token under-Lyme and so of possible similar date. A hollow-sided, granite axe-hammer, measuring Perf stone axe AR4 N/A 76166 6 ins by 3 1/4 ins with a perforation 1 1/4 ins in hammer BA diameter, was found at Bignall End. Ridge and An area of ridge and furrow (now levelled) AR5 N/A N/A furrow identified from air photos (levelled) Ridge and An area of ridge and furrow (now levelled) AR6 N/A N/A furrow identified from air photos (levelled) Roman road (RR70a) running from Chesterton AR7 N/A 1325535 King Street to Wilderspool. Site of Kiln, A field marked 'Kiln Croft' on an estate map, AR8 MST6091 N/A Audley indicating the possible site of a kiln A section of the North Staffordshire Railway, Audley Branch opened in 1870 with branches to pits at Jamage, AR9 N/A 76170 Railway Chesterton and Bignall Hill. Passenger services commenced in 1880. The branch closed in 1963. Three rectangular features are depicted on the Quarries (site 1718 Estate map. Two ponds are depicted at AR10 N/A N/A of) this location on the OS 1st Edition of 1877, so it is likely that these were former quarries. The Talk of the Hill Branch mineral railway Talk Of The opened from Chatterley on the main North Hill Branch AR11 N/A 1370354 Staffordshire Railway to the Talk of the Hill Mineral Colliery in 1860. The pit closed in 1931 and the Railway line has been dismantled. Chapel, Talke The site of an eighteenth century chapel of AR12 MST713 N/A (site of) ease.
AR13 MST14193 N/A Harecastle An isolated farmstead laid out around a loose,
A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, Bignall, Staffordshire
Project HER ID NRHE ID Name Description ID Farm, two sided courtyard with detached farmhouse. Kidsgrove The farmstead possibly dates to circa 1600 and is still partly extant, although much altered. ‘Old shaft (coal)' is depicted twice in this area on the Ordnance Survey 1st edition of 1877. This is the site of the Rookery Colliery which was originally sunk in 1828 by John Wedgewood, but abandoned at the same time as Diglake, in Rookery AR14 N/A N/A 1854, when it became flooded due to the Colliery cessation of the Diglake pumps. It was reopened about 1898 when the second Diglake Colliery was recovered following the inundation. The colliery was worked until 1947, when it was closed by the NCB. A tramway connecting the Rookery Colliery to the Jamage Branch rail line had been constructed by 1925, with a footbridge allowing Tramway (site AR15 N/A N/A access via the footpath which crossed the site of of) the former farmstead. The tramway was still extant, though disused in 1955, but had been dismantled by 1967. A field barn is depicted on the 1840 Audley Tithe map, located on the field boundary between 'Sprink' and 'Sprink Croft'. This is likely Parrot's Barn AR16 N/A N/A to be 'Parrot's Barn' which is depicted on the OS (site of) Old Series map of 1833-44. The barn was no longer depicted on the OS 25 inch 1st edition of 1877. A farmstead is depicted at this location on the 1718 estate map, comprising at least two ranges surrounding a large farmyard with other ancillary buildings likely to be barns. The farmstead has two orchards and a formal Farmstead garden appended on its south-western side.. AR17 N/A N/A (site of) The Old Series OS map of 1833-44 appears to depict a single building in the vicinity labelled 'Parrots Barn', and there is a single isolated field barn depicted on the 1840 Audley tithe map, situated a short distanc eto the west of the former farmstead. Disused mine ‘Coal shaft' and 'quarry' are depicted on the AR18 N/A N/A shaft and Ordnance Survey 1st edition of 1877 quarry Ridge and An area of ridge and furrow (now levelled) AR19 N/A N/A furrow identified from air photos (levelled) Hedge A mature hedgerow boundary of predominantly AR20 MST13743 N/A Boundary, blackthorn, elder and hawthorn, orientated Chatterley north-west to south east and of probable late
A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, Bignall, Staffordshire
