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Figure 15 Sketch of the Soho Foundry, by Joshua Field, 1821

Figure 15 Sketch of the Soho Foundry, by Joshua Field, 1821

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Fieldwork Area A was identified as having potential for the survival of industrial archaeological remains, comprising the Pollard’s (textile) Mill, the Soho (iron. Foundry and two canal branches, all of early 19th century date. It was locatec adjacent to Pollard Street and north-east of Great Ancoats Street, at S) 854982 centred (Figure 1). The area was bounded to the south-west by Great Ancoat: Street, to the south-east by Pollard Street and to the north-west by the Manchestel and Ashton Canal (Figure 2). The route of the tramline ran from the edge of Grea Ancoats Street in a north-east direction, roughly centrally between Pollard Stree and the Ashton Canal. The investigations comprised monitoring of initial groundworks, during site clearance and in advance of construction of a compound, followed by excavation along the route of the Metrolink line including a tunnel running below Great Ancoats Street. The watching brief, which was undertaken during February 2009, identified the survival of significant remains associated with the two factories and canal branches. Following instruction from MPT, detailed excavation and
Fieldwork Area A was identified as having potential for the survival of industrial archaeological remains, comprising the Pollard’s (textile) Mill, the Soho (iron. Foundry and two canal branches, all of early 19th century date. It was locatec adjacent to Pollard Street and north-east of Great Ancoats Street, at S) 854982 centred (Figure 1). The area was bounded to the south-west by Great Ancoat: Street, to the south-east by Pollard Street and to the north-west by the Manchestel and Ashton Canal (Figure 2). The route of the tramline ran from the edge of Grea Ancoats Street in a north-east direction, roughly centrally between Pollard Stree and the Ashton Canal. The investigations comprised monitoring of initial groundworks, during site clearance and in advance of construction of a compound, followed by excavation along the route of the Metrolink line including a tunnel running below Great Ancoats Street. The watching brief, which was undertaken during February 2009, identified the survival of significant remains associated with the two factories and canal branches. Following instruction from MPT, detailed excavation and
Figure 3 Fieldwork Area A overlain on Greens map, surveyed in 1794 Sources of evidence
Figure 3 Fieldwork Area A overlain on Greens map, surveyed in 1794 Sources of evidence
The destruction of his factory in 1800 may have acted as a stimulus for a much grander project - a new, purpose-built 8-storey mill on the junction of Great Ancoats Street and the newly built Ashton Street, which was one of the largest constructed in the town at that date (Figure 4). The new mill, built beside the Ashton Canal, was designed from the outset to use steam power, and a 30 horse power beam engine was ordered in 1800 fror Boulton and Watt in Birmingham. The Soho Foundry in Birmingham was built ir the 1790s, for the firm of Matthew Boulton and James Watt, who had become partners in the manufacturing and engineering business in 1775. By the end o the century, they had become the largest and best known manufacturer o' pumping and mill steam engines in the country (Timmins 1866, 219). Drawings o Pollard’s Engine, together with the engine house and boiler shed, have beer preserved at Birmingham Central Library as part of the Boulton and Watt Archive (Figure 5). The engine is shown as wooden-framed, with a ‘sun and planet flywheel arrangement (BCL3147/5/P212/1-5). Originally, two long, waggor boilers were to have supplied the engine, but the design was altered to a single item.
The destruction of his factory in 1800 may have acted as a stimulus for a much grander project - a new, purpose-built 8-storey mill on the junction of Great Ancoats Street and the newly built Ashton Street, which was one of the largest constructed in the town at that date (Figure 4). The new mill, built beside the Ashton Canal, was designed from the outset to use steam power, and a 30 horse power beam engine was ordered in 1800 fror Boulton and Watt in Birmingham. The Soho Foundry in Birmingham was built ir the 1790s, for the firm of Matthew Boulton and James Watt, who had become partners in the manufacturing and engineering business in 1775. By the end o the century, they had become the largest and best known manufacturer o' pumping and mill steam engines in the country (Timmins 1866, 219). Drawings o Pollard’s Engine, together with the engine house and boiler shed, have beer preserved at Birmingham Central Library as part of the Boulton and Watt Archive (Figure 5). The engine is shown as wooden-framed, with a ‘sun and planet flywheel arrangement (BCL3147/5/P212/1-5). Originally, two long, waggor boilers were to have supplied the engine, but the design was altered to a single item.
