Archaeological desk based assessment

Colley Lane Southern Access Road, Bridgwater,
Somerset.
An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment.
CONTEXT ONE
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SERVICES LTD
© Context One Archaeological Services 2008
Colley Lane Southern Access Road, Bridgwater,
Somerset.
An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment
for
Transport Development Group, Somerset County Council
by
CONTEXT ONE
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SERVICES LTD
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COAS reference: COAS/DBA/08/CLB
National Grid Reference: NGR 330806 135165 to NGR 330701 135967
Report: Richard McConnell with contributions from Fay Robinson
Research: Richard McConnell
Graphics: Elizabeth Gardner and Tara Fairclough (map illustrations), Richard McConnell
(plates)
April 2008
Context One Archaeological Services Ltd shall retain the copyright of any commissioned reports, tender
documents or other projected documents, under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 with all rights reserved,
excepting that it hereby provides an exclusive licence to the client for the use of such documents by the client in all
matters directly relating to the project as described in the Project Design/Specification/Written Scheme of
Investigation.
Front cover image: Page 2 of Colthurst, Symons & Co. Ltd. catalogue c. 1920s/30s © Blake Museum, Bridgwater. (Ref. BWRAB
1975/36
Contents
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY........................................................................................................................i
1.
INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................................1
2.
SITE LOCATION, TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY................................................................................................2
3.
HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND........................................................................................4
4.
WALKOVER SURVEY................................................................................................................................10
5.
PHOTOGRAPHS........................................................................................................................................10
6.
DISCUSSION............................................................................................................................................11
7.
ARCHIVE................................................................................................................................................12
8.
COAS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.................................................................................................................12
9.
BIBLIOGRAPHY.........................................................................................................................................12
APPENDIX 1. SOMERSET HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT RECORD REPORT FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVENTS WITHIN THE
ENVIRONS OF THE SITE.....................................................................................................................................14
TABLES
TABLE 1. BLAKE MUSEUM PHOTOGRAPHIC HOLDINGS RELATING TO CROSSWAY BRICK & TILE WORKS
AND ENVIRONS................................................................................................................................................11
ILLUSTRATIONS
FIGURE 1. SITE SETTING......................................................................................................................................3
FIGURE 2. SITE SETTING SHOWING RELEVANT ARCHAEOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE............................................................7
FIGURE 3. SITE SETTING SHOWING RELEVANT FEATURES OBSERVED ON HISTORIC MAPPING..........................................8
FIGURE 4. COMPOSITE MAP REGRESSION OF CROSSWAYS BRICK AND TILE WORKS....................................................9
PLATES
PLATE 1.EXTRACT FROM 1ST EDITION ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP, 1886...................................................................6
Non-technical summary
This report presents the findings of a desk-based assessment undertaken to provide information on the
archaeological potential of a proposal to construct a new access road between Marsh Lane/Showground Road
junction, Bridgwater, Somerset. The Assessment has been commissioned by the Transport Development Group,
Somerset County Council. A site visit was made in addition to consulting desk-based sources.
The proposed route passes through an industrial zone on the southern outskirts of Bridgwater. Archaeologically,
the Site and environs are dominated by post-medieval and modern industrial activity. This is emphasised by
numerous records relating to the once important brick and tile industry that characterised the economic vitality
of Bridgwater until the mid-20th century. Archaeological and historical records demonstrate that the route will
pass through the site of the former Crossway Brick & Tile Works. The brickworks is thought to have been
constructed in the late 1840s and operated continuously until the 1960s when most of the buildings were then
demolished. To the north of the Parrett, the route is also likely to pass through a loop in the former parish
boundary between Bridgwater and North Petherton which is thought to mirror an old bend in the Parrett and is
conjectured to have been straightened in the late 16th century.
Excavations of other brickwork sites in Bridgwater have demonstrated that demolition has largely been
restricted to the walls above ground with the floors and foundations often being left intact or certainly wellpreserved immediately beneath the surface. In its current form the route will pass through the middle of the
brickwork complex. A landing stage or embarkation point for the brickworks may also be exposed alongside the
Parrett during bridging works.
The route will additionally pass through the possible old bend in the Parrett, at two locations. Groundworks
here may well confirm its presence.
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1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1.
