Recently we’ve been working on the site of the Scheduled remains of Crowley Dam alongside Gateshead Council, Historic England and Archaeo-Environment. The dam, located on the River Derwent near Winlaton, Gateshead, forms part of the ironworks of Ambrose Crowley which was founded in 1697 and subsequently developed further during the 18th century. The dam and associated spillway are thought to have been built by 1760 however the ironworks ceased operation in the late 19th century.
The site is due to be conserved and consolidated but, until recently, was heavily overgrown and covered with soil. ARS Ltd are in the process of carrying out a more careful, detailed clearance operation prior to a full survey to record details of the dam’s construction.
Previously ARS Ltd has worked on another of Crowley’s ironworks in Swalwell, located c.3km to the north-east of the Winlaton site. Excavations here, in advance of development, uncovered structural remains associated with the earliest 18th century parts of the ironworks including the western portion of the Grand Warehouse, an anchor shop, a series of workshops and part of the mill race.