Chartered Institute for Archaeologists 2022

P R O F E S S I O N A L A R C H A E O L O G Y | A G U I D E F O R C L I E N T S 2 0 2 2 2 7 C A S E S T U D I E S | B U I L D I N G S A R C H A E O L O G Y A N D D E V E L O P M E N T It was found that little published or archival material was available for the site because of its relatively recent construction and decommissioning. A large number of documents and plans were present in various site offices but had not been organised or digitised. It was considered vital, therefore, to make use of the knowledge of the site staff, many of whom came from generations of iron and steel workers. The team was accompanied by the relevant plant manager for each recording area, who were able to provide on-going commentary and explanation of each building and works process. On completion of the fieldwork a series of informal interviews was carried out, which considerably aided our understanding of the site and provided a valuable level of technical detail. On return to the office, the photographic archive and all notes were reviewed and any areas of deficiency or which required further detail were identified. Return visits to specific areas were then arranged to ensure the record was as robust as possible. CONCLUSION The recording project was noted by Historic England as being among the largest of this type of recording undertaken by archaeologists of an industrial site. The archaeological survey was part of a wider effort by the Teesworks Heritage Taskforce to explore ways to capture, record and recognise the cultural economic and industrial heritage of the Teesworks site. It was noted from the outset that there is considerable local community interest in the site and the project was designed specifically to engage with and enhance the public record. As an important site in Britain’s steel and iron industry there is also a significant national as well as international audience. The survey created a comprehensive and high-quality visual record of the site prior to demolition and the report provided a systematic descriptive account of the history and development of the local iron and steel industry, as well as a technical description of all the main buildings and manufacturing processes. A separate archive gap analysis was also produced which provided recommendations for ongoing and long-term heritage management, including public engagement and outreach and publicly accessible publications to help raise awareness of Teesside’s rich iron and steelmaking heritage. The work was well received by the client and has helped with the ongoing management of the site, which remains under development, providing guidance in the potential retention or conservation of heritage assets and historic features and forming a baseline for any further heritage projects and publication. The grey literature report is available to the public through the Archaeological Data Service and the archive is held by the Teesside Archive. Blast Furnace detail ©TEP