Letters from Boulton and Watt’s agents in Manchester state that the mill, engine house and boiler shed were constructed in the first half of 1801, with the engine built in March and April and erected in May (BCL3147/3/248/19; BCL3147/2/248/32). A letter dated the 10th of July 1801 describes the progress by that point as Pollard’s engine will be completed in a tew days and seems an excellent job, the house being one of the most spacious | have seen. His millwork is not in the same advanced state (BCL3147/3/50/13). The mill does not appear in either the trade directory or the rate book returns for 1802, suggesting the factory remained unfinished or unoccupied (Bancks 1802; MCL/RB 1802). However, a further letter in the Boulton and Watt archive stated that a fire in the engine house
Letters from Boulton and Watt’s agents in Manchester state that the mill, engine house and boiler shed were constructed in the first half of 1801, with the engine built in March and April and erected in May (BCL3147/3/248/19; BCL3147/2/248/32). A letter dated the 10th of July 1801 describes the progress by that point as Pollard’s engine will be completed in a tew days and seems an excellent job, the house being one of the most spacious | have seen. His millwork is not in the same advanced state (BCL3147/3/50/13). The mill does not appear in either the trade directory or the rate book returns for 1802, suggesting the factory remained unfinished or unoccupied (Bancks 1802; MCL/RB 1802). However, a further letter in the Boulton and Watt archive stated that a fire in the engine house
Figure 6 Fieldwork Area A overlain on Johnson’s map, surveyed in 1818 took place in September 1802, resulting in damage to the wooden stairs and upper floor (BCL3147/3/248/61). This would suggest that at least some production was taking place by late 1802. The mill, at 113 Great Ancoats Street, had certainly opened by 1804, when it appears in both the trade directory and the poor rate assessment of that year (Bancks 1804, 131; MCL/RB 1804). It is unclear from the surviving documents whether all or only part of the building was occupied initially.
Figure 6 Fieldwork Area A overlain on Johnson’s map, surveyed in 1818 took place in September 1802, resulting in damage to the wooden stairs and upper floor (BCL3147/3/248/61). This would suggest that at least some production was taking place by late 1802. The mill, at 113 Great Ancoats Street, had certainly opened by 1804, when it appears in both the trade directory and the poor rate assessment of that year (Bancks 1804, 131; MCL/RB 1804). It is unclear from the surviving documents whether all or only part of the building was occupied initially.
Figure 7 Plan of Pollard’ Mill, c.1822, trom Plans of all the Spinning Factories within the township of Manchester
Figure 7 Plan of Pollard’ Mill, c.1822, trom Plans of all the Spinning Factories within the township of Manchester
Figure 8 End, side and plan views of Jonathan Pollard’s Engine, May 1874 The original Boulton and Watt steam engine was replaced in 1814 by another, more powerful machine (of 53 hp) by the same firm, and surviving drawings (BCL3147/5/P451/1-3) show the improvements in design between the twc engines (Figure 8). The new engine used a cast iron frame, rather than the wood of the original, supported on platforms of brick and stone. The flywheel was significantly larger, and one wall of the engine house was altered to accommodate it. This engine was still in use in 1847, when its connecting rod broke and Boulton and Watt were contacted to provide a cost for the repaii (BCL3147/5/P451/3). The replacement of the first steam engine after thirteen years may have resulted in an underestimate of the mill’s power requirements. It is perhaps more likely that more powered machinery was being introduced into the mill and a new engine of double the power of the original was needed.
Figure 8 End, side and plan views of Jonathan Pollard’s Engine, May 1874 The original Boulton and Watt steam engine was replaced in 1814 by another, more powerful machine (of 53 hp) by the same firm, and surviving drawings (BCL3147/5/P451/1-3) show the improvements in design between the twc engines (Figure 8). The new engine used a cast iron frame, rather than the wood of the original, supported on platforms of brick and stone. The flywheel was significantly larger, and one wall of the engine house was altered to accommodate it. This engine was still in use in 1847, when its connecting rod broke and Boulton and Watt were contacted to provide a cost for the repaii (BCL3147/5/P451/3). The replacement of the first steam engine after thirteen years may have resulted in an underestimate of the mill’s power requirements. It is perhaps more likely that more powered machinery was being introduced into the mill and a new engine of double the power of the original was needed.
Figure 9 Fieldwork Area A overlain on Bancks’ map, surveyed in 1831
Figure 9 Fieldwork Area A overlain on Bancks’ map, surveyed in 1831
The spinning and weaving machinery listed in the advertisement included self- acting mules (each of 350 spindles) and a patent warping machine, built by the Potters, with 600 fustian power-looms (Guardian 15/09/1841; 29/12/1841). The empty mill was advertised for rent periodically from March 1842 to July 1844, available as two separate factories, and was described as having three steam engines, totalling 113 horse power, presumably the 1814 Boulton and Watt engine and the two Peel, Williams and Peel marine engines (Guardian 19/03/1842).
The spinning and weaving machinery listed in the advertisement included self- acting mules (each of 350 spindles) and a patent warping machine, built by the Potters, with 600 fustian power-looms (Guardian 15/09/1841; 29/12/1841). The empty mill was advertised for rent periodically from March 1842 to July 1844, available as two separate factories, and was described as having three steam engines, totalling 113 horse power, presumably the 1814 Boulton and Watt engine and the two Peel, Williams and Peel marine engines (Guardian 19/03/1842).
Figure 12 Fieldwork Area A overlain on Adshead’s map, surveyed in 1851 Figure 11 Fieldwork Area A overlain on the Ordnance Survey 10’ to 1 mile scale map, surveyed in 1849
Figure 12 Fieldwork Area A overlain on Adshead’s map, surveyed in 1851 Figure 11 Fieldwork Area A overlain on the Ordnance Survey 10’ to 1 mile scale map, surveyed in 1849
Figure 13 Fieldwork Area A overlain on Ordnance Survey 25” to 1 mile scale map, surveyed in 1888 In 1858 the machinery was sold, and the mill again put up for rent or sale (Guardian 06/02/1858; 24/05/1858). The owners of the mill are not specified, but may still have been the trustees of Jonathan Pollard’s estate. Among the machinery listed were two high-pressure steam engines, each of 25 horse power and a boiler, 32 feet long and seven feet in diameter. This suggests that the previous power arrangement had been completely replaced. The mill again appears to have lain empty, as it was re-advertised throughout 1858 and 1859 (e.g. Guardian 01/05/1858 to 06/12/1859).