This report presents the findings of a desk-based assessment (hereinafter ‘the Assessment’)
undertaken to provide information on the archaeological potential of a proposal to construct a
new access road between Marsh Lane/Showground Road junction (NGR 330806 135165) to
Colley Lane Industrial Estate (NGR 330701 135967), Bridgwater, Somerset (hereinafter ‘the
Site’). The Assessment has been commissioned by the Transport Development Group,
Somerset County Council. A site visit was made in addition to consulting desk-based sources.
1.2.
The Assessment has been carried out on the advice of Mr Steven Membery, Development
Control Archaeologist, Somerset County Council following a consultation request from Ms
Naomi Gornall, Project Manager, the Transport Development Group.
1.3.
The request for the assessment follows advice given by central Government as set out in
Planning Policy Guidance 16: Archaeology and Planning (PPG16):
“…prospective developers should in all cases include as part of their research into the
development potential of a site, which they undertake before making a planning application, an
initial assessment of whether the site is known or likely to contain archaeological remains” (para.
19)
“[This] will help to provide prospective developers with advance warning of the archaeological
sensitivity of a site. As a result they may wish to commission their own archaeological
assessment by a professionally qualified archaeological organisation or consultant. This need not
involve fieldwork. Assessment normally involves desk-based evaluation of existing information:
it can make effective use of records of previous discoveries, including any historic maps held by
the County archive and local museums and record offices, or of geophysical survey techniques.”
(Para. 20)
1.4.
An archaeological desk-based assessment is defined by the Institute of Field Archaeologists
(IFA) as;
“… a programme of assessment of the known or potential archaeological resource within a
specified area or site on land, inter-tidal zone or underwater. It consists of a collation of existing
written, graphic, photographic and electronic information in order to identify the likely character,
extent, quality and worth of the known or potential archaeological resource in a local, regional,
national or international context as appropriate” (IFA, 1994, rev.1999)
1.5.
The purpose of a desk-based assessment is similarly defined by the IFA and is;
●
“…is to gain information about the known or potential archaeological resource within a given
area or site (including presence or absence, character and extent, date, integrity, state of
preservation and relative quality of the potential archaeological resource), in order to make an
assessment of its merit in context, leading to 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 or not intrusive, where the
character and value of the resource is not sufficiently defined to permit a mitigation strategy or
other response to be devised
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●
the formulation of a proposal for further archaeological investigation within a programme of
research” (IFA, 1994, rev.1999)
1.6.
This assessment report summarises the topographical, archaeological and historical
background of the Site and provides an assessment of its current archaeological potential.
2.
SITE LOCATION, TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY
2.1.
It is proposed that the Southern Access Road will commence at the junction of Showground
Road with Marsh Lane (NGR 330806 135165) and terminate at the junction of Parrett Way and
Yeo Lane (NGR 330701 135967) (Figure 1 & 2). The route will pass through an industrial zone
on the southern edge of Bridgwater and cover a distance of c. 1km. From the southern end, the
route will head north along Marsh Lane before bridging the Taunton and Bridgwater Canal
immediately west of the Crossways Swing-Bridge. From here it will traverse waste ground
and cross the River Parrett just west of Somerset Bridge (railway) and finally swing north-west
into Colley Lane Industrial Estate.
2.2.
In common with much of Bridgwater, the British Geological Survey (1994) records the
underlying drift geology as being Quaternary alluvium that derives from the floodplain
deposits laid down by the River Parrett and its tributaries. As expected in floodplain locales,
there is no appreciable difference in land height across the route with values of between 7m
and 8m above Ordnance Datum being recorded.
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Figure 1.
Site setting
2.3.
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3.
HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
3.1.
The archaeological and historical background for the Site has been drawn from both primary
and secondary sources and a broad list of these is listed below along with the source
repository; the results of this research is discussed in the following section. Where
archaeological records from the Somerset Historic Environment Record (HER) are discussed
they are referenced against a unique PRN number; the full details of relevant entries are
reproduced in Appendix 1 and have been mapped in Figure 2.
Repository
Source information
The Somerset Archaeological and Natural
History Society Library, Taunton (SANHS);
Somerset Local Studies Library, Taunton (SLS).
