SUNNINGDALE SCHOOL DOXFORD PARK WAY SUNDERLAND TYNE AND WEAR
DESK-BASED ASSESSMENT
JANUARY 2021
Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment
Local Planning Authority: Sunderland City Council
Central National Grid Reference: NZ 36929 52880
Written and Researched by: Scott Vance
Project Manager: Aaron Goode
Commissioning Client: Sunderland City Council
Contractor: Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd (Durham) The Rope Works Broadwood View Chester-le-Street County Durham DH3 3AF Tel: 0191 377 1111 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.pre-construct.com
© Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd
January 2021
The material contained herein is and remains the sole property of Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd and is not for publication to third parties without prior consent. Whilst every effort has been made to provide detailed and accurate information, Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd cannot be held responsible for errors or inaccuracies herein contained.
Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
DOCUMENT VERIFICATION
SUNNINGDALE SCHOOL, DOXFORD PARK WAY, SUNDERLAND, TYNE AND WEAR AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK-BASED ASSESSMENT
Pre-Construct Archaeology Limited Quality Control
Project Number K6963
Site Code n/a
Report Number R14358
Task Name Date
Text prepared by: Scott Vance January 2021
Text checked by: Jennifer Proctor January 2021
Graphics prepared by: Mark Roughley January 2021
Graphics checked by: Hayley Baxter January 2021
Manager sign-off: Jennifer Proctor 12 January 2021
Revision No. Date Checked by Approved by
Pre-Construct Archaeology Limited Durham Office The Rope Works Broadwood View Chester-le-Street County Durham DH3 3AF
PCA Report Number: R14358 2 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
CONTENTS
1 Non-Technical Summary ...... 5
2 Introduction ...... 6
2.1 Origin and Scope of the Project ...... 6 2.2 Report Objectives ...... 6 2.3 Methodology ...... 7 3 The Site and Proposed Scheme ...... 11
3.1 The Site ...... 11 3.2 The Proposed Development ...... 11 4 Planning Background ...... 12
4.1 Introduction ...... 12 4.2 National Policy: National Planning Policy Framework ...... 12 4.3 Site Specific Planning Background...... 13 5 Landscape, Geological and Topographical Context ...... 14
5.1 Landscape Context ...... 14 5.2 Geological Context ...... 14 5.3 Topography ...... 16 6 Archaeological and Historical Background ...... 17
6.1 Introduction ...... 17 6.2 Prehistoric (450,000 BC – 43 AD) ...... 17 6.3 Roman (AD 43 – AD 410) ...... 17 6.4 Early Medieval (AD 411 - 1065) ...... 17 6.5 Medieval (AD 1066 - 1540) ...... 17 6.6 Post-Medieval (AD 1540 - 1800) ...... 19 6.7 Early Modern (AD 1801 to 1900) ...... 19 6.8 Modern (AD 1901 to present) ...... 20 7 Archaeological Potential ...... 22
7.1 General ...... 22 7.2 Prehistoric ...... 22 7.3 Roman ...... 22 7.4 Early Medieval ...... 22 7.5 Medieval ...... 22 7.6 Post-Medieval ...... 22 7.7 Early Modern ...... 22 7.8 Modern ...... 23 8 Impact on Buried Archaeological Deposits ...... 24
8.1 Previous Land Use and Existing Impacts ...... 24 8.2 Impact of Proposed Development on the Archaeological Resource ...... 24 8.3 Ground Soil Contamination ...... 24 8.4 Existing Services ...... 25 9 Conclusions ...... 26
10 Bibliography ...... 27
10.1 Written Sources...... 27 10.2 Cartographic Sources ...... 27 10.3 Online Sources...... 27
PCA Report Number: R14358 3 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
11 Acknowledgements ...... 28
APPENDIX 1: Figures ...... 29
Figure 1: Site Location ...... 30
Figure 2: Detailed Site Location ...... 31
Figure 3: Plate Locations and Directions ...... 32
Figure 4: Proposed Development Plan ...... 33
Figure 5: Tyne and Wear HER locations ...... 34
Figure 6: Ordnance Survey, 1861 ...... 35
Figure 7: Ordnance Survey, 1896 ...... 36
Figure 8: Ordnance Survey, 1919 ...... 37
Figure 9: Ordnance Survey, 1946 ...... 38
Figure 10: Ordnance Survey, 1976 ...... 39
Figure 11: Ordnance Survey, 1989 ...... 40
APPENDIX 2: Tyne and wear HER 1km Search Results from proposed development at NGR NZ 36929 52880 ...... 41
APPENDIX 3: Plates ...... 51
PCA Report Number: R14358 4 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
1 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
1.1 Pre-Construct Archaeology Limited has been commissioned by Sunderland City Council to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment in advance of the proposed construction of Sunningdale School at Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear (NGR NZ 36929 52880).
1.2 This assessment aimed to gain, as far as reasonably possible from existing records, an understanding of the historic environment resource in a 1km search radius from the redline boundary of the proposed development. It involved consultation with the Tyne and Wear Historic Environment Record (HER), an examination of relevant cartographic and documentary material and a visual inspection of the study site and its environs. Consideration was given to the significance of the archaeological potential in respect of guidelines outlined by Historic England within the criteria for National, Regional and Local significance.
1.3 The assessment has determined that there are 60 heritage assets within the 1km search area. These comprise: two prehistoric, one early-medieval, seven medieval, five post-medieval, 39 early modern and six modern assets.
1.4 The archaeological and historical background to the site indicates low potential for all periods with the exception of the early modern period as the Hetton Company Railway formerly crossed the westernmost extent of the site.
1.5 The construction of the proposed school would have a moderate adverse impact on any potential archaeology on the site.
1.6 The necessity for any further archaeological work will be decided by the Local Planning Authority and their Archaeological Advisors within Tyne and Wear Archaeology Service at Newcastle City Council. Early consultation should be undertaken to identify the scope and extent of any such work.
1.7 Historically the site is listed to have been used for landfill (East Moorside) across the southern area however the geotechnical investigation did not encounter made ground deposits within this part of the site, suggesting this may not have been the case. Further phases of archaeological work are recommended across the site comprising a geophysical survey followed by trial trenching evaluation, to be undertaken once all the vegetation has been cleared. The results of the geophysical survey will inform the location of the archaeological evaluation trenches which will be agreed with the Tyne and Wear Archaeology Service.
PCA Report Number: R14358 5 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
2 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Origin and Scope of the Project
2.1.1 This archaeological desk-based assessment, written and researched by Pre-Construct Archaeology Limited (PCA), was commissioned by Sunderland City Council in support of an application for a proposed school at Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear (Figure 1 & 2). A Specification for the desk-based assessment was produced by the Tyne and Wear Archaeology Officer (NCC 2020, MON 16845).
2.1.2 An archaeological desk-based assessment is undertaken in order that the local authority may formulate an appropriate response to any identified archaeological resource. The report aims to assess the archaeological potential of the site and examine the likely impact of the proposed development upon the archaeological resource. This assessment may be followed by a requirement for further archaeological investigation or monitoring.
2.1.3 Current UK Government guidance as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (Department for Communities and Local Government 2019) indicates that, in submitting planning applications for sites with a historic environment dimension to them, developers/applicants are required to describe the level of significance of any heritage assets affected. Paragraph 189 of the National Planning Policy Framework states that:
“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.”
2.1.4 In line with the current guidance of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA 2014, updated 2020), the assessment comprised a programme of study of the historic environment within a specified area around the study site to place the site in its heritage context; in this case, a ‘wider study area’ with a search area of 1km from red line boundary of the site being examined. Central to the programme of study was an analysis of existing written, graphic, photographic and electronic information, undertaken to identify known and potential heritage assets within the wider study area.
2.1.5 This archaeological desk-based assessment was written and researched by Scott Vance of Pre- Construct Archaeology Limited. Research has included the examination of historical maps, relevant reports and publications, and a search of Tyne and Wear Historic Environment Record (HER). A site visit was undertaken by Scott Vance in January 2021 and illustrations were compiled by Mark Roughley.
2.2 Report Objectives
2.2.1 As defined by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA 2014, updated 2020), an archaeological desk-based assessment aims to:
“. . . as far as is reasonably possible from existing records, the nature, extent and significance of
PCA Report Number: R14358 6 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
the historic environment within a specified area. Desk-based assessment will be undertaken using appropriate methods and practices which satisfy the stated aims of the project, and which comply with the Code of conduct, Code of approved practice for the regulation of contractual arrangements in field archaeology, and other relevant bylaws of the CIfA. In a development context, desk-based assessments will establish the impact of the proposed development on the significance of the historic environment (or will identify the need for further evaluation to do so), and will enable reasoned proposals and decisions to be made whether to mitigate, offset or accept without further intervention that impact.”
2.2.2 The specific objectives of the assessment were to assess the potential for heritage assets of archaeological interest (i.e. buried archaeological remains) to survive below ground at the study site and their likely degree of preservation, through a consideration of the likely extent of previous land use impacts.