Figure 13 Fieldwork Area A overlain on Ordnance Survey 25” to 1 mile scale map, surveyed in 1888 In 1858 the machinery was sold, and the mill again put up for rent or sale (Guardian 06/02/1858; 24/05/1858). The owners of the mill are not specified, but may still have been the trustees of Jonathan Pollard’s estate. Among the machinery listed were two high-pressure steam engines, each of 25 horse power and a boiler, 32 feet long and seven feet in diameter. This suggests that the previous power arrangement had been completely replaced. The mill again appears to have lain empty, as it was re-advertised throughout 1858 and 1859 (e.g. Guardian 01/05/1858 to 06/12/1859).
Figure 14 Drawing of the Soho Foundry by Thomas Slack, c.1815 Manchester, almost twice the size of their nearest rivals in the town, and the high quality of their work was recognised nationally (Musson op.cit. 14).
Figure 14 Drawing of the Soho Foundry by Thomas Slack, c.1815 Manchester, almost twice the size of their nearest rivals in the town, and the high quality of their work was recognised nationally (Musson op.cit. 14).
Figure 16 Fieldwork Area A overlain on Charles Goad and Co. fire insurance plans, 1928-43 The site was advertised for sale in May 1886, and the advert implies that the foundry was by then unoccupied (Guardian 08/05/1886). Despite the 1888 OS map naming the whole site as Soho /ron Works, it had been divided up between the Union Alkali Co. (original foundry) and a cotton waste and rag dealer (New Foundry) (Slater 1888, 213). Both firms continued in business well into the 20th century, although part of the original foundry was occupied by a printers engineers (Figure 16). The majority of the buildings of the foundry were adapted through the first half of the 20th century, although several were demolished. During the 1980s and 1990s most of the remaining buildings were demolished and the area landscaped. Prior to excavation at Pollard Street, the only surviving element of the foundry was a section of wall adjacent to the Ashton Canal, representing the rear wall and corner of the main foundry building.
Figure 16 Fieldwork Area A overlain on Charles Goad and Co. fire insurance plans, 1928-43 The site was advertised for sale in May 1886, and the advert implies that the foundry was by then unoccupied (Guardian 08/05/1886). Despite the 1888 OS map naming the whole site as Soho /ron Works, it had been divided up between the Union Alkali Co. (original foundry) and a cotton waste and rag dealer (New Foundry) (Slater 1888, 213). Both firms continued in business well into the 20th century, although part of the original foundry was occupied by a printers engineers (Figure 16). The majority of the buildings of the foundry were adapted through the first half of the 20th century, although several were demolished. During the 1980s and 1990s most of the remaining buildings were demolished and the area landscaped. Prior to excavation at Pollard Street, the only surviving element of the foundry was a section of wall adjacent to the Ashton Canal, representing the rear wall and corner of the main foundry building.
The excavation uncovered parts of the front and back walls of the main building (79) of the mill, together with column bases and other internal features (Figure 19). The rear wall (89/158) was exposed for 22m of its length. The wall was 0.6m (2’) wide and survived to a height of 0.5m, constructed of orange handmade brick in English Garden Wall bond. The wall was cut into the natural clay subsoil to a depth of 1.6m. Part of a doorway was visible at the north-west edge of excavation, with a stone-flagged threshold and a single fragment of sandstone door-jamb surviving. The current ground level of Great Ancoats Street was found to lie up to 1.5m above the remains of the mill. A concrete retaining wall was therefore constructed between the road and the south-west edge of the exposed area, prior to the main excavation. The front wall of the mill (80) was observed in the foundation trench of this retaining wall, matching the rear wall in width, depth and construction.
The excavation uncovered parts of the front and back walls of the main building (79) of the mill, together with column bases and other internal features (Figure 19). The rear wall (89/158) was exposed for 22m of its length. The wall was 0.6m (2’) wide and survived to a height of 0.5m, constructed of orange handmade brick in English Garden Wall bond. The wall was cut into the natural clay subsoil to a depth of 1.6m. Part of a doorway was visible at the north-west edge of excavation, with a stone-flagged threshold and a single fragment of sandstone door-jamb surviving. The current ground level of Great Ancoats Street was found to lie up to 1.5m above the remains of the mill. A concrete retaining wall was therefore constructed between the road and the south-west edge of the exposed area, prior to the main excavation. The front wall of the mill (80) was observed in the foundation trench of this retaining wall, matching the rear wall in width, depth and construction.
Plate 2 Pollard’s Mill, interior of engine house, showing water-tilled channel 107 in base of structure and platform 106 in foreground In the south-eastern part of the building, no remains of the floor survived, however two rows of column supports were visible (Group 133), one row of which showed evidence of later adaptation. The initial arrangement of columns mirrored that of the mill’s north-western part. Foundations for each column comprised a rectangular platform of mortared handmade brick, up to 1.4m by 0.95m, within a shallow (0.25m) cut. From the surviving remains, it is estimated that the columns were 3m (c.10’) apart, with the same c.3.15m (c.10’ 6”) spacing between the two rows seen to the north-west. Three carved stone column supports survived along one row, but each block was different in detail, suggesting they had been reused.