Tithe maps (microfiche); 6” and 25” Ordnance Survey maps
(microfiche and printed); Somerset Notes and Queries files;
Aerial photographs; Victoria County History volumes;
Antiquarian prints; Historic photographs (prints and negative
plates); Local histories.
Somerset Record Office, Taunton.(SRO)
Estate maps and rate books; 25” Ordnance Survey maps; Tithe
apportionments; historic documents.
Somerset Historic Environment Record (HER) - Archaeological records pertaining to Site and environs.
online.
The Blake Museum, Bridgwater. (BM)
Bridgwater brick and tile industry
photographic search, land leases
literature,
historic
3.2.
Research has demonstrated that the Site and immediate environs are dominated by the legacy
of Bridgwater's once eminent brick and tile industry during the post-medieval and modern
periods and it is this aspect of the landscape that is emphasised here. The route of the
proposed new road will pass through the site of the former 'Crossway Brick & Tile Works'
immediately south of the River Parrett (Figures 2-4) and this particular brickworks is
discussed in detail below.
3.3.
The brick and tile industry in Somerset is documented from the 17 century although it was
th
not until the the first half of the 19 century and the Industrial Revolution that this became a
large-scale enterprise (Murless: 9). Bridgwater and outlying districts found themselves at the
forefront of brick and tile manufacture in the county largely due to the easy access of alluvial
clay and good communication links to the Bristol channel and seaboard via the River Parrett
th
and its tributaries (Murless: 9). During the 19 century, the distribution of ceramics was
supplemented by a new canal system; in Bridgwater this was the Taunton to Bridgwater canal
that opened in 1827. There were 19 known brick and tile works in the town and environs and
1
all straddled the Parrett including the Crossway Brick & Tile Works.
3.4.
Despite the survival of a town map dating from the late 18 century and an 1826 map of the
3
wider environs , the first detailed cartographic view of the Site only becomes available from
th
the mid-19 century with the advent of large scale mapping. The Tithe maps of Bridgwater
and North Petherton from the 1840s appears to be the earliest of this series and although this is
th
th
2
1Numbers taken from simplified map, 'Brick and Tile Works on the River Parrett' held by The Blake Museum,
Bridgwater
2'Bridgwater Castle and its surroundings in the year 1777 from a survey made by Richard Locke' (SRO ref: DD\
SH/149)
3'Plan of the River from Taunton to Bridgewater, the lines of Canal and the County adjacent, 1826' (SRO ref: A\
AKF/2)
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useful in identifying the pattern of land units at that time it shows very few buildings and
lacks any descriptions of land use. However, the accompanying Tithe Apportionment
provides additional details of land tenure and these include the occupants, field names (if
applicable), state of cultivation, size and rent charge. It is here that it is possible to identify the
detail of activity across the Site. The route of the proposed new road was dominated by
farmland and interestingly, this included the site of the Crossway brickworks. Despite noting a
4
neighbouring brickyard owned by 'John Sealy Esq.' , the site itself was recorded as being
5
undeveloped pasture under the ownership of Viscount Portman . Significantly however, the
tenant was one Thomas Colmer Colthurst, a brick maker known to have been operating in
Bridgwater from at least the late 1840s (Murless: 36). Subsequent documentary records show
that Colthurst did indeed found the Crossway Brick & Tile Works on the site and which,
according to the Tithe Apportionment, could not have been until the late 1840s at the earliest.
st
6
3.5.
The 1 edition Ordnance Survey map of 1886 (Plate 1) is the first to depict the brickworks
(PRN no. 10610). The site, annotated as 'Crossway Brick & Tile Works', comprised a reversed
'L' shaped set of structures adjacent to a series of smaller buildings (Figure 1). A branch of the
Taunton and Bridgwater Canal into the site is also depicted and it is clear that this extension
was constructed for the transportation of ceramic products by barge. The components of a
typical brickyard from this period are all here; the brick/tile kilns are shown at the ends of the
'L' shaped buildings which are themselves, long drying sheds. The main double kiln at the
northern end is adjacent to what is likely to be a store, perhaps to keep fuel such as coal and
wood and other raw materials such as straw. A series of smaller units lining the northern edge
of the site and near the Parrett are not so easy to identify but this is helped by the survival of a
7
lease from October 1894 which describes the complex in some detail . The lease records these
buildings as, '...the messuage or dwelling house called Managers House and double cottage,
8
stables [and] gighouse ...'. The lease appears to have been necessitated by the death of the
former occupier, Thomas Colthurst. The new agreement was between the landowner, Viscount
Portman, and Colthurst Symons & Co. Ltd, an enterprise that was the result a partnership
between Thomas Colthurst and William Symons in 1857 (Murless: 15). Colthurst Symons
developed into one of the most prominent and successful brick and tile manufacturers in
th
th
Bridgwater and operated five yards in the district during the 19 and 20 centuries (Murless:
36).