2.2.3 The desk-based assessment is required to assess the merit of the archaeological resource and may lead towards one or more of the following:
• The formulation of a strategy to ensure the recording, preservation, or management of the resource;
• The formulation of a strategy for further investigation, whether intrusive, where the character and value of the resource is not sufficiently defined to permit a mitigation strategy or other response to be devised;
• The formulation of a proposal for further archaeological investigation within a programme of research.
2.2.4 The degree to which archaeological deposits survive on site will depend upon previous land-use and so consideration is given to the destructive effect of past and present activity from a study of the information available. In order that the appropriate archaeological response may be identified the impact of the proposed development is also considered.
2.2.5 The desk-based assessment usually forms the first stage in the process of archaeological investigation and may, if the quality of the archaeology and the perceived impact warrants its, be followed by further mitigation measures.
2.3 Methodology
2.3.1 In line with the CIfA guidance, the assessment comprised an examination of existing and available historic environment data for the wider study area. Central to this was an analysis of existing written, graphic, photographic and electronic information, undertaken to identify known and potential heritage assets and to establish the interests and significance of those assets. Furthermore, a site visit was undertaken to examine the proposed development area and its immediate surroundings, and a brief digital photographic record compiled.
2.3.2 The main source of information consulted was Tyne and Wear Historic Environment Record
PCA Report Number: R14358 7 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
(HER). Historic environment data is managed and organised on a computer database, combined with Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping technology. Data on all known designated and non-designated heritage assets in the wider study area was acquired in the form of HER entries in electronic format. Copies of grey literature reports on relevant archaeological work in the wider study area were consulted, the library of such reports forming an integral part of the HER. Further details of all sources consulted are contained in Section 10.
2.3.3 The general approach and methodology was to consider heritage assets at the study site and within the wider study area, a search radius of 1km from the centre of the proposed development, to allow for greater contextual information to be gathered.
2.3.4 Further details of heritage assets are set out in Section 6, but, in summary, heritage assets may be nationally or locally designated (by registration, listing or scheduling); may appear in the national or local archaeological record; may have been identified during the assessment from scrutiny of historic records, or the physical landscape (for example during the undertaking of a site visit).
2.3.5 The potential for surviving archaeological evidence at the site is expressed in this report as ranging between the scales of:
• High: The available evidence suggests a high likelihood for past activity within the site and a strong potential for archaeological evidence to survive intact or reasonably intact;
• Moderate: The available evidence suggests a reasonable likelihood for past activity within the site and a potential that archaeological evidence may survive although the nature and extent of survival is not thought to be significant;
• Low: The available evidence suggests archaeological evidence of significant activity is unlikely to survive within the site, although some minor land-use may have occurred;
• Uncertain: Insufficient information to assess.
2.3.6 Buried archaeological evidence cannot be 100% identified during a desk-based assessment. The assessed potential is based on current available evidence, but the physical nature and extent of any archaeological resource can only be accurately determined with fieldwork.
2.3.7 Where potential or known heritage assets are identified, the heritage significance of such assets is determined by reference to existing designations where available. For previously unidentified sites where no designation has been assigned, an estimate has been made of the likely historic, artistic or archaeological importance of that resource based on professional knowledge and judgement:
• National: The highest status of asset, e.g. Scheduled Monuments (or undesignated assets of schedulable quality and importance), Grade I and Grade II* Listed Buildings. Well preserved historic landscape, whether inscribed or not, with exceptional coherence, time depth, or other critical factor(s);
PCA Report Number: R14358 8 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
• Regional: Designated or undesignated archaeological sites; well preserved structures or buildings of historical significance, historic landscapes or assets of a reasonably defined extent and significance, or reasonable evidence of occupation / settlement, ritual, industrial activity etc. Examples may include burial sites, deserted medieval villages, Roman roads and dense scatter of finds.
• Local: Undesignated sites with some evidence of human activity but which are in a fragmentary or poor state, or assets of limited historic value but which have the potential to contribute to local research objectives, structures or buildings of potential historical merit. Examples include sites such as historic field systems and boundaries, agricultural features such as ridge and furrow, ephemeral archaeological evidence etc.
• Negligible: Historic assets with very little or no surviving archaeological interest or buildings and landscapes of no historical significance. Examples include destroyed antiquities, buildings of no architectural merit, or relatively modern landscape features such as quarries, field boundaries, drains and ponds etc.
• Unknown: Insufficient information exists to assess the importance of a feature (e.g. unidentified features on aerial photographs).
2.3.8 Adjustments to the above classification are occasionally made, where appropriate; for some types of finds or sites where there is no consistent value and the importance may vary from local to national. Levels of importance for any such areas are generally assigned on an individual basis, based on professional judgement and advice.
2.3.9 The expected magnitude of the impact of the proposed development works is determined by identifying the level of effect from the proposed development upon the ‘baseline’ conditions of the site and the heritage resource identified in the assessment. The effect can be either adverse (negative) or beneficial (positive). In certain cases, it is not possible to confirm the magnitude of impact upon a heritage resource, especially where anticipated buried deposits exist. In such circumstances, professional judgement is applied. The magnitude of impact is assessed using the following criteria.
2.3.10 For adverse (negative) impact:
• HIGH: Substantial impacts fundamentally changing the baseline condition of the receptor, leading to total or considerable alteration of character or setting – e.g. complete or almost complete destruction of the archaeological resource; dramatic visual intrusion into a historic landscape element; adverse change to the setting or visual amenity of the feature/site; significant increase in noise or changes in sound quality; extensive changes to use or access. Substantial harm to or loss of a grade II listed building, park or garden. Substantial harm to or loss of designated heritage assets of the highest significance, notably scheduled monuments, protected wreck sites, battlefields, grade I and II* registered parks and gardens, and World Heritage Sites;
PCA Report Number: R14358 9 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
• MEDIUM: Impacts changing the baseline condition of the receptor materially but not entirely leading to partial alteration of character or setting – e.g. a large proportion of the archaeological resource damaged or destroyed; visual intrusion into key aspects of the historic landscape; and changes in noise levels or use of a site that would result in detrimental changes to historic landscape character;
• LOW: Detectable impacts which alter the baseline condition of the receptor to a small degree; e.g. a small proportion of the surviving archaeological resource is damaged or destroyed; minor severance, change to the setting or structure or increase in noise; and limited encroachment into character of a historic landscape;
• NEGLIGIBLE: Barely distinguishable adverse change from baseline conditions, where there would be very little appreciable effect on a known site, possibly because of distance from the development, method of construction or landscape or ecological planting, that are thought to have no long-term effect on the historic value of a resource.
2.3.11 For beneficial (positive) impact:
• NEGLIGIBLE: Barely distinguishable beneficial change from baseline conditions, where there would be very little appreciable effect on a known site and little long-term effect on the historic value of a resource;
• LOW: Minimal enhancement to key historic landscape elements, parcels or components, such as limited visual improvements or reduction in severance; slight changes in noise or sound quality; minor changes to use or access; resulting in a small improvement in historic landscape character;
• MEDIUM: Changes to key historic elements resulting in welcome changes to historic landscape character. For example, a major reduction of severance or substantial reductions in noise or disturbance such that the value of known sites would be enhanced;
• HIGH: Positive changes to most or all key historic landscape elements, parcels or components; visual changes to many key aspects of the historic landscape; significant decrease in noise or changes in sound quality; changes to use or access; resulting in considerable welcome changes to historic landscape character.
2.3.12 Three appendices are included within this report. Appendix 1 includes the figures; Appendix 2 comprises a catalogue of all heritage assets, as recorded on the HER, within the search area of the proposed development and Appendix 3 contains photographic plates taken during the site walkover.
PCA Report Number: R14358 10 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
3 THE SITE AND PROPOSED SCHEME
3.1 The Site
3.1.1 A site visit and systematic walkover survey was undertaken in January 2021. The aim of the visit was to assess the aspect, character, condition and setting of the site and to identify any impacts or constraints not otherwise known. Photographs taken during the site visit are included in Appendix 3, with their locations shown on Figure 3.
3.1.2 The site is located in the Moorside area of the City of Sunderland approximately 5km south-west of Sunderland City Centre at National Grid Reference NZ 36929 52880. The proposed development is bordered by Doxford Park Way to the south-west (Plate 1 & 2), Silksworth Way and a housing estate to the east (Plate 3), Silksworth Road and mixed areas of greenspace and housing to the north (Plate 4 & 5) and additional waste ground to the west (Plate 6).
3.1.3 The proposed development area is irregular in plan covering approximately 2.5 hectares. The site is extensively overgrown with scrubland comprised of small plants and trees in the eastern (Plate 7 & 8), northern (Plate 9 & 10) and southern areas (Plate 11, 12 & 13) with more mature planting and trees in the western area (Plates 14 to 18).
3.1.4 No potential heritage assets were noted during the site walkover.
3.2 The Proposed Development
3.2.1 The proposed development comprises the construction of a two-storey school, car park and playing area(s) on currently undeveloped land to the east of the B1286 including drainage attenuation and earthworks (Figure 4).
3.2.2 Details of the construction methods anticipated to be used in the proposed scheme were not available at the time of writing this report. However, the undertaking of any invasive groundworks such as laying foundations, landscaping, service installation and ground reduction etc., will have a significant impact on any in situ archaeological remains.