Plate 2 Pollard’s Mill, interior of engine house, showing water-tilled channel 107 in base of structure and platform 106 in foreground In the south-eastern part of the building, no remains of the floor survived, however two rows of column supports were visible (Group 133), one row of which showed evidence of later adaptation. The initial arrangement of columns mirrored that of the mill’s north-western part. Foundations for each column comprised a rectangular platform of mortared handmade brick, up to 1.4m by 0.95m, within a shallow (0.25m) cut. From the surviving remains, it is estimated that the columns were 3m (c.10’) apart, with the same c.3.15m (c.10’ 6”) spacing between the two rows seen to the north-west. Three carved stone column supports survived along one row, but each block was different in detail, suggesting they had been reused.
Plate 3 Pollard’s Mill, engine house, showing adaptations for flywheel of 1814 steam engine No evidence survived of the mountings for the 1801 engine, which used wooder framing with a single brick platform for the cylinder (Figure 5). The building wa: altered for insertion of the second Boulton and Watt engine in 1814, and severa of these alterations survived within the excavated structure. A c.0.45m (1’ 6” wide slot had been cut through the southern corner of the building for the new engine’s flywheel (Plate 3). A brick-walled extension (77) was added to the corne to accommodate it. The extension, measuring 1.85m (6’) by 1.55m (5’) externally had a curving inner face, following the shape of the flywheel. The extensior appears on the 1822 mill plan as one of the Additions to Engine House, 7 stor (Figure 7). Within the engine house, the flywheel slot continued as a shallow channel against the south-west wall of the building (Plate 3).
Plate 3 Pollard’s Mill, engine house, showing adaptations for flywheel of 1814 steam engine No evidence survived of the mountings for the 1801 engine, which used wooder framing with a single brick platform for the cylinder (Figure 5). The building wa: altered for insertion of the second Boulton and Watt engine in 1814, and severa of these alterations survived within the excavated structure. A c.0.45m (1’ 6” wide slot had been cut through the southern corner of the building for the new engine’s flywheel (Plate 3). A brick-walled extension (77) was added to the corne to accommodate it. The extension, measuring 1.85m (6’) by 1.55m (5’) externally had a curving inner face, following the shape of the flywheel. The extensior appears on the 1822 mill plan as one of the Additions to Engine House, 7 stor (Figure 7). Within the engine house, the flywheel slot continued as a shallow channel against the south-west wall of the building (Plate 3).
Plate 4 Pollard'’s Mill, gasometer 141, showing added internal reinforcing walls Phase 2, later 1820s to later 1840s (Figure 18)
Plate 4 Pollard'’s Mill, gasometer 141, showing added internal reinforcing walls Phase 2, later 1820s to later 1840s (Figure 18)
Figures 19 and 20 Pollarad’s Mill, phases 3 and 4 This phase saw major changes to the internal arrangements of some of the buildings, and construction of a room between the mill and engine house. The phase is dated to the later use of the mill, up to its demolition in c.1878.
Figures 19 and 20 Pollarad’s Mill, phases 3 and 4 This phase saw major changes to the internal arrangements of some of the buildings, and construction of a room between the mill and engine house. The phase is dated to the later use of the mill, up to its demolition in c.1878.
Plate 5 Pollard’s Mill, with engine house in foreground, boiler shed in centre and ae bape BA RRS
Plate 5 Pollard’s Mill, with engine house in foreground, boiler shed in centre and ae bape BA RRS
Plate 6 Pollards Mill, engine house and boiler shed with remains of boiler bases to right Woolley, who was presumably the son of George Woolley, the mill’s tenant at that time, was summoned by Manchester Corporation for allowing excessive smoke to be emitted from the mill chimney. Woolley stated that he had attempted to remedy this over the previous three years, first by installing Fa/rbairn’s patent boilers and later by installing a new boiler, although it is unclear whether this was additional or replaced an existing one (Guardian 16/01/1850). The shaped bricks in the rubble are likely to have supported one of the boilers installed at the end of the 1840s.
Plate 6 Pollards Mill, engine house and boiler shed with remains of boiler bases to right Woolley, who was presumably the son of George Woolley, the mill’s tenant at that time, was summoned by Manchester Corporation for allowing excessive smoke to be emitted from the mill chimney. Woolley stated that he had attempted to remedy this over the previous three years, first by installing Fa/rbairn’s patent boilers and later by installing a new boiler, although it is unclear whether this was additional or replaced an existing one (Guardian 16/01/1850). The shaped bricks in the rubble are likely to have supported one of the boilers installed at the end of the 1840s.
Plate 7 Pollard’s Mill, brick fue 111 cutting through corner of boiler shed with iron gate
Plate 7 Pollard’s Mill, brick fue 111 cutting through corner of boiler shed with iron gate
Plate & Pollard’s canal branch, looking south-east The base of the canal was slightly concave rather than flat, and within the majority of the excavated area had a floor (234) of the same handmade brick as the side walls, but only one brick thick. The northern section of the canal floor terminated in a curved, slightly raised edge, with patches of lime mortar (Plate 8). There was a clay-filled gap in the brick floor beyond this before the brick floor resumed to the south-east. The gap in the flooring may indicate that this was the original end of the canal branch, and that it was subsequently extended. However, there was no corresponding break in either the stone or brickwork of the side walls to support this interpretation and it may be that the brick floor was simply laid in sections and was not continuous.