3.6.
An expansion of the brickworks is evidenced by the depiction of further drying sheds and
drying racks that are shown on the 1904 and 1930 25” Ordnance Survey maps. Two versions of
the Ordnance Survey map exist for 1966, the first depicting the complex as still extant whilst
9
the other showing the buildings had largely been demolished . The demise of the Bridgwater
Brick Industry was largely complete by the late 1960s and this does seem a likely date for the
closure of the Crossway works. The corner of the 'L' shaped drying sheds appears to have
4' Apportionment of the Rent-Charge in lieu of Tithes in the Parish of Bridgwater in the County of Somerset'
(signed 07/05/1847)
5 Apportionment of the Rent-Charge in lieu of Tithes in the Parish of North Petherton in the County of
Somerset' (SRO ref: DD\X\COE/3 )
6 25” Ordnance Survey map, 1st edition, 1886. Sheet 50.15 (SLS microfiche)
7 Lease 'between the Right Honourable William Henry Berkley Viscount Portman of Bryanstone, Dorset &
Colthurst Symons and Company Limited. Brick & Tile Manufacturers.' 04/10/1894 (BM)
8 A 'gighouse' is defined as a carriage store
9 1:2500 Ordnance Survey map, 1966. Sheet ST 3035 SE (SANHS library), 1:2500 Ordnance Survey map, 1966.
Sheet ST3035 NE (SANHS library)
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survived demolition and modified to serve as a single building following redundancy of the
yard. This building is shown on the 1990 Ordnance Survey map and again on the edition of the
10
following year and is likely to have served as a commercial premises . The latter map depicts
the building with a number of small units, that probably represent stores, attached to the
eastern side. Modern aerial photographs and a site inspection as part of this assessment from
the periphery of the site now show the buildings in a ruinous condition.
Plate 1.Extract from 1st edition Ordnance Survey map, 1886
10 1:2500 Ordnance Survey map, 1990. Sheet ST 3035 (SANHS library), 1:2500 Ordnance Survey map, 1991.
Sheet ST 3035 NE (SANHS library)
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Figure 2. Site setting showing relevant archaeological landscape
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Figure 2. Site setting showing relevant archaeological landscape
Figure 3. Site setting showing relevant features observed on historic mapping
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Figure 4. Composite map regression of Crossways Brick and Tile works
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4.
WALKOVER SURVEY
4.1.
A walkover survey of the Site was carried out on 3 April 2008 where public access rights
permitted. Digital photographs were taken as a record of the survey. The presence of what is
conjectured to represent the vestige of the brickworks was confirmed as being in a ruinous
state but close inspection of the building was not possible. No other structural evidence or
obvious earthworks were identified in the areas observed. tailed site setting showing Tithe
transcripts and apportionments
5.
PHOTOGRAPHS
5.1.
Oblique aerial photographs held by the Somerset Studies Library for Bridgwater were
examined to enhance the cartographic evidence for the Crossway brickworks but none were
located. The Blake Museum in Bridgwater holds a series of photographs that may show the
brickworks and a list of these images are presented below. Due to maintenance work at the
Museum, none were accessible at the time of request although a product brochure for
Colthurst Symons & Co Ltd dating to the 1920s/30s does contain a small picture of the
Crossway works amongst a montage of the Company's branches (see front cover). Although
this lacks definition, the arrangement of the buildings represented on Ordnance Survey maps
appears to be reflected here including the kilns and associated chimneys.
Record no.; object
name
Description
BWRAB: 1961/62/10; View of Somerset Bridge, across the River Parrett, in about
photograph
1865
Location
Store & wor & pho S6
BWRAB: 1962/22;
cigarette card
9 cigarette cards for 'Picture' cigarettes issued by Markham, Store & wor & archive box 16
Bridgwater c1910 with views of Bridgwater and environs
and Bridgwater A.F.C team; 1) Somerset Bridge 2) 'Judge
Jeffries House' St Mary Street 3) Fore Street 4) Blake
Gardens 5) St Mary Street 6) Holford Glen 7) The Docks 8)
Butterfly Coombe, 9) Bridgwater Albion Football Club
(Rugby).