PCA Report Number: R14358 11 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
4 PLANNING BACKGROUND
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 Key national, regional and local planning policies and guidelines relating to the treatment of the historic environment are outlined in this section.
4.1.2 In considering the development proposal, the Local Planning Authority will be mindful of the planning and legislative framework set by UK Government policy, as well as by current Development Plan policy and by other material considerations. The requirements of the LPA regarding the historic environment are considered, as these will be critical regarding subsequent mitigation measures relating to known or potential heritage assets of the site.
4.2 National Policy: National Planning Policy Framework
4.2.1 In March 2012, the government published the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which was revised in February 2019.
4.2.2 Section 16 of the NPPF, entitled Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment provides guidance for planning authorities, property owners, developers and others on the conservation and investigation of heritage assets. Overall, the objectives of Section 16 of the NPPF are:
• Delivery of sustainable development understanding the wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits brought by the conservation of the historic environment;
• Conservation of England's heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance;
• Recognition of the contribution that heritage assets make to our understanding of the past.
4.2.3 Section 16 of the NPPF recognises that intelligently managed change may sometimes be necessary if heritage assets are to be maintained for the long term. Paragraph 197 states that planning decisions should be based on the significance of the heritage asset, and that level of detail supplied by an applicant should be proportionate to the importance of the asset and should be no more than sufficient to review the potential impact of the proposal upon the significance of that asset.
4.2.4 Heritage Assets are defined in Annex 2 of the NPPF as: a building, monument, site, place, area or landscape positively identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions. They include designated heritage assets (as defined in the NPPF) and assets identified by the local planning authority during the process of decision-making or through the plan-making process.
4.2.5 Annex 2 also defines Archaeological Interest as a heritage asset which holds or potentially could hold, evidence of past human activity worthy of expert investigation at some point. Heritage assets with archaeological interest are the primary source of evidence about the substance and evolution of places, and of the people and cultures that made them.
4.2.6 A Designated Heritage Asset comprises a: World Heritage Site, Scheduled Monument, Listed
PCA Report Number: R14358 12 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Building, Protected Wreck Site, Registered Park and Garden, Registered Battlefield or Conservation Area.
4.2.7 Significance is defined as: “the value of a heritage asset to this and future generations because of its heritage interest”. This interest may be archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic. Significance derives not only from a heritage asset’s physical presence, but also from its setting.
4.2.8 In short, government policy provides a framework which:
• Protects nationally important designated Heritage Assets (which include World Heritage Sites, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings, Protected Wreck Sites, Registered Parks and Gardens, Registered Battlefields or Conservation Areas);
• Protects the settings of such designations;
• In appropriate circumstances seeks adequate information (from desk-based assessment and field evaluation where necessary) to enable informed decisions;
• Provides for the excavation and investigation of sites not significant enough to merit in-situ preservation.
4.2.9 In considering any planning application for development, the planning authority will be mindful of the framework set by government policy, in this instance the NPPF, by current Development Plan Policy and by other material considerations.
4.3 Site Specific Planning Background
4.3.1 This report has been produced to support a planning application to be submitted to Sunderland City Council for the proposed Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. A Specification for the desk-based assessment was produced by the Tyne and Wear Archaeology Officer (NCC 2020, MON 16845).
PCA Report Number: R14358 13 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
5 LANDSCAPE, GEOLOGICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT
5.1 Landscape Context
5.1.1 Within the context of the Natural England National Character Areas, the study site lies in National Character Area 15: Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau (Natural England website). The area is summarised thus:
The Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau is an open, agricultural landscape with sharply defined boundaries in the form of a steep limestone escarpment to the west and a dramatic coast of limestone cliffs, headlands and bays to the east. The River Wear cuts across the north of the area, flowing into the sea at Sunderland, and the River Skerne drains into the Tees Lowlands to the south. The Magnesian Limestone aquifer that sits below the area is an important source of drinking water for surrounding urban areas. Rural land cover consists of arable land and grazing pasture, with small, isolated areas of wildlife-rich habitat such as Magnesian Limestone grassland and ancient woodland in the narrow valleys (or denes) running down to the coast. The coast is an important breeding and feeding area for migratory birds, and harbour porpoise frequents inshore waters. The area has been strongly shaped by its industry, with coal mining and quarrying in particular leaving a very clear mark on local landscapes and identity. Settlements range from larger urban areas such as Sunderland to the north and ex-mining towns with their distinctive terraces to the south and east, to scattered traditional stone villages built around village greens on the plateau and ‘New Towns’ such as Peterlee and Newton Aycliffe. Local nature reserves and a good access network, particularly along disused colliery railways and the coast, provide local residents with good opportunities for outdoor recreation.
5.2 Geological Context
5.2.1 The bedrock geology of the area comprises Ford Formation dolostone, a sedimentary bedrock formed approximately 242 to 272 million years ago in the Permian Period when the local environment was dominated by shallow carbonate seas (British Geological Survey website).
5.2.2 Superficial geological deposits on the site comprise Pelaw Clay Member clay formed up to two million years ago in the Quaternary Period when the local environment was dominated by ice age conditions (ibid.).
5.2.3 Slightly acid loamy and clayey soils are noted across the site with impeded drainage (Soilscape website).
5.2.4 A Ground Investigation Report has been undertaken at the site as part of the geotechnical design for the B1286 City Way Widening scheme which covers the Sunningdale School site (WSP 2020). This included fieldwork by Dunelm Geotechnical and Environmental.
5.2.5 Bedrock was encountered below superficial geology in 22 of the 26 exploratory holes with superficial geology recorded from the base of the topsoil or made ground in all 26 exploratory holes.
PCA Report Number: R14358 14 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
5.2.6 Made ground was recorded in four locations within the proposed development (CP306, TP309, TP312 and TP315). The table below details their location thickness and depth below ground level:
Depth below ground Exploratory hole ID Location Thickness level CP306 436877.47E 552936.33N 0.60m 0.20m (northern end of site) TP309 436896.78E 552956.43N 0.30m 0.20m (northern end of site) TP312 436966.38E 1m 0.10m 552855.68N (eastern end of site) TP315 436811.13E 552882.17N 0.7m 0.30m (western end of site) Made ground summary within proposed development
5.2.7 Topsoil was encountered in all 26 exploratory holes from surface to depths of between 0.1m to 0.5m below ground level (bgl). Rare to occasional anthropogenic material was recorded within the topsoil including fabric, metal, plastic, ceramic and macadam.
5.2.8 Historically the site comprised agricultural fields/undeveloped land across most of the site. The Hetton Company Railway was historically present along the western boundary of the site, which was dismantled in the mid-20th century.
5.2.9 Although not illustrated on historic mapping, a landfill named East Moorside is listed in the southern half of the site however no evidence for extensive landfilling was noted within the geotechnical investigation. Made ground was only noted in four locations: two exploratory holes at the northern end of site, one at the eastern and one at the western. Within the southern half of the site where the landfill is listed, superficial geological deposits were noted in CPR301 at 0.40m bgl at 95.57m AOD; in TP304 at 0.30m bgl at 94.74m AOD and in TP305 at 0.30m bgl at 94.57m AOD. This shows that there was not extensive landfilling within the southern part of the proposed development. The site of the landfill is potentially shown on an aerial photograph of 2001 to the west of the site with a haul road from the roundabout between Silksworth Way and Silksworth Road (Plate 19). Made ground in exploratory holes CP306 and TP309 was likely derived from the haul road of the landfill to the west, with deposits in TP312 related to the construction of the road or isolated tipping on the site unrelated to the landfill. The made ground within TP315 may relate to either the Hetton Company Railway or detritus from the construction of Doxford Park Way. This suggests that archaeological deposits or features may survive in the southern half of the site with landfilling not as extensive as previously thought.
PCA Report Number: R14358 15 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
5.2.10 The Ground Investigation Report produced an anticipated ground model across the Sunningdale School Site which is shown in the table below (WSP 2020, 28; Table 4-12):
Top of Strata Thickness (m) Strata Depth (m bgl) Level (m AOD) (average) (average) (average)
96.0 to 86.5 0.1 to 0.3 Topsoil 0.0 (91.4) (0.2)
0.1 to 0.3 92.6 to 86.3 0.3 to 1.0 Made Ground (0.2) (89.5) (0.7)
Head Deposits 0.1 to 1.3 95.8 to 86.0 0.8 to 4.3 (comprising granular and cohesive layers) (0.4) (91.0) (2.7)
Weathered Ford 1.4 to 4.5 92.2 to 79.5 0.6 to 5.0+ Formation Dolostone (2.9) (87.9) (unproven)
Ford Formation 3.3 to 5.3 91.4 to 84.3 Up to 10.9 Dolostone (4.3) (88.3) (unproven) Summary of Ground Conditions taken from Ground Investigation Report (WSP 2020; Table 4-12)
5.3 Topography
5.3.1 The site slopes down to the north, from a maximum elevation of 95.5m AOD on the southern boundary to a minimum elevation of 85.0m AOD on the northern boundary. The western side of the site is more steeply sloping.
5.3.2 The nearest surface water feature is a small stream in Doxford Park, 400m east of the site. The nearest main watercourses are the River Wear, 3.8km to the north-west, and Moors Burn, 4.7km to the south-west of the site.