Plate & Pollard’s canal branch, looking south-east The base of the canal was slightly concave rather than flat, and within the majority of the excavated area had a floor (234) of the same handmade brick as the side walls, but only one brick thick. The northern section of the canal floor terminated in a curved, slightly raised edge, with patches of lime mortar (Plate 8). There was a clay-filled gap in the brick floor beyond this before the brick floor resumed to the south-east. The gap in the flooring may indicate that this was the original end of the canal branch, and that it was subsequently extended. However, there was no corresponding break in either the stone or brickwork of the side walls to support this interpretation and it may be that the brick floor was simply laid in sections and was not continuous.
The canal branch was subsequently shortened by the insertion of a blocking wall (214), wide 1.05m (3’6”) and deep 1.8m (6’), made of machine-made brick and sandstone blocks of various sizes. The canal branch is shown as still reaching Pollard Street on the OS 25” scale map of 1888 (Figure 13) and the subsequent 1908 edition. The canal in its shortened form is shown on the Goad insurance maps, which date between 1928 and 1943 (Figure 16). Finds recovered from the ash and slag deposits (218 and 219) which were used to backfill the disused element included a quantity of pottery. The majority is not closely datable, although a late 19th century date can be assigned to the material. The fill of the (shortened) canal branch was a black, oil-contaminated silt (217) containing brick, stone and concrete rubble. Photographs held by the Manchester Central Library show that the branch was still open ‘water’ in the 1960s (MLIC/m11155).
The canal branch was subsequently shortened by the insertion of a blocking wall (214), wide 1.05m (3’6”) and deep 1.8m (6’), made of machine-made brick and sandstone blocks of various sizes. The canal branch is shown as still reaching Pollard Street on the OS 25” scale map of 1888 (Figure 13) and the subsequent 1908 edition. The canal in its shortened form is shown on the Goad insurance maps, which date between 1928 and 1943 (Figure 16). Finds recovered from the ash and slag deposits (218 and 219) which were used to backfill the disused element included a quantity of pottery. The majority is not closely datable, although a late 19th century date can be assigned to the material. The fill of the (shortened) canal branch was a black, oil-contaminated silt (217) containing brick, stone and concrete rubble. Photographs held by the Manchester Central Library show that the branch was still open ‘water’ in the 1960s (MLIC/m11155).
Figures 22 and 23 Soho Foundry, phases 1 and 2 Phase 1 1804 to 1828 (Figure 22)
Figures 22 and 23 Soho Foundry, phases 1 and 2 Phase 1 1804 to 1828 (Figure 22)
Plate 9 Soho Foundry, south-western range (320) with culvert 295 in foreground and courtyard behind A brick-built culvert (295) ran parallel with the south-western building range, located 2.1m beyond the foundry. The culvert was constructed of orange-red brick and measured 1.2m (4’) high by 1.0m (3’3”) wide externally. The top of the structure was arched and it had walls only a single brick thick. It could not be established whether it was a substantial drain leading into the canal, or whether it supplied water from the canal, to machinery in the foundry or another nearby factory.
Plate 9 Soho Foundry, south-western range (320) with culvert 295 in foreground and courtyard behind A brick-built culvert (295) ran parallel with the south-western building range, located 2.1m beyond the foundry. The culvert was constructed of orange-red brick and measured 1.2m (4’) high by 1.0m (3’3”) wide externally. The top of the structure was arched and it had walls only a single brick thick. It could not be established whether it was a substantial drain leading into the canal, or whether it supplied water from the canal, to machinery in the foundry or another nearby factory.
Plate 10 Soho Foundry, remains of track 315 upper surface which would have held a wooden peg. They were set approximately 1.0m (3’3”) apart and would have supported a metal track with a gauge of c.1.25m (c.4’). The track survived for a distance of only c.13m, as it had been truncated at both ends by later features. It was cut into the yard make-up (247) layer, but was overlain by the first yard surface (248), implying that it was either contemporary with the construction phase of the foundry or the reconstruction following the fire of 1828.
Plate 10 Soho Foundry, remains of track 315 upper surface which would have held a wooden peg. They were set approximately 1.0m (3’3”) apart and would have supported a metal track with a gauge of c.1.25m (c.4’). The track survived for a distance of only c.13m, as it had been truncated at both ends by later features. It was cut into the yard make-up (247) layer, but was overlain by the first yard surface (248), implying that it was either contemporary with the construction phase of the foundry or the reconstruction following the fire of 1828.
Plate 11 Soho Foundry, crane base 349 high. The culvert ran west from the turner’s shop, before turning at a near right- angle towards the Ashton Canal. The construction trench (239) for the culvert was sealed by the courtyard make-up deposit (247), but cut the pre-existing soil layer (235) below. At the point where it turned, the top of the culvert was 1.8m below the original courtyard surface.
Plate 11 Soho Foundry, crane base 349 high. The culvert ran west from the turner’s shop, before turning at a near right- angle towards the Ashton Canal. The construction trench (239) for the culvert was sealed by the courtyard make-up deposit (247), but cut the pre-existing soil layer (235) below. At the point where it turned, the top of the culvert was 1.8m below the original courtyard surface.