BWRAB: 1973/64/4;
photograph
Somerset Bridge Railway Bridge over River Parrett
BWRAB: 1973/65;
photograph
Sepia photograph of Somerset Bridge Railway Bridge before Store & education & pho 6.2
erection of footbridge
BWRAB: 1989/177;
photograph
Somerset Bridge
BWRAB: 1997/166;
mug
Mug produced to celebrate the coronation of George VI in Store & museum store & box
May 1937. The mug was presented to Mr Saunders at 618
Somerset Bridge Elementary School when he was about six
years old. He lived at 4 Marlborough Avenue with his
parents Clifford and Bertha Saunders.
BWRAB: 1999/12/1;
photograph
Mounted b/w group of men with dog in front of building. Store & wor & pho 14.3
Drain pipes stacked back right. In pencil on reveerse 'Mrs
Hill Taunton Rd'. Colthurst Symons Somerset Bridge
Works.
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Store & wor & pho 6.2
Store & wor & pho 6.2
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Record no.; object
name
Description
Location
BWRAB: 1999/12/2;
photograph
Mounted b/w group photograph of workers at Colthurst Store & education & pho 14.3
Symons and Co. Ltd Brickyard, somerset Bridge pre-1939,
men with large bricks, barrow, horse and bicycle.
BWRAB: 1999/12/3;
photograph
Mounted b/w group photograph of workers at Colthurst Store & education & pho 14.3
Symons and Co. Ltd Brickyard, Somerset Bridge c.
1920-1929.
Table 1. Blake Museum photographic holdings relating to Crossway Brick & Tile Works and environs.
6.
DISCUSSION
6.1.
The proposed route of the Colley Lane Southern Access Road largely passes through an
industrial zone on the southern outskirts of Bridgwater. Archaeologically, the Site and
environs is dominated by post-medieval and modern industrial activity. This is emphasised by
numerous records relating to the once important brick and tile industry that characterised the
th
economic vitality of Bridgwater until the mid-20 century. Archaeological and historical
records demonstrate that the route will pass through the site of the former Crossway Brick &
Tile Works sandwiched between the Taunton and Bridgwater Canal and River Parrett. The
brickworks is thought to have been constructed in the late 1840s and operated continuously
until the 1960s when most of the buildings were then demolished. Part of the drying sheds
appears to have been converted as commercial premises but even this is now in a ruinous
condition and the site currently occupies waste ground that has been subject to refuse infilling.
To the north of the Parrett, the route is also likely to pass through a loop in the former parish
boundary between Bridgwater and North Petherton which is thought to mirror an old bend in
th
the Parrett and is conjectured to have been straightened in the late 16 century (PRN no.
17118).
6.2.
Excavations of other brickwork sites in Bridgwater have demonstrated that demolition has
largely been restricted to the walls above ground with the floors and foundations often being
left intact or certainly well-preserved immediately beneath the surface. In its current form the
route will pass through the middle of the brickwork complex impacting the drying sheds and
racks, double kiln, store and corner of the 'Managers House' and associated buildings. Other
ancillary features might also be encountered such as former clay extraction pits, wells, ponds
and temporary stores or racking. A landing stage or embarkation point for the brickworks may
also be exposed alongside the Parrett during bridging works. Given the waterlogged
conditions here, there is a high potential that any associated timberwork will be wellpreserved.
6.3.
The route will additonally pass through the possible old bend in the Parrett, at two locations.
Groundworks here may well ascertain its presence or absence.
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7.
ARCHIVE
7.1.
Copies of the desk-based assessment report in both printed and digital versions will be
deposited with:
Transport Development Group
Somerset County Council
County Hall
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4DY
Historic Environment Service
Somerset County Council
Taunton Castle
Castle Green
Taunton
TA1 4AA
7.2.
As part of our commitment to public archaeology, an e-report will be available to view online
or download as an Adobe Acrobat™ file from the COAS website at
www.contextone.co.uk/somerset.htm following entry onto the County Historic Environment
Record (HER) where it will become a publicly accessible document.