PCA Report Number: R14358 16 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
6 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
6.1 Introduction
6.1.1 This section has, at its core, data acquired from the Tyne and Wear Historic Environment Record, which contains information on heritage assets, including archaeological sites, historic buildings, and archaeological events (i.e. archaeological fieldwork and historic building recording/survey). Each HER entry, whether that is for a site, building or event, is allocated a reference number e.g. HER 1234. A 1km search radius from the centre of the site was examined. In addition to the summary discussion of heritage assets in this section, all components of the historic environment resource are plotted, with sequential reference numbers arranged by archaeological period, on a supporting figure (Figure 5). Full details of the HER entries are set out in Appendix 2.
6.1.2 The study site does not lie within a World Heritage Site nor does it contain a Scheduled Monument or lie within a Registered Battlefield or Registered Park and Garden, as defined by Historic England.
6.1.3 The assessment does not attempt to set out a comprehensive history of land use at the site. The broad intention is only to predict and extrapolate likely archaeological conditions within the study site from finds and research in the vicinity. Analysis of archaeological discoveries made in the wider area is a crucial component of the process of assessment, since it is recognised that finds and sites entered onto the HER are at best a small and unrepresentative sample of the total buried archaeological resource. Future archaeological investigation within the study area and/or further research may result in a significant change to the baseline data, which in turn, may greatly affect the archaeological potential of the study site.
6.1.4 The following text details the archaeological and historic evidence as revealed by the Tyne and Wear HER search. The evidence is further supplemented by a site-specific historic map regression.
6.2 Prehistoric (450,000 BC – 43 AD)
6.2.1 Two prehistoric assets are noted within the 1km search radius comprising a Langdale stone axe found during building work c. 710m to the north (Figure 5: Ref. 1; HER 236) and an inhumation burial in a stone coffin c. 690m to the south-east (Figure 5: Ref 2; HER 231).
6.3 Roman (AD 43 – AD 410)
6.3.1 No Roman activity is noted within the 1km search area around the proposed development.
6.4 Early Medieval (AD 411 - 1065)
6.4.1 The earliest reference to Slicesworth is thought to be in c. 930AD when it was listed as one of the appendages of South Wearmouth in King Athelstan’s gift to the see of Durham (Figure 5: Ref. 3; HER 242).
6.5 Medieval (AD 1066 - 1540)
PCA Report Number: R14358 17 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
6.5.1 Seven medieval assets are noted within the 1km search radius of the proposed development (Figure 5). East Herrington village is located 950m to the north-west of the site. Three Herrington’s are noted in historical sources and it is impossible to be sure which is being referred to. Two Herrington’s were mentioned by Bishop Flambard c. late 11th century, and two Herrington’s in the Boldon Buke, a 1183 survey of land belonging to the Bishop of Durham, Hugh du Puiset, (Greenwell 1856, 70). By the 14th century East and Middle Herringtons were mentioned separately. Evidence for the medieval origin of East Herrington can be seen in its two- row village plan on either side of Silksworth Road. Medieval broad ridge and furrow is also noted between West and Middle Herrington, on both sides of the Herrington Burn (Figure 5: Ref. 5; HER 487).
6.5.2 Silksworth village (952m to the north-west) originated in the mid-10th century and continued into the medieval period (Figure 5: Ref. 6; HER 242). Slicesworth was in possession of Bishop Flambard at the end of the 11th century, but in perhaps the 13th century was given to the priory of Durham. It consists today of a north-south street bounded on the west by 19th-century stone houses, some with large gardens.
6.5.3 It is thought that there was a medieval mansion built on the current site of Silksworth Hall c. 707m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 7; HER 12806). Remains of ‘Tudor style’ were apparently discovered in 1905 when the present hall was being built by Robert Doxford. Lewin’s survey of the Silksworth Estate 1714 and Tithe Map of 1842 show a large house which pre-dates this existing one. That on Lewin’s map is some distance to the west of the present one and the building on the Tithe Map is shown to be ‘H’ shaped. The hearth tax of 1662 indicates that two properties were big enough to have had five hearths and one of these properties was the house of George Middleton. Silksworth had been passed to Sir John Middleton of Belsay from Sir Robert de Umfraville in the late 14th or early 15th century. In the 17th century William Ettrick and his wife Ann Middleton lived at Silksworth Hall. One of their daughters married into the Robinson family and the hall remained in the Robinson family until the 1900s when Robert Doxford bought it, demolished it and built the structure that survives today (HER 7198). It is therefore likely that there have been three halls in Silksworth: a Tudor Manor House, an 18th-century hall and the present building.
6.5.4 Documentary evidence suggest that the medieval Chapel of St. Leonard was located c. 636m to the south-east of the site (Figure 5: Ref. 8; HER 221). The existence of this chapel is supported by only a single published and undated charter in which John, son of Marmaduke, gave his relative John de Dalton, chaplain, land in the vill of Silksworth, on the west side of the vill next to the chapel of St. Leonard. The first edition Ordnance Survey map beats the message “Chapel Garth Well” in the field immediately south of Silksworth village, but the HER entry notes that there is no evidence to support this name and location. The chapel is suggested to have disappeared at the time of the dissolution of the chantries (Surtees 1972, 244).
6.5.5 Farringdon monastic grange is suggested to have been located c. 660m to the north-west of the site (Figure 5: Ref. 9; HER 222). The location shown on Figure 5 is an approximate location, calculated from the position of Farringdon Hall on the first edition Ordnance Survey map, on the
PCA Report Number: R14358 18 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
basis that this was presumably the remnant of the grange. Farendon-grange is listed as one of the properties of Hexham Priory. Its boundaries are described in great detail suggesting that most if its land was in a single block between the vills of Herrington and Silksworth, but in the territory of the later. Also mentioned were a windmill, oven and brewhouse.
6.5.6 The Salter’s Way, a trading route linking the Bishop’s salt pans on the Wear with the Vale of York, lies within the 1km search radius of the proposed development (Figure 5: Ref. 10; HER 1602).
6.6 Post-Medieval (AD 1540 - 1800)
6.6.1 Five post-medieval assets are noted within the 1km search radius of the proposed development. These comprise the Grade II listed Ivy House c. 876m to the west (Figure 5: Ref. 11; HER 7200); the Grade II listed Silksworth Cottage c. 530m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 12; HER 7230); Doxford Park walled garden c. 272m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 13; HER 5230); Doxford public park c. 575m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 14; HER 5229), and a possible windmill on Mill Hill c. 844m to the north-east (Figure 5: Ref. 15; HER 8398).
6.7 Early Modern (AD 1801 to 1900)
6.7.1 The Tyne and Wear HER notes 39 early modern assets within the 1km search radius of the proposed development. Five listed buildings are within the search area comprising the Grade II listed house Greystones c. 857m to the north-west (Figure 5: Ref. 16; HER 7199); the Grade II listed lamppost on Warden Law Lane c. 615m to the south-east (Figure 5: Ref. 17; HER 7229); the Grade II listed garden wall of Silksworth Cottage c. 543m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 18; HER 7231); the Grade II* listed Doxford House c. 596m to the south-east (Figure 5: Ref. 19; HER 7227); and the Grade II listed Serpentine walls of Doxford House (Figure 5: Ref. 20; HER 7228).
6.7.2 Seven locally listed buildings are also noted in the area comprising the stable of Silksworth Hall c. 620m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 21; HER 23930); West Lodge c. 554m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 22; HER 12816); Silksworth Hall Drive lodge c. 430m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 23; HER 12819); Meadow Nursery Cottage c. 223m to the north-east (Figure 5: Ref. 24; HER 12809); The Gardens dwelling c. 193m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 25; HER 12810); the former stables to Silksworth House c. 553m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 26; HER 12811) and a lodge c. 655m to the south-east (Figure 5: Ref. 27; HER 12812). Also associated with Doxford House and Park are an icehouse c. 490m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 28; HER 5231); a pump house c. 463m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 29; HER 12807); a lake c. 556m to the south-east (Figure 5: Ref. 30; HER 12808) and the Old School House built by Charles Doxford within the landscaped grounds of Silksworth House c. 528m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 31; HER 12813).
6.7.3 The Hetton Company’s Railway crossed the westernmost extent of the site (Figure 5: Ref. 32; HER 2848). The railway extended from Hetton Colliery (HER2989) to the Hetton Drops (HER 2808) at the River Wear. The line was opened from Hetton Colliery to Sunderland in 1822 and it was the first complete line engineered by George Stephenson and used locomotives, stationary engines and self-acting inclines. At over eight miles long it was also the world’s longest railway
PCA Report Number: R14358 19 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
when it opened. An unmarked building shown on the first edition Ordnance Survey map appears to be an engine house on the Hetton Company’s Railway c. 383m to the north-east (Figure 5: Ref. 33; HER 2924). A coal depot is also noted on this line immediately north of the site (Figure 5: Ref. 34; HER 2925).
6.7.4 Silksworth Colliery is noted c. 1km to the north-east of the site (figure 5: Ref. 35; HER 6995). It was opened in 1869 and closed on 6 November 1971. Associated with the colliery was the Silksworth Colliery Railway (Figure 5: Ref. 36; HER 36).
