7 SITE P00367: BEIGHTON ROAD, WOODHOUSE - Sheffield · 7.2.1 A gazetteer of known and designated heritage assets referred to in the text is provided in Appendix P00367.1 . Sites are

Sheffield Development Framework Archaeology Scoping Report

© Wessex Archaeology Ltd. 2012 WA Project No. 85610 19

7 SITE P00367: BEIGHTON ROAD, WOODHOUSE

7.1 Site Location

7.1.1 Site P00367 is located to the south of Beighton Road in Woodhouse, Sheffield. The Site measures approximately 3.02ha and comprises undeveloped scrubland situated at approximately 85m AOD. Existing developments bound the Site to the east and west, comprising a housing estate to the west, a care home to the northwest and a hostel for the homeless to the east.

7.1.2 The bedrock geology of the Site comprises sandstone of the Pennine Middle Coal Measures Formation formed in the Carboniferous Period (BGS Sheet E100).

7.2 Archaeological and Historical Context

7.2.1 A gazetteer of known and designated heritage assets referred to in the text is provided in Appendix P00367.1. Sites are numbered from 1-13 with a WA prefix for ease of reference. An overall illustration showing sites in the gazetteer is provided in Figure P00367.1.

Prehistoric to Romano-British

7.2.2 There are no recorded prehistoric sites within the Site or its Study Area. A significant Mesolithic occupation site was discovered just beyond the Study Area at Hail Mary Hill, approximately 3km to the north (SYSMR 00991/01). Excavations there in 1963 and 1996 have together recorded almost 300 lithic items characteristic of a late Mesolithic assemblage (Radley & Mellars 1964; ARCUS 1996). The nature of the assemblage suggests short lived occupation possibly associated with the seasonal movement of people between the uplands and lowlands.

7.2.3 To the north of the Site, within the Study Area, is a recorded findspot for a single Roman coin (WA1) dating from the reign of Trajan between AD 98-117.

Anglo-Saxon to Medieval

7.2.4 No evidence dating to the Anglo-Saxon period has been identified within the Site or Study Area. Shire Brook, to the south of the Site, is held to be part of the former boundary between the early medieval kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria. The brook was also later adopted as the boundary between Yorkshire and Derbyshire until an area south of the brook was incorporated into Sheffield City in 1967 (SYBRG 2010, 9).

7.2.5 The area around Woodhouse was settled from at least the early medieval period with Handsworth, Orgreave and Beighton described in the Domesday Book of 1086.

7.2.6 Woodhouse was situated in the Parish of Handsworth. Handsworth appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Handesuuard possibly derived from the personnel name Hand and the Old English word worð meaning enclosure (Smith 1961, 164).

7.2.7 Whilst the origin of the settlement at Woodhouse is unknown it is first recorded in documentary evidence of 1200, where is appears as Wdehus,



deriving from the Old English words wudu meaning wood, and hūs, meaning house (Smith 1961, 166). The place name Woodhouse thus literally meaning a house in the wood.

7.2.8 Within the settlement of Woodhouse there still remains the village’s, now statutorily listed, market cross and stocks (WA2). Whilst the majority of the structure dates to the 18th century, the base of the cross is believed to be of medieval date.

7.2.9 Based on the examination of boundaries and settlement shapes on early post-medieval maps, Woodhouse appears to have comprised a group of houses forming a nucleated settlement, with the Site lying within an arable open field system to the east. Remnants of ridge and furrow earthworks likely created by ploughing in the open fields during the medieval period survive in fields to the northeast of the Site (WA3, also see Site P00510).

7.2.10 Evidence for further medieval activity around Woodhouse was discovered in Shirtcliff Wood to the northwest of the Site (WA4) including boundaries, quarry pits, drift mine and earthworks dating from the medieval to the modern period.

Post-medieval to 19th Century

7.2.11 The intensification of agricultural practices in the post-medieval and modern periods was largely characterised by the enclosure of former open fields and commons under the Inclosure Acts and Commons Acts of 1773 to 1882, allowing the land-owner or tenant to improve the land in ways not formerly possible. The Handsworth Parish Award dates to 1805 and depicts the enclosures present by this date (Figure P00367.2). In general the enclosures within the Study Area comprise irregular long thin fields characteristic of piecemeal enclosure of strips within the former open field arable system. The boundaries of these fields are not straight but have a reversed ‘s’ shape characteristic of the practice of turning the oxen plough at the end of each strip. This is also visible within the southern half of the Site, whilst the irregular shape of the central boundary is suggestive of the amalgamation of smaller fields. A lane passing to the south of the Site appeared to provide access from the village to fields on the bank of Shire Brook.

7.2.12 The apportionment records the northern field (Figure P00367.2, plot 931) of the Site as Crooked Lands, owned by Elizabeth Griffith and tenanted by Thomas Rodgers. The southern plot (Figure P00367.2, plot 932) was named New Close, owned by Peter Burks and tenanted by Henry Hawksworth.

7.2.13 Within the village a number of buildings from this period survive, including two Grade II Listed properties within the Study Area comprising Manor Farm (WA5) and the Cross Daggers (WA6). Further development in Woodhouse during the 19th century is also represented by Listed Buildings within the Study Area comprising the dwelling and railings at 53 Beighton Road (WA7-8), Trinity Methodist Church and its gateway and railings (WA9-10), and Vestry Hall (WA11).

7.2.14 Although Woodhouse appears to have been largely an agricultural community in the early post-medieval period, industrial sites were present around the settlement including water powered works on Shire Brook



comprising a forging hammer, known as Rainbow Forge (WA12), to the south of the Site, and Cliff Dyke Wheel, a mill constructed in 1805 (WA13).