8.
COAS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
8.1.
COAS would like to acknowledge the assistance of Ms Naomi Gornall (Project Manager,
Transport Development Group) for supplying core site information. We would also like to
thank the staff at the Taunton Local Studies Library, the Somerset Record Office and Jessica
Vale and Alison Mason at The Blake Museum, Bridgwater for their help in locating
archaeological and documentary sources.
9.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
British Geological Survey,
1994
England & Wales sheet 295: Taunton. Solid and Drift Geology
(scale 1:50000)
Collinson, Rev. J., 1791
The History and Antiquities of the County of Somerset
Dunning, R. W., 1992
Victoria County History: Somerset, vol. VI
Department of the
Environment, 1990
Fitzhugh, R., 1993
Planning Policy Guidance Note 16: Archaeology and Planning,
London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office
Bridgwater and the River Parrett in Old Photographs. Stroud:
Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd.
Code of Conduct, Reading: IFA
Institute of Field
Archaeologists (IFA), 1985
(rev. 2000)
Institute of Field
Archaeologists (IFA), 1990
(rev. 2000)
Code of Approved Practice for the Regulation of Contractual
Arrangements in Field Archaeology, Reading: IFA
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Institute of Field
Archaeologists (IFA), 1994
rev. 1999
Murless, B., 2000
Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment,
Reading: IFA
Somerset Brick & Tile Manufacturers. A Brief History & Gazetteer,
The Somerset Industrial Archaeological Society.
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Appendix 1. Somerset Historic Environment Record report for archaeological
events within the environs of the Site.
©Somerset County Council
PRN 10219
Site Name: Champion's brick works, Somerset Bridge, Bridgwater Without
Civil Parish: Bridgwater Without
Grid Ref: ST 311 360 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
Remains of old brick works, with kilns, drying sheds and other buildings. {1}
Shown as water-filled pits on 1979 map. {2}
References
1 Personal communication - Aston, M Somerset County Council 30.09.75
2 Map - Ordnance Survey 1:10000 1979 ST33NW
PRN 10609
Site Name: Screech Owl or New Yard Brick and Tile Works, North Petherton
Civil Parish: North Petherton
Grid Ref: ST 316 349 (ST 33 SW) ST 316 351 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
Brick and tile works with abandoned water-filled clay pits. {1}
References
1 Personal communication - Aston, M Somerset County Council 18.12.75
PRN 10610
Site Name: Somerset Yard Brick and Tile Works, North Petherton
Civil Parish: North Petherton
Grid Ref: ST 313 355 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
Brick and tile works with buildings and abandoned water-filled clay pits. {1}
References
1 Personal communication - Aston, M Somerset County Council 18.12.75
PRN 10611
Site Name: Crossways Brick and Tile Works, North Petherton
Civil Parish: North Petherton
Grid Ref: ST 310 355 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
Brick and Tile Works with buildings and abandoned water-filled clay pits. {1}
References
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1 Personal communication - Aston, M Somerset County Council 18.12.75
PRN 10612
Site Name: Canal basin, Somerset Bridge, North Petherton
Civil Parish: North Petherton
Grid Ref: ST 308 356 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
There is an old canal basin at the old junction of Bridgwater and Taunton Canal (PRN 11865) and the
River Parrett which was in use before the canal was directed around the town in 1841. {1}
"Old Basin" marked on OSAD 6" map. {2}
References
1 Personal communication - Aston, M Somerset County Council 18.12.75
2 Map - Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division 1962 6" ST33NW (SCC Planning Department)
PRN 10613
Site Name: Hamp Bridge Brick and Tile Works, North Petherton
Civil Parish: North Petherton, Bridgwater
Grid Ref: ST 3090 3591 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
Buildings of former brick and tile works. {1}
References
1 Personal communication - Aston, M Somerset County Council 18.12.75
PRN 10645
Site Name: Crossways swing bridge, Huntworth
Civil Parish: North Petherton
Grid Ref: ST 3091 3531 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
Was presumably connected to the Crossways Brick works (PRN 10611). {1}
The replacement of this bridge, as a part of a programme to return the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal
to a navigable waterway, involved the removal of its swing mechanism. Unlike similar bridges along
the canal, the Crossways example was retained intact through the Second World War. After recording
the mechanism in situ, it was removed for storage pending the setting up of a canalside interpretation
centre. {2}
Was a listed building, see PRN 13616. {3}
The bridge was removed in July 1940 as a preliminary demolition (No 4) on the Taunton Stop Line
(PRN 15410) but replaced almost immediately to permit access to the brickworks. It does not seem to
have been put back correctly on its pivot and was in poor condition in the 1950s. {4}
References
1 Personal communication - Dennison, E Somerset County Council 03.12.87
2 Description - Anon in Dennison, E "Somerset Archaeology 1987" Proceedings of the Somerset
Archaeological and Natural History Society 131 (1987), 229-30
3 Compiler comment - Chris Webster, Somerset Historic Environment Record (1/11/2007)
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4 Correspondence - David Hunt, email to Somerset County Council (24/11/2003)
PRN 11978
Site Name: Second World War pillbox (N35), SE of Hamp Bridge, Bridgwater
Civil Parish: North Petherton
Part of: PRN 15410 Second World War stop line, The Taunton Stop Line
Grid Ref: ST 3047 3563 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
An inland defences pillbox survives in good condition. {1}
This is pillbox N35. {2}
References
1 Personal communication - Hellis, J Fortress Study Group, March 1994. Ref JH.00062
2 Correspondence - David Hunt email to Somerset County Council (25/2/2003)
PRN 11987
Site Name: Second World War pillbox (N36), S of Somerset Bridge, Bridgwater
Civil Parish: North Petherton
Part of: PRN 15410 Second World War stop line, The Taunton Stop Line
Grid Ref: ST 3082 3542 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
An inland defences pillbox survives in good condition. {1}
This is pillbox N36. {2}
References
1 Personal communication - Hellis, J Fortress Study Group, March 1994. Ref JH.00222
2 Correspondence - David Hunt email to Somerset County Council (25/2/2003)
PRN 12398
Site Name: Brickworks, Hamp, Bridgwater
Civil Parish: Bridgwater
Grid Ref: ST 303 360 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
Brickpits and buildings along each side of the canal. {1}
References
1 Personal communication - Somerset County Council Aston, M 3.2.76
PRN 12422
Site Name: Bronze age ring find, Bridgwater
Civil Parish: Bridgwater
Grid Ref: ST 305 356 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
A possibly Irish penannular gold ring found at Hamp Brick Field in 1848 or 1849. Now in British
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Museum. Pottery found near. See PRN 12421 for alternate site for this find. {1}
References
1 Detailed records - Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division ST33NW14 (SCC Planning Department)
PRN 12441
Site Name: Second World War pillbox (N37), NE of Huntworth
Civil Parish: North Petherton
Part of: PRN 15410 Second World War stop line, The Taunton Stop Line
Grid Ref: ST 3096 3526 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
OS map shows a pillbox. {1}
There is a well preserved concrete type 24 on the E bank of the canal. {2}
This is pillbox N37. {3}
The pillbox was destroyed, despite protests, in late March 2003 by British Waterways to provide
vehicular access to the house. {4}
Only partly removed, the back remains. {5}
References
1 Map - Ordnance Survey 1:2500 sheet
2 Personal communication - Webster, CJ SMRO (5.3.1996)
3 Correspondence - David Hunt email to Somerset County Council (25/2/2003)
4 Personal communication - Chris Webster (11/4/2003)
5 Personal communication - Chris Webster, Somerset County Council (11/6/2003)
PRN 14386
Site Name: Rhyne Bridge, Stock Moor Rhyne, North Petherton.
Civil Parish: Pawlett
Grid Ref: ST 3042 3532 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
Reinforced concrete slab bridge built in 1926 and designed by Edward Stead, County Surveyor.
Copings, stringcourses and quoins are of ashlar masonry with the remainder of the masonry rock
faced. The end of the concrete deck is exposed in elevation. The bridge is 5 feet in span. {1}
References
1 Detailed records - Greenfield, D. Somerset's Early Reinforced Concrete Bridges. (1998) Copy in HER File
14360
PRN 14387
Site Name: Hamp culvert, Bridgwater
Civil Parish: North Petherton, Bridgwater
Grid Ref: ST 3034 3567 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
Reinforced concrete slab bridge built in 1926 and designed by Edward Stead, County Surveyor.