6.7.5 Several other early modern assets are noted within the search area. These comprise a vicarage c. 960m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 37; HER 8394); Mill Hill Farm c. 816m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 38; HER 8395); Silksworth vicarage farm c. 1km to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 39; HER 8397); a post office c. 525m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 40; HER 12822); a pinfold c. 522m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 41; HER 12823); a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel c. 1km to the west (figure 5: Ref. 42; HER 16560); East Herrington Farm c. 895m to the north-west (Figure 5: Ref. 43; HER 16563); Chapel Garth Well c. 696m to the south-east (Figure 5: Ref. 44; HER 12821); Sunderland to Durham toll road (Figure 5: Ref. 45; HER 3208); Salter Lane (Figure 5: Ref. 46; HER 3208); a signpost c. 599m to the north-east (Figure 5: Ref. 47; HER 12824); two footbridges over Doxford Park Lake (Figure 5: Ref. 48 & 49; HER 12826 & 12827 respectively); a signpost c. 545m to the north-east (Figure 5: Ref. 50; HER 12825); a gravel pit c. 870m to the north-east (Figure 5: Ref. 51; HER 8396); a limestone quarry c. 338m to the south west (Figure 5: Ref. 52; HER 2926); a limestone quarry c. 936m to the north-east (Figure 5; Ref. 53; HER 2934) and a sand pit c. 510m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 54; HER 2935).
6.7.6 The Ordnance Survey map of 1861 (Figure 6) shows the site to be within two agricultural fields with the Hetton Company Railway shown in the north-west corner. Apart from the railway no features are noted on the site apart from an east-west field boundary crossing the southern extent of the site. No changes are noted on the Ordnance Survey map of 1896 (Figure 7).
6.8 Modern (AD 1901 to present)
6.8.1 Six modern assets are noted within the 1km search radius. These comprise the Grade II listed Silksworth Hall Hotel c. 711m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 55; HER 7198); the boundary walls of Silksworth Hall c. 750m to the south-east (Figure 5: Ref. 56; HER 12815); East Herrington pumping station c. 826m to the west (Figure 5: Ref. 57; HER 1754); an air raid shelter c. 1km to the north-west (Figure 5: Ref. 58; HER 12698); a post-box c. 576m to the east (Figure 5: Ref. 59; HER 12814) and Doxford Business Park sculptures c. 928m to the south-west (Figure 5: Ref. 60; HER 11035).
6.8.2 The Ordnance Survey map of 1919 (Figure 8) and 1946 (Figure 9) shows that there were no changes from the map of 1896 (Figure 7). The field boundary was still extant as well as the railway to the west. By the time of the Ordnance Survey map of 1976 (Figure 10) the Hetton Colliery railway had been dismantled however the embankment was still visible to the west of the site. Moorside Road had also been constructed along with the roundabout connecting the road to
PCA Report Number: R14358 20 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Silksworth Way. The housing estate to the east had yet to be constructed however the Moorside estate is depicted on the map truncating part of the former Hetton Colliery Railway to the south. The Ordnance Survey map of 1989 (Figure 11) shows that the field boundary crossing the site had been removed although the railway embankment survived. In the late 20th century, the embankment was removed during the construction of Doxford Park Road to the south-west and pedestrian pathways to the west.
6.8.3 No features are noted within the site on lidar coverage or historic aerial photographs of the proposed development.
6.8.4 Although not illustrated on historic mapping, a landfill named East Moorside is listed in the southern half of the site in DEFRA datasets however no evidence for extensive landfilling was noted within the aforementioned geotechnical investigation (Section 5.2; WSP 2020). Furthermore, the field boundary noted from the first edition Ordnance Survey map crossing the southern extent of the site is still visible on aerial photographs up until the 1980s. This implies that the landfill was located outside the proposed development area and was not as extensive as the DEFRA data suggests.
PCA Report Number: R14358 21 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
7 ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL
7.1 General
7.1.1 Assessment of the historic environment of the study site allows for the potential for heritage assets of archaeological interest, especially buried archaeological remains, to be determined for the site itself.
7.1.2 A total of 60 heritage assets have been identified within the search radius: two prehistoric, one early medieval, seven medieval, five post-medieval, 39 early modern and six modern.
7.1.3 The potential for evidence originating from the various periods is summarised below. As the HER data is only a partial reflection of the buried archaeological record, the true archaeological potential of the site may vary to that which is stated below.
7.2 Prehistoric
7.2.1 There is limited evidence of prehistoric activity in the area. As such, the potential for the prehistoric periods is considered to be low.
7.3 Roman
7.3.1 No Roman assets are noted within the search area around the proposed development. Therefore, the archaeological potential for the Roman period is considered to be low.
7.4 Early Medieval
7.4.1 A single early-medieval asset is noted within the search area with only documentary evidence suggesting an early medieval origin for Silksworth. The potential for early-medieval remains is considered to be low.
7.5 Medieval
7.5.1 Seven medieval assets are noted within the 1km search radius of the site however these are not close to the site with the nearest potential medieval village c. 707m to the east around Silksworth Hall. The potential for medieval activity is considered to be low.
7.6 Post-Medieval
7.6.1 Five post-medieval assets are noted within the search area of the proposed development. Historic map regression shows that the proposed development site has been undeveloped from at least the first edition Ordnance Survey map and lay within a two open fields. The potential for post-medieval remains is considered to be low.
7.7 Early Modern
7.7.1 There are 39 early modern assets within the 1km search radius. The Hetton Company Railway bordered the site to the west and may have crossed its westernmost extant. The line was closed
PCA Report Number: R14358 22 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
in 1959 however the embankment survived until the map of 1989-1993 (Figure 11) when Doxford Park Way was constructed. Parts of this rail line may therefore survive on the western extent of the site. The potential for the survival of the Hetton Company railway is therefore considered to be moderate.
7.8 Modern
7.8.1 No modern assets were noted during the historic map regression, lidar analysis or historic aerial photographs. The potential for modern heritage assets is therefore considered to be low.
PCA Report Number: R14358 23 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
8 IMPACT ON BURIED ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEPOSITS
8.1 Previous Land Use and Existing Impacts
8.1.1 Historic map regression shows that the site has been undisturbed since at least the first edition Ordnance Survey map of 1861 (Figure 6). Ploughing may have resulted in a variable degree of truncation of archaeological deposits with localised variation in topography having an influence on the degree of truncation. Therefore, agricultural regimes practised at the site would have had a low adverse impact on any potential archaeological remains.
8.1.2 Although the site is listed as being used for the East Moorside landfill in the southern half of the proposed development in DEFRA datasets there is no evidence from the geotechnical reports (WSP 2020) or historic maps/aerial photos. The only area where made ground deposits were encountered in the southern half were within TP312. It is therefore considered that the landfill did not continue into the site and was less extensive than previously thought with only a single area around TP312 noted with modern waste material. Whether this is related to the landfill or a separate waste dump is unknown. The landfill was likely located to the west of the site as can be seen on the aerial photograph of 2001 (Plate 19). Made ground from TP309 and CP306 at the northern end of the site is potentially related to the haul road for the landfill that crosses the northern extent of the site from the roundabout on Silksworth Way/Silksworth Road.
8.2 Impact of Proposed Development on the Archaeological Resource
8.2.1 The proposed development comprises the construction of a two-storey school, car park and playing area(s) on currently undeveloped land to the east of the B1286 including drainage attenuation and earthworks (Figure 4). Details of the construction methods anticipated to be used in the proposed scheme were not available at the time of writing this report. However, the undertaking of any invasive groundworks such as laying foundations, landscaping, service installation and ground reduction etc., will inevitably risk impacting on any surviving in situ archaeological remains.
8.2.2 Only field investigation can firmly establish the magnitude of the direct impact on potential buried archaeological remains, and thus the actual overall effect of the proposed scheme on such heritage assets. If archaeological remains were present on the site, then it is considered likely that the proposed development would have a moderate adverse effect on these assets.
8.3 Ground Soil Contamination
8.3.1 Historically the site comprised agricultural fields/undeveloped land across most of the site. A railway was historically present along the western boundary of the site, which was dismantled in the mid-20th century. Although not illustrated on historic mapping, a historic landfill named East Moorside is listed across the southern extant of the site, which extends off-site to the west. Operational dates and details of waste received by the landfill are unknown. As mentioned above in Section 8.1 there is little evidence for the landfill on the site with no evidence recorded within
PCA Report Number: R14358 24 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
the majority of the geotechnical investigation (WSP 2020). Only the location of TP312 encountered made ground in the south-eastern part of the site to a maximum thickness of 0.8m. This may represent an isolated rubbish pit as it contained modern brick, concrete and rare metal fragments.
8.3.2 The geotechnical investigation identified topsoil in all 26 locations. Made ground was encountered in two exploratory holes at the northern end of site (CP306 and TP309), one in the eastern part (TP312) and one in the western (TP315). The deposits at the northern end of site likely derived from the haul road of East Moorside landfill to the west of the proposed development (Plate 19). Material within TP312 represents an isolated dump of material as no made ground was noted in any of the other eastern or southern exploratory holes. Made ground within TP315 may relate to either the Hetton Company Railway or material from the construction of Doxford Park Way.