Project HER ID NRHE ID Name Description ID Sidings, 19th or early 20th century origin (Desk Based Newcastle Assessment Report: SLR Consulting. 2008. Chatterley Sidings, Chatterley Valley, Staffordshire: Desk Based Assessment. Page 18 - Site No. 9). No boundary is shown here on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map, however one is shown on the 2nd Edition. An ironstone mine or early 20th century date, Bassey identified from historic mapping. An industrial Ironstone AR21 MST14055 N/A building and a series of earthworks (including Mine, tramways, spoil heaps and shafts) associated Chatterley with the mine are still extant. Wesleyan Methodist Site of Wesleyan Methodist chapel in Old Road, AR22 N/A 1500951 chapel (site Audley, built in 1876. of) Ridge and An area of ridge and furrow (now levelled) AR23 N/A N/A furrow identified from air photos (levelled) Diglake Colliery, where shafts were first sunk in 1818, although coal had been worked here since at least 1733. 'Coal pits' are depicted on the OS Old series map of 1833-44, but the colliery was Diglake AR24 N/A N/A abandoned in 1854, and 'Old shafts (coal)' are Colliery depicted on the Ordnance Survey 1st edition of 1877. A second colliery was sunk after 1870, but this was abandoned after a flood killed 77 miners in 1895. Ridge and An area of ridge and furrow (now levelled) AR25 N/A N/A furrow identified from air photos (levelled) The site of a Boyles Hall, which was extant from at least the mid 17th century, at which time it Boyles Hall, was associated with the Child and Smith-Child AR26 MST13226 N/A Audley (site families. The hall and its associated out building of) still survived into the 1960s, but appear to have been demolished some time after this. Axe Hammer, A perforated axe hammer found at Bignall End, AR27 MST494 N/A Bignall End, of probable Neolithic or Bronze Age date. Audley The northern Diglake (Shaft 2) was identified during the site walkover, and appeared Coal mine AR28 N/A N/A structurally identical to AR29, but was buried to shaft a greater extent making any distinguishing structural features impossible to observe.
Coal mine The southern Diglake shaft (Shaft 1), site of the AR29 N/A N/A shaft 1895 disaster, was observed during the site walkover as a partially buried structure (Figure
A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, Bignall, Staffordshire
Project HER ID NRHE ID Name Description ID 43) c. 15m east of the most northerly cottage of Bignall End. The shaft opening had been walled, presumably to shore up the opening and provide a structure for equipment such as winches to be inserted into. The wall was of mortar bonded red brick approximately 4 skins thick. In plan, the structure was mostly circular but with a flat western side. Along the flat side, holes in the brick work, presumably to house structural iron/steelwork (now gone) such as a domed cover, were observed. The shaft structure was observed to a maximum height of c. 1m. Rail sleepers associated with the Audley Colliery were identified during the site walkover, Rail sleepers comprising decayed timbers running in a north- associated east to south west direction (Figure 45). No rail AR30 N/A N/A with mine was present. It is possible that these possible shafts sleepers represent an ad hoc construction associated with the former shafts, but this remains uncertain Ridge and An area of ridge and furrow (now levelled) AR31 N/A N/A furrow identified from air photos (levelled) Ridge and An area of ridge and furrow (now levelled) AR32 N/A N/A furrow identified from air photos (levelled) Ridge and An area of ridge and furrow (now levelled) AR33 N/A N/A furrow identified from air photos (levelled) Ridge and An area of ridge and furrow (extant) identified AR34 N/A N/A furrow from air photos (extant) Bignall Hill Find site of bronze dagger possibly associated AR35 MST506 N/A Bronze Dagger with the vestigial remains of a tumulus or cist. Bignall Hill AR36 MST445 N/A Possible site of early bronze age round barrow. Round Barrow EBA bronze A small ogival bronze dagger, of early Bronze AR37 N/A 76150 dagger Age Type 2 was found circa 1921 on the top of (findspot) Bignall hill, in an arable field. Documentary evidence for the site of two Pottery Kilns, pottery kilns which were in use from the late AR38 MST4495 N/A Bell's Hollow, 18th century through to at least the mid 19th Newcastle century. Cross A stone object identified in 1958 as the base of AR39 MST1774 Remains, a carved Anglian Cross. The object once served Chesterton as a feeding trough, but is now in Chesterton
A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, Bignall, Staffordshire
Project HER ID NRHE ID Name Description ID (site of) Church. The site of a glass works in use from the turn of Red Street the 17th century to the early 18th century. The AR40 MST2057 76155 Glass Furnace site was excavated in the late 1970s and early (site of) 1980s.