Copings, stringcourses and quoins are of ashlar masonry with the remainder of the masonry rock
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faced. The end of the concrete deck is exposed in elevation. The bridge is 3.5 feet in span. {1}
References
1 Detailed records - Greenfield, D. Somerset's Early Reinforced Concrete Bridges. (1998) Copy in HER File
14360
PRN 16725
Site Name: Second World War pillbox site (N34), Hamp Brickworks, Bridgwater
Civil Parish: Bridgwater
Part of: PRN 15410 Second World War stop line, The Taunton Stop Line
Grid Ref: ST 3045 3581 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
A pillbox on the Taunton stopline (PRN 15410) described as ''Built into end of old brick kiln' {1}
Shown on maps in the Wills Collection in the National Monuments Record. {2}
References
1Historical reference - PRO WO 199/1803 Progress report : Taunton line, 1940 July- Nov.
(30/10/1940)
2 Correspondence - David Hunt, email to Somerset County Council (4/3/2004)
PRN 17118
Site Name: Old Course of River Parrett, Somerset Bridge, Bridgwater
Civil Parish: Bridgwater
Grid Ref: ST 3090 3591 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
The old parish boundary between Bridgwater and North Petherton, where a portion of North
Petherton parish is was on the north side of the existing river course, may reflect a former 'loop' of the
water course that has been naturally or artificially straightened. {1}
called 'Old River Ground' {2}
Documents in Bristol Record Office record the cutting-off of the loop in 1568. {3}
References
1 Map - Second Edition OS Map, c.1904
2 Mention - Dunning, R. The Victoria History of the County of Somerset Vol VI, page 193
3 Personal communication - Adrian Webb, Hydrographic Office (20/12/2006)
4 Historical reference - Bristol Record Office F/Au/1/9
PRN 18024
Site Name: Malt and Hops, Somerset Bridge, North Petherton
Civil Parish: North Petherton
Grid Ref: ST 3124 3565 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
'Malt and Hops Inn' noted on old OS. {1}
Structure depicted but name not. {2}
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References
1 Map - Ordnance Survey Second Edition c.1904
2 Map - Ordnance Survey Mapinfo 2005
PRN 18025
Site Name: Congregational Church, Somerset Bridge, North Petherton
Civil Parish: North Petherton
Grid Ref: ST 3106 3564 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
'Congregational Church' noted on old OS. {1}
In the 1860s Bridgwater Congregationalists held cottage services at Somerset Bridge. In 1865 a chapel
and school room were built. The chapel was recorded in 1914 but later closed and had become an
icecream factory by 1966. The building burnt down in 1984. {2}
References
1 Map - Ordnance Survey Second Edition c. 1904
2 Mention - Dunning, R. (ed) The Victoria History of the County of Somerset. Vol VI 313
PRN 18026
Site Name: Milestone, Rhyne Bridge, North Petherton
Civil Parish: North Petherton
Grid Ref: ST 3041 3533 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
'M.S.' and 'Bridgwater 1, Taunton 9 5/8' noted on old OS. {1}
Not shown on modern map. {2}
References
1 Map - Ordnance Survey Second Edition c.1904
2 Personal communication - Talya Bagwell, Somerset Historic Environment Record (2/6/2005)
PRN 22892
Site Name: Hamp bridge, Bridgwater
Civil Parish: Bridgwater
Part of: PRN 43828 Boathouse, Watts House, Bishop's Lydeard
Grid Ref: ST 3039 3570 (ST 33 NW)
Details:
Road bridge on Bridgwater and Taunton canal leading to Hamp brickworks (PRN 10613). {1}
Documents in the National Archives show that Hamp Bridge was prepared as a demolition for the
Taunton Stop Line (Demolition 3) with 4 small charge chambers under the E side of the arch
containing a total of 30lbs of Ammonal. A horizontal rail road block was situated on the W side of the
bridge (Taunton Stop Line Block NRd 2) The road block was declared redundant in Aug 1941. {2}
References
1 Compiler comment - Chris Webster, Somerset Historic Environment Record (30/5/2007)
2 Correspondence - David Hunt to SCC (30/5/2007)
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3 Historical reference - National Archives WO199/1810 Taunton Line: demolition scheme 20 Aug 40
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