8.3.3 Asbestos identification testing was carried out on 25 samples during the geotechnical investigation, all taken from topsoil or made ground deposits (WSP 2020). No asbestos was identified in any of the samples screened.
8.3.4 Given the nature of the materials encountered and data obtained during the investigation, it is considered unlikely that significant sources of unexpected contamination will be encountered during the construction phase. However, given the sites history with made ground noted in TP309, CP306 and TP312 and a former railway existing in the far west (TP315), the possibility for previously unidentified contamination cannot fully be discounted. It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that a safe working system is in place to deal with the risk of encountering unexpected contamination sources on site.
8.4 Existing Services
8.4.1 No detailed plans of services for gas and electricity within the site were available at the time this report was prepared.
8.4.2 Two sewers are noted in the north-western extent of the site and a Virgin Media duct runs along the route of the pedestrian pathway on the western boundary of the site. Service plans from BT depict an overhead pole located on site however this is no longer extant.
PCA Report Number: R14358 25 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
9 CONCLUSIONS
9.1 This report aimed to identify the potential for the occurrence of archaeological remains on the site, the probable period from which they date and the type of remains that can be expected in a 1km search radius of the proposed development at Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. In addition, the likelihood for the survival of these remains has been assessed, as has the impact of the proposed development on Heritage Assets within the vicinity of the site.
9.2 Research and analysis of the Tyne and Wear Historic Environment Record has uncovered 60 assets within the search radius from the study site. These comprise: two prehistoric, one early medieval, seven medieval, five post-medieval, 39 early modern and six modern. The archaeological and historical background to the site indicates low potential for all periods apart from the early modern remains of the Hetton Company Railway which is considered to be moderate.
9.3 Post-medieval and early modern ploughing may have resulted in a variable degree of truncation of earlier archaeological deposits with localised variation in topography having an influence on the degree of truncation. Past agricultural regimes at the site would have had a low adverse impact on any potential archaeological remains.
9.4 The proposed development comprises the construction of Sunningdale School. Only field investigation can firmly establish the magnitude of the direct impact on potential buried archaeological remains, and thus the actual overall effect of the proposed scheme on such heritage assets. If archaeological remains were present on the site, then it is considered likely that the proposed development would have a moderate adverse effect on these assets.
9.5 Given the findings of this report, it is possible that further archaeological work will be requested as a means of mitigating the potential archaeological resource. It is recommended that a geophysical survey is undertaken across the site however, prior to this, all trees and shrubs must be removed from the site. The results of the geophysics will be used to inform the trench locations for an archaeological evaluation, possibly followed by further archaeological investigations, such as an archaeological watching brief or area excavation, should the potential be deemed of sufficient importance.
9.6 The necessity for any further archaeological work will be decided by the Local Planning Authority and their Archaeological Advisors within Tyne and Wear Archaeology Service at Newcastle City Council. Early consultation should be undertaken to identify the scope and extent of any such work.
PCA Report Number: R14358 26 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
10 BIBLIOGRAPHY
10.1 Written Sources
Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, 2014 (updated 2020). Standard and guidance for historic environment desk-based assessment, CIfA.
Department for Communities and Local Government, 2019. National Planning Policy Framework, TSO.
Greenwell, W. (ed.) 1852. Boldon Buke, Surtees Society, Vol. 25.
Natural England, 2013. National Character Area Profile: 15. Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau. Natural England.
Newcastle City Council (NCC) 2020 Specification for an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment for vacant land north of Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, MON 16845, unpublished document.
Surtees, R. 1972. History of … the County Palatine of Durham I (1816).
WSP, 2020. Ground Investigation Report B1286 city Way Widening (Sunningdale School site). Unpublished report.
10.2 Cartographic Sources
Ordnance Survey, 1861 Ordnance Survey, 1896 Ordnance Survey, 1919 Ordnance Survey, 1946 Ordnance Survey, 1975-1976 Ordnance Survey, 1989-1993
10.3 Online Sources
The British Geological Survey website: www.bgs.ac.uk. This was consulted for information regarding the geology of the study area.
The Soilscape website: www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes. Consulted for information about soil types of the study area.
The Natural England website: www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications. Consulted for information about ‘National Character Areas’.
PCA Report Number: R14358 27 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
11 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
11.1 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd would like to thank Sunderland City Council for commissioning this archaeological desk-based assessment.
11.2 The author would also like to thank Aaron Goode for project management and Mark Roughley for compiling the illustrations.
PCA Report Number: R14358 28 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
APPENDIX 1: FIGURES
PCA Report Number: R14358 29 N O R T H U M B E R L A N D
T Y N E & W E A R Sunderland Site Location
C O U N T Y D U R H A M Hartlepool C U M B R I A Cleveland
Darlington Middlesbrough Stockton-on-Tees
N
437000/554000
The Site
437000/551000
0 1km
Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 2021 Figure 1 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2021 Site Location 07/01/21 MR 1:2,000,000, 1:250,000, 1:25,000 at A4 Ordnance Survey Crown copyright 2021. All rights reserved. License number 100022432 07/01/21 MR a 0 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2021 436675/552850 a 100m
SILKSWORTH ROAD DOXFORD PARK WAY PARK DOXFORD
SILKSWORTH WAY
DUNNLYNN
CLOSE Detailed Site Location 437130/552850 1:2,000 at A4 N Figure 2 Ordnance Survey Crown copyright 2021. All rights reserved. License number 100022432 07/01/21 MR a 0 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2021 1 436675/552850 a Plate Location and direction 100m 2 15 18 14 16 6 10 SILKSWORTH ROAD 1
5 DOXFORD PARK WAY PARK DOXFORD 17 13 9 12 7 4
SILKSWORTH WAY 11 3 8
DUNNLYNN
CLOSE Plate Locations and Directions 437130/552850 1:2,000 at A4 N Figure 3 Plan reproduced from a drawing supplied by the client (November 2020)
N
0 50m Figure 4 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2021 Proposed Development plan 07/01/21 MR 1:1,000 at A3 N
36 35
45 58
1 53 46 9
33 39 15 51 42 50 43 6 38 16 3 37 5 34 47 11 22 24 31 40,41 23 18 4 25 13 54 12 28 59 21 55 57 49 20 7 29 26 17 14 30 19 27 56 48 8 2 52 32 44
10
60
Prehistoric (1-2) Early Medieval (3) Medieval (4-10) Post-Medieval (11-15) Early Modern (16-54) Modern (55-60) 1km Search Radius
0 500m
Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 2021 Figure 5 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2021 Tyne and Wear HER Locations 07/01/21 MR 1:12,500 at A4 N
0 200m Figure 6 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2021 Ordnance Survey map, 1861 07/01/21 MR 1:4,000 at A4 N
0 200m Figure 7 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2021 Ordnance Survey map, 1896 07/01/21 MR 1:4,000 at A4 N
0 200m Figure 8 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2021 Ordnance Survey map, 1919 07/01/21 MR 1:4,000 at A4 N
0 200m Figure 9 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2021 Ordnance Survey map, 1946 07/01/21 MR 1:4,000 at A4 N
0 200m
Crown copyright 1976. All rights reserved. License number 100020795 Figure 10 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2021 Ordnance Survey map, 1976 07/01/21 MR 1:4,000 at A4 N
0 200m
Crown copyright 1989. All rights reserved. License number 100020795 Figure 11 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2021 Ordnance Survey map, 1989 07/01/21 MR 1:4,000 at A4 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
APPENDIX 2: TYNE AND WEAR HER 1KM SEARCH RESULTS FROM PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT NGR NZ 36929 52880
Map Grid Ref. HER No. Name Monument Date Range Description Ref. Types
Prehistoric 1 NZ 3692 5359 236 Farringdon, Axe 4000BC to A Langdale stone axe, 4.5 inches long, was polished axe 2200BC found in 1955 by a Mr. Wright during the building of a council house at Farringdon. It is now lost. 2 NZ 376 527 231 Silksworth, Inhumation 500,000BC to On Thursday 5th June 1879 workmen ?prehistoric burial 43AD uncovered a stone coffin, in which, on being opened was found to contain human remains, together with antique weapons. Early Medieval
3 NZ 360 531 242 Silksworth Village Village 43AD to The earliest reference to "Silcesworth" is 1066AD thought to be in c. 930, when it was listed as one of the appendages of South Wearmouth in King Athelstan's gift to the see of Durham. Medieval
4 NZ 360 531 244 East Herrington Village 1066AD to There were eventually three Herringtons, and Village 1540AD until they came to be described separately it is impossible to be sure which is being referred to. Two Herringtons were mentioned temp. Bishop Flambard (late C11), and two parts of Herrington in Boldon Buke (a 1183 survey of land belonging to the Bishop of Durham, Hugh du Puiset) which owed works at Newbottle. Were these East and West? By C14 East and Middle Herringtons were separately mentioned. 5 NZ 353 531 487 Middle Herrington, Broad ridge and 1066AD to Between West and Middle Herrington, on both