A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, Bignall, Staffordshire
APPENDIX 2: GAZETTEER OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS
LISTED BUILDINGS
Project NHLE Grade Name NHLE entry ID ID. A listed mid 16th century farmhouse, which was enlarged in the late 17th or early 18th century and re- Hullock’s Pool th LB1 1374409 II cased in the 19 century. The house is L-shaped in plan Farmhouse and is of timber framed construction with plastered brick in-fill and a tiled roof. Mile post. Early C19. Cast Iron, triangular plan, with Bignall End chamfered and then segmental top inscribed milepost at "TOWNSHIP OF AUDLEY". West face is inscribed LB2 1038561 II grid reference "CHESTERTON 2 MILES". East face is inscribed "AUDLEY SK805 510 1/2 MILE: BASFORD 5 3/4 MILES: NANTWICH 10 1/4 MILES". Commemorative monument. Erected 1839 but altered as a result of partial collapse in 1976. Ashlar. Square pedestal surmounted by an obelisk (now truncated) Wedgewood LB3 1374392 II with moulded base. On the east side is a panel Monument inscribed: "JOHN WEDGWOOD / OF / BIGNALL END. ESQUIRE / BORN / FEBRUARY 11th 1760 / DIED / FEBRUARY 6th A.D. 1839". Large farmhouse. Circa 1600. Coursed rubble with ashlar dressings; plain tile roof; lateral stacks of rubble and brick. U-shaped plan: central single-cell hall range aligned east-west facing south with south projecting cross wings, large external stacks to the centres of the north, east and west elevations. 2 storeys and attic. A pair of gabled cross-wings flanks a recessed centre. 1:1:1 window front: 5-light chamfered mullion and transom windows with rebated surrounds and tile dripstones; 4-light chamfered mullion windows to the attics and to a basement beneath the right hand wing. C20 door to the left hand side of the hall range within Harecastle a C17 opening. To the north (rear) the hall range is Farmhouse, LB4 1374407 II flush with the wings. This elevation is dominated by Newcastle the chimney stack serving the hall range. Chamfered Road mullion windows with rebated surrounds. The principal windows of the wings have 4 lights: those at attic level are placed centrally but those at ground and first floor levels are left of centre. These latter are balanced by 2-light windows in the left hand wing and by circular windows in the right hand wing. 3-light hall range windows to left of stack. The east elevation has a 2-light window to ground floor left. The west elevation has a square headed door to the left of the stack with a massive lintel, and I 3-light window above. Interior. Chamfered and stopped ceiling beams throughout. Queen strut roof truss.
A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, Bignall, Staffordshire
OTHER HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Project HER ID Name Details ID A post box set into the wall of a property at the corner of Chapel Street and Albert Road, Bignall End, which is of possible late 19th century date. The post box is included in Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's Local List. A post Post Box, box set into the wall of a property at the corner of Chapel Chapel Street and Albert Road, Bignall End. The property into HB1 MST18374 Street/Albert which the post-box is set does not appear on the 1st Edition Road, Bignall Ordnance Survey map, but is shown on the 2nd Edition map End indicating that the post box may of late Victorian date (or later). The property into which the post-box is set does not appear on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map, but is shown on the 2nd Edition map indicating that the post box may of late Victorian date (or later). Fingerpost, junction of Included in Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's List of N/A Great Oak and HB2 Locally Important Buildings and Structures. Bignall End Road Oaklee House, Included in Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's List of N/A Bignall End HB3 Locally Important Buildings and Structures. Road Sandstone rail bridge east of Bridge constructed as part of the Audley Branch Railway, N/A HB4 Woodlands opened in 1870, identified during the walkover survey. Farm Sandstone rail Bridge constructed as part of the Audley Branch Railway, N/A bridge west of HB5 opened in 1870, identified during the walkover survey. Diglake Farm Bus shelter, Included in Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's List of N/A Bignall hill, HB6 Locally Important Buildings and Structures. Bignall End
A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, Bignall, Staffordshire
APPENDIX 3: GAZETTEER OF HISTORIC LANDSCAPE TYPES
Refined HLC Description Sensitivity type These woodlands have been identified from the Ancient Woodland dataset now administered by Natural England (formerly English Nature). It is likely that many of these woodlands had their origins in Ancient at least the medieval period and earthworks associated with earlier High Woodland woodland management may survive within them. Therefore, in terms of their historic landscape value, they have been categorised as being of high sensitivity. An analysis of this Refined HLC found that they all had their origins in either the Industrial or Modern period. The earliest relate to specific features on the canal and railway infrastructure. The canals, where they survive, all form Conservation Areas in their own right and some Communications Low surviving features are protected as Listed Buildings. The majority of the HLC types