Plate 12 Soho Foundry, north-east end of the site, showing crane base in foreground and turners’ shop behind
Plate 12 Soho Foundry, north-east end of the site, showing crane base in foreground and turners’ shop behind
Plate 13 Soho Foundry, turners’ shop, photographed c.1971. The excavated part lay to the left of the stone quoining
Plate 13 Soho Foundry, turners’ shop, photographed c.1971. The excavated part lay to the left of the stone quoining
Figure 24 Soho Foundry, detail of turners’ shop, phase 1 The smaller of the two machine bases (325) was located against the south-west wall of the turners’ shop (Plate 14). The machine base was made up of a line of carved, rectangular stone blocks, each 1.9m to 2.45m in length, between 0.5m and 0.7m in width and 0.5m to 0.8m thick. Each block had been drilled through with four evenly-spaced lines of holes along its length. The holes were either round (where drilled through the centre of the block), or square (where carved through the block’s edge) and measured c.0.1m to c.0.15m in size/diameter. Approximately half the holes retained the broken remains of vertical, round- Within the excavated area, the floor of the turners’ shop was divided by a channel (327) running the length of the building (Figure 24). The building measurec c.12.0m (39’) wide externally, and 10.9m (c.36’) long within the excavation. The walls, (324 and 328/332) were constructed in orange brick, and measured 0.6m (2’) wide and up to 0.8m high. The north-eastern corner of the building had 2 foundation 0.5m (1’8”) deep comprising two courses of sandstone blocks An entrance at floor level, with sandstone threshold and door-jambs, was located ir the north-east wall, while a second, deeper opening, again with sandstone jambs, lay at the north-west end of the channel. The floor of the turners’ shop was made of large sandstone blocks, some over 2m in length and up to 0.8m thick, forming two machine bases for the large machines mentioned in the early descriptions of the foundry. Further areas of stone or brick floor lay adjacent to the machine bases.
Figure 24 Soho Foundry, detail of turners’ shop, phase 1 The smaller of the two machine bases (325) was located against the south-west wall of the turners’ shop (Plate 14). The machine base was made up of a line of carved, rectangular stone blocks, each 1.9m to 2.45m in length, between 0.5m and 0.7m in width and 0.5m to 0.8m thick. Each block had been drilled through with four evenly-spaced lines of holes along its length. The holes were either round (where drilled through the centre of the block), or square (where carved through the block’s edge) and measured c.0.1m to c.0.15m in size/diameter. Approximately half the holes retained the broken remains of vertical, round- Within the excavated area, the floor of the turners’ shop was divided by a channel (327) running the length of the building (Figure 24). The building measurec c.12.0m (39’) wide externally, and 10.9m (c.36’) long within the excavation. The walls, (324 and 328/332) were constructed in orange brick, and measured 0.6m (2’) wide and up to 0.8m high. The north-eastern corner of the building had 2 foundation 0.5m (1’8”) deep comprising two courses of sandstone blocks An entrance at floor level, with sandstone threshold and door-jambs, was located ir the north-east wall, while a second, deeper opening, again with sandstone jambs, lay at the north-west end of the channel. The floor of the turners’ shop was made of large sandstone blocks, some over 2m in length and up to 0.8m thick, forming two machine bases for the large machines mentioned in the early descriptions of the foundry. Further areas of stone or brick floor lay adjacent to the machine bases.
Plate 14 Soho Foundry, turners’ shop, machine base 325 sectioned iron bars, presumably for securing the machinery to the base. A shallow, carved trough or groove, 4.2m long, 1.15m wide (13’8” by 3’9”) and up to 0.15m (6”) deep, ran along the length of the base. A brick-lined water tank (357), 2.6m (8’6”) by 1.85m (6’) in size and 1.55m (5’) deep, lay at the south-east end of the base (Figure 24). This extended as a brick-lined void beneath almost the entire length of the machine base, and which linked with the deep culvert (364) under the foundry courtyard. At the other end of base 325 was a stone and brick-built pit (355). This feature comprised a set of stone and brick steps against the inner face of the turnery wall which led down into a brick-floored pit, flanked by stone ledges (Plates 14 and 15). The stumps of regularly-spaced, vertical iron bars were visible along each ledge. A curving groove had been worn into the outer (north-west) ledge, indicating the presence of rotating machinery. The inner ledge had a recess carved into it, directly below a semi-circular recess and iron bar in the end of the machine base, again suggesting rotating machinery. The pit may have extended originally to the line of channel 327, but this part of the building had been altered subsequently (see below). The floor (326) beside the machine base, between the turnery wall and channel 327, comprised patches of handmade brick, sandstone flags and sandstone setts (Figure 24).