PCA Report Number: R14358 41 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Map Grid Ref. HER No. Name Monument Date Range Description Ref. Types ridge and furrow furrow 1540AD sides of the Herrington Burn, which here flows from W to E, and also in the Park S of Middle Herrington, there is fine ridge and furrow, without extant field boundaries. 6 NZ 360 531 242 Silksworth Village Shrunken 1066AD to “Silcesworth” was in the possession of Bishop Village 1540AD Flambard at the end of the C11 but in perhaps the C13 was given to the priory of Durham. Free tenants show in the records, but little other detail. It consists today of a north-south street bounded on the west by stone houses of the 19th century, some with large gardens. 7 NZ 3764 5285 12806 Silksworth, Country House 1066AD to It is thought that there was a medieval medieval hall 1540AD mansion house built on the current site of Silksworth Hall. 8 NZ 375 526 221 Silksworth, Chapel Chapel 1066AD to The existence of this chapel is supported by of St. Leonard 1540AD only a single published and undated charter in which John, son of Marmaduke, gave his relative John de Dalton, chaplain, land in the vill of Silksworth, on the west side of the vill next to the chapel of St. Leonard. 9 NZ 367 535 222 Farringdon Grange 1066AD to "Farendon-grange" is listed as one of the Monastic Grange 1540AD properties of Hexham Priory. Its boundaries are described in great detail suggesting that most of its land was in a single block between the vills of Herrington (sic) and Silksworth, but in the territory of the latter. Also mentioned - a windmill, oven, brewhouse. 10 NZ 3583 5533 1602 Warden Law, Road Late The Salter's Way, as its name implies was a Salter’s Way medieval to trading route linking the Bishop's salt pans on Early post- the Wear with the Vale of York. medieval Post-Medieval
PCA Report Number: R14358 42 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Map Grid Ref. HER No. Name Monument Date Range Description Ref. Types 11 NZ 3606 5301 7200 East Herrington, House 1700AD to Grade II listed building. Mid C18 with late C19 Silksworth Lane, Ivy present alterations. Brick with rendered right return. House Welsh slate roof. Brick chimneys. 2 storeys. 12 NZ 3746 5288 7230 Silksworth, Warden House 1750AD to Grade II listed house. Probably late C18. Law Lane, present Rubble stone with large quoins and ashlar Silksworth Cottage dressings. Welsh slate roof. 2 storeys. 13 NZ 3720 5291 5230 Silksworth, Doxford Walled Garden 1700AD to Kitchen garden within Doxford Park with Park, Walled 1900AD superb brick walls. Some were used as hot Garden walls for growing fruit. Many flues are visible due the deterioration of the structure {1}. The walled garden is shown on the Tithe Map of 1842. The hot wall still survives, which contained the flues which heated the wall for the cultivation of exotic fruit. 14 NZ 375 528 5229 Silksworth, Doxford Public Park 1700AD to Silksworth House (later Doxford House) House garden 1900AD garden is now a public park. Estate walls (Doxford Park) remain. The house and garden are now separated by a wall. A grassed embankment runs behind the house, sloping down to a long narrow pond. The pond is a central feature to the layout of the paths which lead to an area where a dene is formed by the steam feeding the pond. 15 NZ 3772 5318 8398 Silksworth, Mill Hill Windmill 1714AD to Shown on Ordnance Survey first edition of 1842AD 1858, possibly indicative of the site of a windmill. An estate map of the Ettrick and Robinson Estate of Silksworth Hall, dated to 1714, does show a windmill. The Tithe plan 1842 shows a circular outline in the area, which could be because the windmill was subjected to enclosure, to protect it from grazing animals, though no building is drawn. As other buildings are shown on the tithe plan,
PCA Report Number: R14358 43 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Map Grid Ref. HER No. Name Monument Date Range Description Ref. Types perhaps the windmill had fallen out of use and was demolished between 1714-1842. No windmill is mentioned in the apportionment. Early Modern
16 NZ 3609 5306 7199 East Herrington, House 1800AD to Grade II listed building. House, c1800, with Silksworth Lane, present alterations c1860. Whitewashed rubble with Greystones painted ashlar dressings and ashlar quoins. Welsh slate roof. Coursed squared sandstone chimney. 2 storeys. 17 NZ 3754 5279 7229 Silksworth, Warden Lamp Post 1900AD to Grade II listed lamp post. Lamp standard, Law Lane, lamp present dwarf piers and chains to Forecourt of Doxford standard, dwarf House forebuilding. C1900. Stone piers, cast- piers iron lamp standard and wrought-iron chains enclose a semicircular plot opposite the forebuilding. 18 NZ 3747 5294 7231 Silksworth, Warden Wall c. 1800 to Grade II listed. Garden wall to east of Law Lane, present Silksworth Cottage. C1800. Rubble with flat Silksworth Cottage, stone coping. High wall along front of property garden wall has brick segmental arch over boarded door in front of house. 19 NZ 3752 5279 7227 Silksworth, Warden Country House 1820AD to Grade II* listed building. Formerly known as Law Lane, Doxford present Silksworth House. Large house with House (Silksworth conservatory and forebuilding attached. House) Probably c1820 with c1900 alterations. Ashlar front and forebuilding, rear brick with ashlar dressings, conservatory cast-iron and glass. 3 storeys. 20 NZ 3751 5284 7228 Silksworth, Warden Wall 1820AD to Grade II listed. Serpentine walls from Law Lane, garden present forebuilding to Doxford House continue along walls and piers Warden Law Lane on east side of garden and grounds of house, to lodge at the south, and to gate piers to the rear entrance at the north.
PCA Report Number: R14358 44 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Map Grid Ref. HER No. Name Monument Date Range Description Ref. Types C19 altered c1900.
21 NZ 3755 5286 23930 Silksworth, Stable 1820AD to Site of stables, coach house and glass houses Silksworth Hall, 1960AD set around a courtyard to the west of stables and coach Silksworth Hall on the first edition Ordnance house Survey. They were demolished and built over with villa type houses in the 1960s and 1970s. 22 NZ 3748 5295 12816 Silksworth, Warden Lodge 1850AD to Lodge house to Silksworth Hall (HER 7198). Law Lane, West present Quirky roof line and Arts and Crafts detail. Lodge Late 19th century in date so pre-date the present Hall. 23 NZ 3753 5296 12819 Silksworth, Lodge 1850AD to Lodge house to Silksworth Hall (HER 7198). Silksworth Hall present Quirky roof line and Arts and Crafts detail. Drive, The Lodge Late 19th century in date so pre-date the present Hall. 24 NZ 3714 5295 12809 Silksworth, Doxford Dwelling 1800AD to Has been renovated and is now used as Park, Meadow present offices. Shown on Ordnance Survey first Nursery Cottage edition map. 25 NZ 3712 5291 12810 Silksworth, Doxford Dwelling 1800AD to Shown on Ordnance Survey first edition map. Park, The Gardens present Is in extremely poor condition, but could be an attractive residence or park office. 26 NZ 3748 5283 12811 Silksworth, Warden Stable 1800AD to The former stables to Silksworth House have Law Lane, stables present been converted into a house. 27 NZ 3757 5274 12812 Silksworth, Warden Lodge 1800AD to Former lodge to Silksworth House. An Law Lane, The present attractive private residence with excellent cast Lodge iron railings to the front. 28 NZ 3742 5285 5231 Silksworth, Doxford Icehouse 1800AD to Icehouse or perhaps a game larder within the Park, Icehouse 1900AD semi-subterranean brick structure with stone retaining walls, built into the bank to the immediate north-east of the pond. It retains some galvanized iron shelving. 29 NZ 3739 5283 12807 Silksworth, Doxford Pump House 1800AD to On the western side of the lake is a small Park, cascade and 1900AD cave-like structure. Fiona Green identifies this
PCA Report Number: R14358 45 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Map Grid Ref. HER No. Name Monument Date Range Description Ref. Types pump house as an icehouse, however this was apparently built by Charles D. Doxford to house the generator that drove the cascade from the top of the rocks into the pond beneath. The cascade was designed to be seen from Silksworth House (HER 7227) specifically from Charles' bedroom. It ran over a rockery creating an image of rustic charm. The water no longer flows and the pools are now almost devoid of water. 30 NZ 3747 5275 12808 Silksworth, Doxford Lake 1800AD to Long narrow lake created from the natural Park, lake 1900AD stream by Charles Doxford within the landscaped gardens of Silksworth House (HER 7227). 31 NZ 3745 5297 12813 Silksworth, Warden Church School 1800AD to Built in 1852 by Mr. WR Robinson, owner of Law Lane, Old present Silksworth Hall. Simple stone Church of School House England School. 32 NZ 3899 5764 2848 Hetton Company’s Railway 1822AD to The Hetton Company's Railway. The northern Railway 1959AD end of the line was at the Hetton Drops, (SMR 2808). There were two Coal Depots, (SMR 2818 and SMR 2850), in Sunderland. The southern terminus of the line was Hetton Colliery, (SMR 2989). The line was opened from Hetton Colliery to Sunderland in 1822. 33 NZ 3703 5325 2924 Sillksworth, Engine House 1822AD to Unmarked building shown on the 1st edition Engine? 1900AD OS mapping which appears to be an engine house on the Hetton Company’s Railway, (SMR 2848) 34 NZ 3687 5300 2925 Silksworth Coal Depot 1822AD to Coal Depot on the Hetton Company’s Railway. 1959AD 35 NZ 3764 5411 6995 Silksworth Colliery Colliery 1869AD to Opened in 1869, closed 6 November 1971. 1974AD North Pit was at NZ 376 540. Opened by Lord
PCA Report Number: R14358 46 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Map Grid Ref. HER No. Name Monument Date Range Description Ref. Types Londonderry, subsequently owned by Londonderry Collieries Ltd, then Lambton and Hetton Collieries Ltd, from 1934 the Lambton Hetton and Joicey Collieries Ltd, and from 1947, the National Coal Board. 36 NZ 3747 5375 6996 Silksworth Colliery Colliery Railway 1869AD to Shown on Ordnance Survey second edition. Railway 1974AD Built to take coal from Silksworth Colliery (HER 6994) to the Londonderry, Seaham and Sunderland Railway (HER 2894). The colliery was opened in 1869 by Lord Londonderry. 37 NZ 3787 5308 8394 New Silksworth Vicarage 1800AD to Shown on Ordnance Survey second edition of vicarage 1901AD. 1898. 38 NZ 3772 5308 8395 Silksworth, Mill Hill Farmstead 1800AD to Shown on Ordnance Survey first edition of Farm 1901AD 1858. 39 NZ 3791 5322 8397 Silksworth, Farmstead 1898AD to Shown on Ordnance Survey second edition of Vicarage Farm 1919AD 1898 as a farmhouse and range of farm buildings surrounding a courtyard to the rear with a pond to the ESE. 40 NZ 3745 5295 12822 Silksworth, Warden Post Office 1800AD to Post office shown on Ordnance Survey Law Lane, post 1900AD second edition. office 41 NZ 3745 5293 12823 Silksworth, Warden Pinfold shown 1800AD to Pinfold shown on Ordnance Survey first Law Lane, pinfold on Ordnance 1900AD edition. Survey first edition. 42 NZ 3587 5309 16560 Middle Herrington, Wesleyan 1839AD to Whellan's 1856 directory describes Middle Crow Lane, Methodist present Herrington as having a Wesleyan Methodist Wesleyan Chapel Chapel. A small stone building erected in 1839 Methodist Chapel at a cost of £250. It is labelled on the Second Edition Ordnance Survey plan c.1898. Rebuilt c.1855. with later extensions. Small, rubble with lancet windows and had a brick 1907
PCA Report Number: R14358 47 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Map Grid Ref. HER No. Name Monument Date Range Description Ref. Types school room and a 1960s extension.