under Communications related to the modern road system and on the whole it was decided that this type was generally of a low sensitivity. Assarting is recorded in historical documents in Staffordshire from the 11th century onwards. They are identified as areas of land which have been enclosed out of ancient woodland. Very few assarts have been positively identified (others have probably been identified as Early Assarts High Early Irregular Enclosure). Their early date and rarity have led to them being classified as being of High Sensitivity, particularly as the documentary evidence suggests that they were common in parts of Staffordshire from the medieval period onwards. These fields are assumed to mostly date from the Post Medieval period (1486-1799). Their history is not always known, except where this can be seen within the context of a particular landscape. For instance in upland areas of the county it is likely that this Refined HLC type represents the earlier stages of enclosure of the moorland, Early Irregular which probably occurred from the later medieval period onwards. In High Enclosure other areas they may represent unrecognised piecemeal enclosure (as described above), early encroachment onto common pasture/heathland or as early unrecognised assarting. Its likely association with early, possibly medieval, enclosure has led to its being classified as being of High Sensitivity. Piecemeal Enclosure – refers solely to those areas which had previously been open arable fields from the medieval period. These are identified through map evidence by the reverse ‘S’ or dog-leg morphology which indicate that the enclosure has followed the Early boundaries of the former medieval field strips. Piecemeal enclosure Reorganised is a process which was carried out from the late medieval period Low Piecemeal (14th century onwards) through to the 18th or 19th century, Enclosure although in Staffordshire most of the open medieval fields had been enclosed by the 16th century. This was carried out by means of informal, verbal agreements between farmers who wished to consolidate their holdings (the individual strips spread across the open field system). Due to a good understanding of their history and
A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, Bignall, Staffordshire
Refined HLC Description Sensitivity type because many relate to early enclosure they have been classified as being of High Sensitivity. Re-organised piecemeal enclosure - Areas of either small irregular or rectilinear fields that have lost 10 or more field boundaries since the 1st ed. 6” map, OR areas of large irregular or rectilinear fields. In both cases there will be at least two field boundaries that exhibit ‘s- curve’ or ‘dog-leg’ morphology. The field patterns in these areas result from the amalgamation of fields created through piecemeal enclosure. In most cases it can be demonstrated that this has occurred since the publication of the 1st ed. 6” OS map. Areas of the HLC Type Reorganised Piecemeal Enclosure originating in the Modern period, but previously Piecemeal Enclosure of late medieval to post medieval date and prior to that medieval strip fields, was classified as of low sensitivity as recent change has effected the condition of these field systems. Early Rectilinear Fields are fields which have been dated to the Post Medieval period, but which may be later when they represent planned enclosure. This category has been designated as High Early Small Sensitivity because in the upland areas they are associated with the Rectilinear High stone walls etc which are characteristic of that landscape. Some of Fields these landscapes may also have been created in the medieval period or associated with the enclosure for the first time of unenclosed land from the 16th century onwards. This includes active and inactive/derelict industrial and extractive sites. The majority of these sites date to the Modern period (1914 to present), although a few are from the Industrial period (1800-1913). Industrial and This may partly be explained by the fact that industry prior to the
extractive mid 19th century was carried out on a smaller, even domestic scale and was considered to small to appear within the HLC. However, such sites are considered an important part of the historic environment and are recorded on the HER where they are known. This category includes golf courses and sports ground, which are Other Parkland predominantly of Modern date (1914-present) and have therefore Low been assigned as being of low sensitivity. On the whole this category dates from the 20th century and consequently has been categorised as being of low sensitivity. Plantations However, where they have been identified as being of 18th/19th Low-High century and are particularly associated with historic parks and gardens they will have a higher sensitivity. Many of these field systems have an origin date of the Modern Period (1914-to present). However, most of them were created out of earlier field systems of a variety of dates, but due to intensification Post 1880s in agricultural practices, particularly over the last 50 years, the earlier Reorganised characteristics have been significantly eroded. This relates in the Low Fields main to the loss of field boundaries. Therefore when calculating sensitivity it is reasonable to state that these modern landscapes are less sensitive to medium/large scale change than earlier or better surviving landscapes.