Plate 14 Soho Foundry, turners’ shop, machine base 325 sectioned iron bars, presumably for securing the machinery to the base. A shallow, carved trough or groove, 4.2m long, 1.15m wide (13’8” by 3’9”) and up to 0.15m (6”) deep, ran along the length of the base. A brick-lined water tank (357), 2.6m (8’6”) by 1.85m (6’) in size and 1.55m (5’) deep, lay at the south-east end of the base (Figure 24). This extended as a brick-lined void beneath almost the entire length of the machine base, and which linked with the deep culvert (364) under the foundry courtyard. At the other end of base 325 was a stone and brick-built pit (355). This feature comprised a set of stone and brick steps against the inner face of the turnery wall which led down into a brick-floored pit, flanked by stone ledges (Plates 14 and 15). The stumps of regularly-spaced, vertical iron bars were visible along each ledge. A curving groove had been worn into the outer (north-west) ledge, indicating the presence of rotating machinery. The inner ledge had a recess carved into it, directly below a semi-circular recess and iron bar in the end of the machine base, again suggesting rotating machinery. The pit may have extended originally to the line of channel 327, but this part of the building had been altered subsequently (see below). The floor (326) beside the machine base, between the turnery wall and channel 327, comprised patches of handmade brick, sandstone flags and sandstone setts (Figure 24).
Plate 16 Soho Foundry, Machine bases 325 at left and 329 at right, with wheelpits covered by later stonework
Plate 16 Soho Foundry, Machine bases 325 at left and 329 at right, with wheelpits covered by later stonework
Plate 15 Soho Foundry, wheelpit 355 at north-west end of machine base 324
Plate 15 Soho Foundry, wheelpit 355 at north-west end of machine base 324
Plate 17 Soho Foundry, building 256, with entrance in its south-east wall, built between 1829 and 1831
Plate 17 Soho Foundry, building 256, with entrance in its south-east wall, built between 1829 and 1831
Plate 19 Soho Foundry, circular brick structure 281, with standing wall of main foundry building at back left Several short lengths of handmade brick wall (268, 281, 307, 309 and 311) lay to the north-east of building 256, near the edge of excavation. These formed parts of further rooms or minor structures, which are seen on the mid 19th century mapping. The walls included a circular brick structure (281), 2.9m in diameter (9'6”), with walls 0.6m (2’) thick (Plate 19). This structure had been built into a small rectangular building (282) and sat on a thin layer of brick rubble (not numbered). The function of the circular wall (281) and of the other minor structures here is uncertain. From its shape and size, 281 might have formed the base for a small chimney, although it lacked any apparent foundation. The foundry had several external round staircases, including a large example next to the turners’ shop (Plate 13), and it is possible that 281 represents the base of another.
Plate 19 Soho Foundry, circular brick structure 281, with standing wall of main foundry building at back left Several short lengths of handmade brick wall (268, 281, 307, 309 and 311) lay to the north-east of building 256, near the edge of excavation. These formed parts of further rooms or minor structures, which are seen on the mid 19th century mapping. The walls included a circular brick structure (281), 2.9m in diameter (9'6”), with walls 0.6m (2’) thick (Plate 19). This structure had been built into a small rectangular building (282) and sat on a thin layer of brick rubble (not numbered). The function of the circular wall (281) and of the other minor structures here is uncertain. From its shape and size, 281 might have formed the base for a small chimney, although it lacked any apparent foundation. The foundry had several external round staircases, including a large example next to the turners’ shop (Plate 13), and it is possible that 281 represents the base of another.
Following closure of the ironworks, most of the buildings within the excavated area were adapted for their new functions, leaving relatively little evidence for the site’s later use. The Goad insurance plan (Figure 16) shows that a building was constructed against the western wall of the south-west range of buildings at some point after closure of the Soho Ironworks. This is represented by a fragmentary wall of machine-made red brick (273), 0.6m (2’) wide, south-west of wall 240. A large brick tank (320) was constructed in the south-west range, cutting through the earlier crosswalls 241 and 245. The tank, 7.02m long, 3.25m wide and 0.75m deep (c.23’ by 10’8” by 2'6”) had the remains of white paint on the walls and a drain led from its west corner to drain 243. A short length of wall (246) ran between the tank and the outer wall of the range. The function of the tank remains unclear, by the time of the Goad insurance plans, the building was being used as a storeroom.
Following closure of the ironworks, most of the buildings within the excavated area were adapted for their new functions, leaving relatively little evidence for the site’s later use. The Goad insurance plan (Figure 16) shows that a building was constructed against the western wall of the south-west range of buildings at some point after closure of the Soho Ironworks. This is represented by a fragmentary wall of machine-made red brick (273), 0.6m (2’) wide, south-west of wall 240. A large brick tank (320) was constructed in the south-west range, cutting through the earlier crosswalls 241 and 245. The tank, 7.02m long, 3.25m wide and 0.75m deep (c.23’ by 10’8” by 2'6”) had the remains of white paint on the walls and a drain led from its west corner to drain 243. A short length of wall (246) ran between the tank and the outer wall of the range. The function of the tank remains unclear, by the time of the Goad insurance plans, the building was being used as a storeroom.
Plate 20 Soho Foundry, cast iron drop hammer tragments North of the former turners’ shop, a pit (351) was dug through the original courtyard material (247 and 248) immediately to the west of the early 19th century crane (349). As the pit was filled (352) with almost identical material to the courtyard, only the base could be traced. The pit did however contain three substantial pieces of cast iron (352 AA, AB and AC) from broken foundry machinery — either machines used in the foundry or being made by the foundry (Plate 20).