43 NZ 3605 5305 16563 East Herrington, Farm 1800AD to Farm shown on First Edition Ordnance Survey East Herrington 1900AD plan c.1855. Whelan (1856) lists the farmers at Farm East Herrington as William Angus, Michael Brown and Barnabus Rutter. These names are likely to relate to other farms in the vicinity such as the one opposite East Herrington (now Ivy House, HER 7200). 44 NZ 3759 5266 12821 Silksworth, Chapel Well 1800AD to Well shown on Ordnance Survey first edition. Garth Well 1901AD Now a supermarket car park. A Russian cross was found in the well, believed to have belonged to Lady Beckwith of Silksworth House. She was a Catholic convert. The well could be medieval in date as the Chapel of St. Leonard was located here (HER 221). 45 NZ 3927 5682 3208 Sunderland to Toll Road 1800AD to Toll Road from Sunderland to Durham, with Durham Road 1901AD Grindon Turnpike (SMR 2922) and Rainton Bridge (SMR 3184). 46 NZ 3604 5543 2913 Grindon, Salter Road 1800AD to Salter Lane; a possible salt road. The course Lane 1900AD of this road is not clear on the 1st edition OS mapping. It may be part of the same route as Salter's Lane, (SMR 2967). 47 NZ 3751 5301 12824 Silksworth, Signpost 1800AD to Guide post on road to Silksworth Hall. Silksworth Hall, 1900AD guidepost
48 NZ 3749 5269 12826 Footbridge over Footbridge 1800AD to Footbridge over Doxford Park lake (HER Doxford Park lake 1900AD 12808). (HER 12808). 49 NZ 3739 5285 12827 Footbridge over Footbridge 1800AD to Footbridge over Doxford Park lake (HER Doxford Park lake 1900AD 12808). (HER 12808).
PCA Report Number: R14358 48 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Map Grid Ref. HER No. Name Monument Date Range Description Ref. Types 50 NZ 3744 5307 12825 Silksworth, Warden Signpost 1800AD to Guide post at junction of Usworth Lane (now Law Lane, 1900AD Silksworth Lane) and Silksworth Road. guidepost 51 NZ 3777 5311 8396 Silksworth, gravel Gravel pit 1858AD to Shown on Ordnance Survey first edition of pit 1898AD 1858, gone by 1898. 52 NZ 3666 5267 2926 Limestone Quarry Limestone 1800AD to Limestone Quarry. Quarry 1901AD 53 NZ 3755 5358 2934 Silksworth, Gilley Limestone 1800AD to Gilley Law Quarry, Limestone. Law Quarry Quarry 1901AD 54 NZ 3744 5285 2935 Silksworth, Sand Pit Sand Pit 1800AD to Sand pit. 1901AD Modern
55 NZ 3764 5284 7198 Silksworth, Country House 1901AD to Grade II listed. House, later hotel. C1900. Silkworth Hall Drive, present Bright red brick with sandstone ashlar Silksworth Hall dressings. Slate roof with terracotta ridge Hotel copings and finials and brick chimneys. 2 storeys. Jacobean style. 56 NZ 3767 5275 12815 Silksworth, Boundary Wall 1901AD to The development of Silksworth Hall Drive in Silksworth Hall present the 1970s destroyed a large part of the fine Drive, boundary garden of Silksworth Hall. The houses are of walls high value but are architecturally undistinguished, built in mock-Georgian style. The houses have large gardens which retain the tree canopy of the original Hall grounds. The front boundary walls are attractive. The stone is said to have come from the old Sunderland Town Hall which was demolished in the 1970s. The walls do include a crest of old Sunderland Town and a crest from a Freemason's Lodge. 57 NZ 361 529 1754 East Herrington, Pumping 1901AD to Pumping Station. Was once a Scheduled Pumping Station Station 1980AD Ancient Monument, but the machinery was
PCA Report Number: R14358 49 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Map Grid Ref. HER No. Name Monument Date Range Description Ref. Types removed to Beamish Museum and the pumping station was descheduled in 1981. There is a photo of the pumping station in Atkinson 1980. The station was powered by an early electrical installation in 1911. 58 NZ 3626 5363 12698 East Herrington, Air Raid Shelter 1939AD to A small brick air raid shelter with reinforced Durham Road, No. 2009AD concrete roof attached to a garage to the rear 47, air raid shelter of No. 47 Durham Road. Measures 2.45m by 2.95m in plan and is 2m high. There is one door but no ventilation slits. An internal door leads into the garage. Demolished in 2009. 59 NZ 375 528 12814 Silksworth, Warden Post Box 1901AD to Set into the limestone boundary wall on Law Lane, post box present Warden Law Lane, by the entrance to The Pottery, is a charming traditional red post box. However the way it has been inserted into the wall has resulted in an unsightly area of poorly finished cement mortar which may be causing damage to the surrounding stonework. 60 NZ 362 523 11035 East Herrington, Sculpture 1993 to There are two sculptures here. 'Inter Alia' 1996 Doxford Business present by Kenny Hunter stands on the footpath south- Park, sculptures west of Moorside Industrial Estate. It comprises of five yellow fibreglass blocks moulded into cylinders and cubes, set into concrete. 'Quintisection', 1993 by Robert Erskine, stands beside the roundabout at the access road to the business park.
PCA Report Number: R14358 50 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
APPENDIX 3: PLATES
Plate 1: Doxford Park Way: view south-east
Plate 2: Doxford Park Way: view north-east
PCA Report Number: R14358 51 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Plate 3: Silksworth Way: view south
Plate 4: Silksworth Road: view north-west
PCA Report Number: R14358 52 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Plate 5: Housing estate to the north: view north-west
Plate 6: Waste ground to the west: view south-west
PCA Report Number: R14358 53 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Plate 7: Eastern part of site: view east
Plate 8: Eastern part of site: view west
PCA Report Number: R14358 54 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Plate 9: Northern part of site: view south-west
Plate 10: Northern part of site: view east
PCA Report Number: R14358 55 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Plate 11: Southern part of the site: view south-west
Plate 12: Southern part of site: view south
PCA Report Number: R14358 56 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Plate 13: Southern part of site: view south-east
Plate 14: Western part of site: view south-east
PCA Report Number: R14358 57 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Plate 15: Western part of site: view north-east
Plate 16: Western part of site: view north-east
PCA Report Number: R14358 58 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Plate 17: Western part of site: view west
Plate 18: Western part of site: view north-east
PCA Report Number: R14358 59 Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. ©Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, January 2021
Plate 19: Potential site of East Moorside landfill to the west of the proposed development (aerial photograph from 2001. Source: Google Earth Pro).
PCA Report Number: R14358 60