A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, Bignall, Staffordshire
Refined HLC Description Sensitivity type This category includes settlement which has been redeveloped since the 1880s as well as developments on ‘green field’ sites over the last Post 1880s 100 years or so. As the overall character of this category relates not Low Settlement only to recent buildings, but in many cases to new road systems this category is assigned as being of low sensitivity. Post 1880s small fields are fields which have been recognised as having been created over the last 100 years or so. They may Post 1880s Small represent reorganisation of earlier field systems or the establishment Replanned of fields in areas which had been Industrial and Extractive during the Low Enclosure 19th century for example. Due to the date of their origin they have been classified as being of Low Sensitivity as the historic landscape character has been more recently altered. Very large fields (e.g. > 8.1ha and often significantly larger) created Post War through the amalgamation of fields since the publication of the 1st Amalgamated ed. 6” OS map. Almost certainly the result of Post-War agricultural Low Fields ‘improvements’ designed to meet the requirements of intensive arable cultivation. Low sensitivity. These areas have been assigned as being of high sensitivity as hey Pre 1880s relate to the earliest areas of settlements and are more likely to High Settlement retain historic buildings (including Listed Buildings) as well as the historic road pattern. Recent Areas of enclosure out of woodland dating from the 19th century Woodland Low and were therefore deemed to have a low sensitivity. Clearance
A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, Bignall, Staffordshire
APPENDIX 4: GAZETTEER OF HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT HEDGEROWS
Project Description ID This sinuous field boundary was depicted on the 1840 Tithe map, but there is only a short stretch of hedgerow surviving at the northern end of the boundary, c. 65m in length. This H1 has not been managed recently and the hedge bushes are overgrown, although it still recognisable as a hedge (Figure 52). This hedgerow demarcates the eastern side of Bignall End Road, and is likely to be an early feature of the enclosed landscape. This is a mature and well maintained hedgerow, c. 400m in length (Plates 2 and 3). The continuations of the field boundary to the north and south are demarcated by rows of standard trees, which may have once been part of a hedge that H2 has since grown out (Figures 53 and 54). This short line of hedge marks the southern boundary of a small enclosure for a field barn. This is a relatively tall hawthorn hedge, with some holly evident, and is well maintained (Figure 57) It is c. 34m in length, although it peters out somewhat towards its western H3 junction with H2. This short hedge c. 18m in length forms the eastern side of the field barn enclosure formed H4 by H2, H3 and H5, and is well maintained (Figure 58). This well maintained hedge is c. 260m in length and has a drainage ditch running along its H5 southern side (Figure 59) This hedgerow is depicted on the 1838 Tithe map as following a sinuous boundary that is coterminous with numerous fields further to the east, indicating that it followed the line of a watercourse. This watercourse was severed as a result of the construction of the North Staffordshire Railway in 1870, resulting in a pond forming on the eastern side of the cutting. The hedgerow has largely grown out, although there are still rows of bushes along some of H6 its length, as well as a number of isolated trees (Figure 60). This hedgerow follows the eastern side of the trackway which formerly provided access to the colliery at Diglake Farm. It is c. 230m in length and is a well maintained hedge of mainly H7 hawthorn, with occasional holly (Figure 61 and 62). This hedgerow follows the western side of the trackway which formerly provided access to the colliery at Diglake Farm for some c. 70m from Bignall End Road, before petering out H8 (Figure 62). Where it does survive, it is a well maintained hedge of hawthorn. This hedgerow follows a boundary perpendicular to H8 for c. 143m, and although evidently not maintained recently, it still has the appearance of a hedge. There are a number of oak H9 trees along its line (Figures 63 and 64). Hedgerow on the north side of a trackway which follows the possible course of the King Street Roman road (AR7), and which is depicted as a routeway leading to the farmstead at the centre of Parrott's estate on the 1718 map. This map only depicts a hedgerow on the north side of the dashed line depicting the pathway, but the Tithe map of 1838 appears to indicate that this route had been hedged on both sides by this time. The hedge is c. 290m in H10 length and is well maintained (Plates 65 and 66). Hedgerow on the south side of a trackway which follows the possible course of the King Street Roman road (AR7), and which is depicted as a routeway leading to the farmstead at the centre of Parrott's estate (AR17) on the 1718 map. This map only depicts a hedgerow on the north side of the pathway, but the Tithe map of 1838 does appear to indicate that this H11 route had been hedged on both sides by this time. The hedge is c. 280m in length and is well
A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, Bignall, Staffordshire
Project Description ID maintained (Figures 65 and 66). This hedgerow bounded the eastern side of a hedged trackway depicted on the 1718 estate map, which was the continuation of the pathway passing through the farmstead to the west (bounded by H14 and H15). However, the dashed line of the pathway is only depicted as following the hedged course for only a short distance before deviating to the east, indicating that the hedged route had fallen into disuse by this time. The tithe map of 1838 also depicts the same route deviating to the east of the field boundary, and the double hedge is no longer depicted. This hedge has not been maintained and now comprises a clump of holly bushes at the north, and a few widely spaced trees further south, on top of a pronounced earthwork. The surviving row of holly bushes at the northern end of this hedge H12 are overgrown, and c. 50m in length (Figure 67). This overgrown row of holly bushes is barely c. 20m in length, and is all that remains of a hedgerow which was straightened further to the west when the field boundaries were re- H13 organised in the 1890s (Figure 68). It is depicted on the 1718 estate map (Figure 2). This hedgerow is well maintained and comprises mainly hawthorn with occasional holly. It H14 is c. 116m in length, and there is a drainage ditch on its eastern side (Figure 69). This hedgerow formed the eastern boundary of the trackway/road which led to Diglake Farm and also Diglake Farm Colliery (Minnie Pit), and is shown continuing to the north on the Tithe map (bounded by H7 and H8). The surviving stretch of hedge is c. 114m in length and is intermittent, although no gaps are larger than 20m in length. The hedge is largely H15 made up of holly (Figure 70). This hedgerow is c. 104m in length, and although this is beginning to become overgrown and has a number of gaps, it is still a recognisable hedge. The hedge is mostly hawthorn, and H16 sits upon a slight hedge-bank (Figure 71). This field boundary follows a natural stream which has been culverted further to the west and east. There is a row of bushes and trees along this boundary, but these have grown out and it is unlikely that these would qualify as a hedgerow under the terms of the Regulations H17 (Figure 72). This hedge has now grown out but survives as a number of mature holly bushes at c. 10-15m intervals, and it is therefore it is unlikely that these would qualify as a hedgerow under the H18 terms of the Regulations (Figure 73).
A Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of the proposed Great Oak Surface Mine Scheme, Bignall, Staffordshire
APPENDIX 5: AIR PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT
Bignall End, Staffordshire
Air Photo Interpretation and Mapping Report
Elements of a post-medieval arable landscape RAF/540/992 F22 0371 20-JAN-1953 English Heritage (NMR) RAF Photography
Air Survey Report by Tara-Jane Sutcliffe, AIfA
Projects Officer (Air Photo Investigator) Archaeological Research Services Ltd
Air Survey Mapping and Report Date: 22 nd - 23 rd March 2012
Summary of Air Survey Mapping Results
Introduction
This summary provides an overview of the archaeology within the Bignall End study area as evidenced by the air photographic record. The project lies outside of the area already mapped by the English Heritage National Mapping Programme (NMP).
March 2013 Addendum:
It should be noted that the study area referred to in this report is the old site boundary, as this assessment was undertaken prior to a revision of the boundary which reduced its size considerably. All figures in this report have been appended with the suffix ‘AP’ to distinguish them from the figures associated with the main body of the DBA text.
Source Photography
A cover-search of available aerial photography was obtained from the National Monuments Record (NMR) and filtered for the most informative sources. The following aerial photographs were obtained as laser scanned images from the NMR (Order ID: AP/68068):
Vertical Photographs: RAF/106G/UK/645 4455 11-AUG-1945 English Heritage (NMR) RAF Photography
RAF/106G/UK/645 4457 11-AUG-1945 English Heritage (NMR) RAF Photography
RAF/540/992 F22 0371 20-JAN-1953 English Heritage (NMR) RAF Photography
RAF/543/2336 F21 30-JUL-1963 English Heritage (NMR) RAF Photography
OS/85138 0254 02-JUN-1985 © Crown copyright. Ordnance Survey
OS/85137 0010 02-JUN-1985 © Crown copyright. Ordnance Survey
OS/89336 0126 03-JUL-1989 © Crown copyright. Ordnance Survey
The historic aerial photography spans the period from August 1945 to July 1989, providing a measure of the changing conditions of the study area in the post World War II era. This has been supplemented with an assessment of vertical photography taken by Info Terra in 2007 and obtained via Google Earth TM ; this provides an indication of the latest evidence for features observed on earlier photography. Interpretation of the air photographic record has been supported by consultation of historic editions of the Ordnance Survey map; the earliest of which for the study area is the 1 st edition 1:10560 scale edition of 1877-81.
Mapping Methods:
The air photographic mapping was conducted in accordance with practices developed by English Heritage for the National Mapping Programme. The images provided by the NMR were rectified using specialist software (AERIAL 5.29). Ordnance Survey 1:10,000 raster maps were used for control and as a base for mapping in AutoDesk Map 3D 2008. Accuracy for the Ordnance Survey map is in the range of ±8m and rectification of photographs is normally within ±2m. Rectified images were outputed from AERIAL in uncompressed TIF format at a resolution of 400dpi. A World file (.TFW) accompanied each TIFF file and the control information was retained in the AERIAL RDA file (RDA).
Dating of monuments recording from aerial photographs relied on recognising morphologically characteristic forms. Other sources of archaeological and historical data (NMR AMIE Records, HER point data, and Ordnance Survey historic maps) have been consulted to complement the air photographic evidence and aid interpretation.