Plate 20 Soho Foundry, cast iron drop hammer tragments North of the former turners’ shop, a pit (351) was dug through the original courtyard material (247 and 248) immediately to the west of the early 19th century crane (349). As the pit was filled (352) with almost identical material to the courtyard, only the base could be traced. The pit did however contain three substantial pieces of cast iron (352 AA, AB and AC) from broken foundry machinery — either machines used in the foundry or being made by the foundry (Plate 20).
The canal branch measured 6.6m (21'6”) in width internally and the side walls were between 2.1m and 2.3m (6’10” and 7’6”) in height. The structure was cut into the clean, stone-less yellow clay natural subsoil (Figure 26). The side walls (5 and 347) were constructed of handmade brick surmounted by stone blocks, and were of slightly different construction. This could suggest that the canal branch had been repaired, or that the walls were built by different gangs. The south-western wall (5) was built in English bond. The upper seven courses of brick were bonded with a cream lime mortar, the middle three courses by a light grey lime mortar, while the lime mortar of the remaining nine courses was cream. The top of the brickwork was 0.8m (2'8”) wide, widening to 0.9m (3’) at the base. The top of the wall was formed by a single course of cream sandstone blocks, 0.3m (1’) high and 0.6m (2’) wide. The rear face of the brick wall was vertical, while the inner face, (like the other canal branch), sloped-in slightly towards the base (Figure 26).
The canal branch measured 6.6m (21'6”) in width internally and the side walls were between 2.1m and 2.3m (6’10” and 7’6”) in height. The structure was cut into the clean, stone-less yellow clay natural subsoil (Figure 26). The side walls (5 and 347) were constructed of handmade brick surmounted by stone blocks, and were of slightly different construction. This could suggest that the canal branch had been repaired, or that the walls were built by different gangs. The south-western wall (5) was built in English bond. The upper seven courses of brick were bonded with a cream lime mortar, the middle three courses by a light grey lime mortar, while the lime mortar of the remaining nine courses was cream. The top of the brickwork was 0.8m (2'8”) wide, widening to 0.9m (3’) at the base. The top of the wall was formed by a single course of cream sandstone blocks, 0.3m (1’) high and 0.6m (2’) wide. The rear face of the brick wall was vertical, while the inner face, (like the other canal branch), sloped-in slightly towards the base (Figure 26).
Figures 27 to 29 Soho New Foundry, phases 1, 2 and 3
Figures 27 to 29 Soho New Foundry, phases 1, 2 and 3
Plate 21 Soho New Foundry, view of excavated area, with apsidal building 142 tc left The southern half of a double-apsidal building (142) lay within the northern part of the stripped area. The building, which was c.9m (29%2’) wide internally, was constructed with the same brick and mortar types as building 40. The walls were 0.35m (1’2”) wide, and survived to a total height of 0.8m (6 courses). The structure had internal buttresses, and a possible entrance within the southern- most end of the apsidal wall.
Plate 21 Soho New Foundry, view of excavated area, with apsidal building 142 tc left The southern half of a double-apsidal building (142) lay within the northern part of the stripped area. The building, which was c.9m (29%2’) wide internally, was constructed with the same brick and mortar types as building 40. The walls were 0.35m (1’2”) wide, and survived to a total height of 0.8m (6 courses). The structure had internal buttresses, and a possible entrance within the southern- most end of the apsidal wall.
Plate 22 Soho New Foundry, building range 181, photographed c.1971, showing later alterations Building range 181, north-east of courtyard
Plate 22 Soho New Foundry, building range 181, photographed c.1971, showing later alterations Building range 181, north-east of courtyard
Plate 23 Soho New Foundry, machine base 354 within building 40 Within the building, a rectangular brick structure (25) had been constructed, of the same brick and mortar types as blocking wall 18, which was 0.6m (2’) wide, and survived three courses high. A sandstone block (26) on the western side of the structure was pierced by two vertical iron bars, with a screw thread surviving at the end of one of the bars. Although not fully exposed, the structure would have formed the base for a substantial piece of machinery.
Plate 23 Soho New Foundry, machine base 354 within building 40 Within the building, a rectangular brick structure (25) had been constructed, of the same brick and mortar types as blocking wall 18, which was 0.6m (2’) wide, and survived three courses high. A sandstone block (26) on the western side of the structure was pierced by two vertical iron bars, with a screw thread surviving at the end of one of the bars. Although not fully exposed, the structure would have formed the base for a substantial piece of machinery.
Figure 30 Boond Street; excavated features Plate 24 Soho New Foundry, building range 181, showing concrete tank and brick surfaced yard in foreground
Figure 30 Boond Street; excavated features Plate 24 Soho New Foundry, building range 181, showing concrete tank and brick surfaced yard in foreground
©Northern Archaeological Associates Ltd for MPT on behalf of TfGM
©Northern Archaeological Associates Ltd for MPT on behalf of TfGM
Chart C1. Pottery by fabric group The assemblage is summarised in the chart below.
Chart C1. Pottery by fabric group The assemblage is summarised in the chart below.
©Northern Archaeological Associates Ltd www.thepotteries.org.uk
©Northern Archaeological Associates Ltd www.thepotteries.org.uk
Abbreviations used are:
Abbreviations used are:
Table D1. Metal finds catalogue
Table D1. Metal finds catalogue
Related topics:
Industrial ArchaeologyIndustrial Manchester
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