Summary results:
The study area is predominantly an arable landscape defined by post-medieval enclosure. The curvilinear organic form of the hedgerow boundaries is, however, suggestive of earlier medieval origin. Historic aerial photography provides evidence for the earthwork remains of narrow post-medieval ridge and furrow cultivation that persisted into the Twentieth Century (RAF/106G/UK/645 4455 11-AUG-1945). One block clusters around Great Oak Farm centred at SJ 8095 5164, another around Woodlands Farm at SJ 8143 5196, and a third is located to the north-east of Butters Green Farm and south-east of Diglake Farm, centred at SJ 8159 5092; all of these farms are of post-medieval date, recorded on the 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1877. The majority of the ridge and furrow has since been plough-levelled by continued arable cultivation and is no longer visible on the latest 2007 Google Earth imagery.
Evidence for earlier prehistoric and Roman occupation of this landscape is scarce. Just outside the immediate project area, at SJ 8150 5210 a Bronze Age perforated stone axe hammer was recovered (NMR 76166) and Bignall Hill Bronze Age round barrow (HER MST445) is centred at SJ 8222 5102, similarly located just outside the immediate project area. Air photographic analysis provided no further evidence of activity from this period.
A Roman road (Margery 70a) running from Chesterton to Wilderspool and known as King Street (NMR 1325535), is believed to pass through the eastern part of the project area. No evidence for this feature was, however, discerned from the aerial photography.
Medieval activity is evidenced just to the west of the project area at Hullock's Pool Farm, Audley, (HER MST14000) located at SJ 8036 5199 and dated to between 1525 and 1575. In addition, a lead token (MST15421) recorded at SJ 8130 5200 has been dated 1550 to 1700.
Post-medieval exploitation of the rich natural resources of the area is evident within and just outside the project area: a quarry is recorded on the 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1877-81 at SJ 8189 5073 and visible on RAF vertical photography captured in 1945 (RAF/106G/UK/645 4455 11-AUG-1945). Similarly, a gravel pit is located at SJ 8204 5145.
Over the past 135 years within the project area there has been subtle alteration to the field layout since the first edition 1:2500 scale County Series Ordnance Survey map of 1877. The A500 was constructed in the early 1960s, first recorded on the 1:10560 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1963-7. This has impacted on the earlier field system, truncating a block of post medieval narrow ridge and furrow at SJ 8136 5212.
Post-medieval and Twentieth Century exploitation of the coal seams in the area have made the greatest impact on the landscape, with two large collieries – Audley Colliery and Jamage Colliery - located within the study area and these are elaborated upon in the following sections.
Audley Colliery
Also known as Diglake Colliery, Audley Colliery (SJ 8124 5104) was one of numerous post-medieval mines that were worked locally. It made notorious by a disaster of 14 th January 1895, which saw areas of the mine flood when an inrush of water from old workings flooded the mine and some 77 miners lost their lives (http://www.warrinerprimaries.com/Topic/diglake.htm ). By this time the mine had been in operation for over 20 years, recorded on the 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1877-81. It is believed that the mine was never re-opened following the disaster and is recorded as disused by the time of 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1924. The Colliery is not recorded in the National Monuments Record or the local Historic Environment Record.
The colliery occupied a triangular plot of land some 0.05 km 2 in area, formed by the junction of the North Staffordshire Railway and an eastern branch line. The colliery comprised at least three shafts, which provided access to a complex underground network (Figure AP5), several associated buildings and structures (Figure AP4), areas of spoil, and a number of tramways that connected to the North Staffordshire Railway. The shafts are located at SJ 8146 5082, SJ 8124 5095, and SJ 8123 5098. An additional area of probable spoil is located to the west of the railway, centred at SJ 3810 5105, recorded on the 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1899. An associated reservoir, circular in plan and with a diameter measuring approximately 24m is located at SJ 8129 5100, recorded on the historic Ordnance Survey maps and visible on RAF vertical photography captured in 1945 (RAF/106G/UK/645 4455 11- AUG-1945).
A coincidentally placed limekiln is situated at SJ 8123 5106; a large double structure that was potentially coal-fired, it may have been so sited to make use of the produce of the colliery.
The area is largely tree-covered on the most recent Google Earth imagery from October 2007 and therefore a statement of the latest evidence cannot be provided for the aforementioned features.
The Audley Branch of the North Staffordshire Railway (NMR 76170) was opened in 1870 with branches to pits at Jamage, Chesterton and Bignall Hill. Passenger services commenced in 1880 and the branch closed in 1963 at the time of the Beeching Reforms. The former eastern branch of the railway line is now a tree-lined embankment (RAF/106G/UK/645 4455 11-AUG-1945), which is extant on the latest Google Earth imagery of August 2007.
Earlier exploitation of the local coal seam is evidenced in the immediate landscape with several ‘old coal shafts’ recorded on the 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1877-81, presumably disused by this time. Three shafts are situated c. 200m further north of the colliery in flanking positions to the railway line at Diglake Farm centred at SJ 8133 5138, SJ 8138 5134, and SJ 8147 5140, respectively. These were sunk in 1818 with the addition of a steam pump in the 1820s; however, since there was no rail or canal connection the workings became uneconomic and were abandoned in 1854. Completion of the Audley Branch line of the North Staffordshire Railway in 1870 led to the sinking of a second Diglake Colliery at Audley (http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/coalface/Mouldspits/dpits.htm ). Further ‘old’ shafts are located to the east at SJ 8168 5081, SJ 8203 5081, and SJ 8221 5081.
Figure AP1… Audley Colliery, Butler’s Green (1:2500 Ordnance Survey map of 1877-81)
Figure AP2 … Audley Colliery, Butler’s Green (1:2500 Ordnance Survey map of 1899)
Figure AP3 … RAF vertical photography of Audley Colliery, Butler’s Green (RAF/106G/UK/645 4455 11-AUG-1945 English Heritage (NMR) RAF Photography)
Figure AP4… Diglake, c. 1895, showing the two shafts and associated buildings (now all gone) (http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/engine/resource/default.asp?resource=4361 )
Figure AP5 …Plan of the underground workings at the time of the 1895 disaster (http://www.warrinerprimaries.com/Topic/location.htm)
Jamage Colliery
The majority of Jamage Colliery is situated just to the north of the project area centred at SJ 8224 5166. One of a number of pits owned by the Bignall Hill Colliery Company, Jamage was opened in 1875 and closed in 1941 (http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/coalface/Mouldspits/bpits.htm ). Recorded together with Brick Works on the 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1879-81, the Colliery comprises a shaft, associated buildings, areas of spoil and several tramways linking to the Jamage Branch of the North Staffordshire Railway (NMR 76170), which had been opened in 1870. The Colliery is not recorded in the National Monuments Record or the local Historic Environment Record.
Sometime in the 1890s a Chemical Works was constructed just south of the Jamage Branch of the railway to the immediate east of the Jamage Colliery. The tramways linking to the Jamage Branchline extending southward into the study area and recorded on the 1899 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map (Figure AP7). The tramways led to the Chemical Works and also a newly created Reservoir at SJ 8241 5144, which appears to have enhanced an existing smaller pond.
By 1924 the works had expanded substantially (Figure AP8). Several additional reservoirs were constructed and this includes two within the study area centred at SJ 8244 5127. Several finger-dumps of spoil are recorded at SJ 8259 5147 as well as additional potential spoil heaps located in proximity to the aforementioned reservoirs and further south at SJ 8255 5110, linked to the main Colliery and Chemical Works complex via additional tramways. The 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1938-9 confirms these to be the sites of ‘old levels’, presumably already disused by this date with the additional tramways no longer depicted. The levels are located at SJ 8264 5146, SJ 8251 5117 and SJ 8257 5110.
Figure AP6 … Jamage Colliery and Brick Works (1:2500 Ordnance Survey map of 1879-81)
Figure AP7 … Jamage Colliery and Chemical Works (1:2500 Ordnance Survey map of 1899)
Figure AP8 … The Colliery and Chemical Works complex (1:2500 Ordnance Survey map of 1924)
Vertical photography captured by the RAF in August 1945 (RAF/106G/UK/645 4457 11-AUG-1945) shows remains of both Jamage Colliery and the Chemical Works, including spoil heaps, levels, associated buildings and tramways (Figure AP9). By the 1951 1:10560 scale Ordnance Survey map the colliery is recorded as disused. To the west of this complex the 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1957-62 records ‘opencast workings’ at SJ 82050 51390, although no evidence of this could be discerned from the available aerial photographs.
The land has since been reclaimed for arable cultivation and no evidence of the former colliery is visible on the latest 2007 Google Earth imagery.
Figure AP9 … RAF vertical photography of Jamage Colliery (RAF/106G/UK/645 4457 11-AUG-1945 English Heritage (NMR) RAF Photography)
Figure AP10 … Air photographic interpretation and mapping of the Bignall End project area