7.2.15 By the publication of the 1855 OS map (Figure P00367.2) the southern boundary of the Site depicted in 1805 had been removed and the central one straightened. The lane passing just beyond the southern boundary of the Site was named Lambcroft Lane, becoming Sweet Tree Lane towards its eastern end.

7.2.16 On the 1894 OS map (Figure P00367.3) the northern half of the Site was shown to have been in use as a nursery, and continued to be labelled as such until the production of the 1924 OS map (Figure P00367.3).

Modern

7.2.17 The 1935 OS was reproduced with minor additions in 1948 (Figure P00367.4) showing the western half of the northern field had become allotment gardens. Furthermore two large buildings were shown within the northeast corner of the Site and a range of smaller buildings adjacent to the Site to the east. This site was constructed on Beighton Road in 1944 to provide accommodation for conscripted miners training in Birley East Colliery. Known as ‘Bevin Boys’ the miners were conscripted at random and stationed at a training colliery for between three to six weeks before being dispatched to a working colliery.

7.2.18 The buildings in the Site were depicted in more detail on the 1956 OS (Figure P00367.4) which shows a series of small structures, most likely the Nissen huts visible in pictures of the site that survive in a private collection (see www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/categories/c55362 pictures 21-29). Nissen huts were a semi-cylindrical steel structure clad in corrugated sheet and were amongst the first prefabricated structures. They were extensively used on military and government sites during the 1940s but were seldom retained beyond the end of World War 2.

7.2.19 In 1948 Birley East Colliery closed, but the Nissen huts were retained as Woodhouse Industrial Hostel until 1953, when they avoided demolition again becoming part of a mushroom farm (Rowles 1992). Trade directories for the area record that there had been a branch office of the Ministry of Labour Employment Exchange operating within the vicinity of the Site between 1935 and 1951. Whilst likely associated with the miners training centre, the office operated for a period before and after the operation of the centre.

7.2.20 By 1970 the Nissen huts had finally been pulled down and the southwest corner of the Site had been put to use as a playing field. The area of the former Industrial Hostel east of the Site was redeveloped as Bevin Court, a re-establishment centre for homeless men (ibid.), and by 1984 the area directly adjacent to the northwest of the Site was developed as a small care home.

7.2.21 Examination of vertical aerial photography for the site since 1971 provided no additional data to that gained from map regression.

7.3 Historic Landscape

7.3.1 The historic character of the Site was assessed as part of the South Yorkshire Historic Environment Characterisation project (Lines et al 2008).



The following section provides a summary of the information relevant to the Site.

7.3.2 The Site lies partly within present character areas of School 1977-2002 and Nursing Home / Almshouse 1977-2002, although neither the nursing home nor the school are situated within the Site. The Site has fragmentary historic characters of Barracks 1944-1976, Strip Fields 1540-1943 and Open Fields 1066-1539.

7.3.3 The Site lies within the Colliery Villages sub-zone of the Suburbanised Rural Settlements character zone. This sub-zone occupies much of the south east of Sheffield where suburbanisation steadily increased from the mid-19th century onwards due in part to the steady growth of coal mining within the zone.

7.3.4 Woodhouse still contains the remains of its medieval origins in elements of its street pattern centred on the historic market square and surrounding streets. Around these streets there are also buildings that predate the industrial period, although 20th century road and housing redevelopments have compromised the integrity of the historic core. Historic maps predating the suburbanisation of Woodhouse show a network of enclosed strips taken from earlier open fields. In the modern landscape only a small, but important, area of these characteristic curving boundaries survive as enclosed land off of Water Slacks Road.

7.4 Current Site Conditions

7.4.1 A site visit was carried out on June 13th 2012. The aim of the visit was to assess the general aspect, character, condition and setting of the Site and to identify any potential impacts not evident from secondary sources. Weather conditions were bright and dry.

7.4.2 The Site was likely enclosed in the early post-medieval period from open farmland situated on the southeast periphery of the medieval settlement of Woodhouse. The site remained undeveloped until the mid-20th century when Nissen huts were erected to house incoming conscripted miners, and subsequently cleared in the 1970s.

7.4.3 The Site now comprises an area of flat open scrubland (Plate P00367.1) towards the edge of the urbanised centre of Woodhouse. A modern raised bund separates the Site from Beighton Road, presumably to dissuade vehicular access. West of the Site is a narrow footpath separated from the Site by a mature overgrown hedgerow. Two stone gateposts were observed within the west boundary, once allowing access into the southern half of the Site, and indicating the narrow footpath had once been wider.

7.4.4 A field boundary depicted on the 1855 OS map, crossing northwest-southeast through the Site, remains partially visible today in a broken line of trees and bushes (Plate P00367.2). In addition, 20th-century concrete fence posts mark the line of this boundary and a line going from it to the north.

7.4.5 Possible building platforms were identified in the area of the former miners’ barracks, with rubble observed within patches of visible soil indicating that demolition material from their clearance had spread beyond their footprint into the Site.



7.5 Significance and Survival of Heritage Assets

7.5.1 A description of the significance of identified heritage assets directly affected by the proposed development, based on the current level of available information, is presented below in Table P00367.1 in line with current planning policy (NPPF Ch.12 Para.128).

7.5.2 Assessment of the baseline resource has identified one known heritage assets within the Site (including no designated heritage assets) and an indication of the possibility of encountering potential heritage assets in the form of buried archaeological remains. The possibility of the proposed development encountering archaeological remains is expressed in the table as High, Moderate, Low or Negligible.

7.5.3 The survival of potential heritage assets depends on the impact of subsequent land use. Within the Site there is likely to be a low level of existing disturbance to potential heritage assets from the construction and subsequent demolition of the Miners Training Camp (WA14) situated in the northeast corner of the Site.

Period Description of Heritage Asset Significance Possibility of Encountering

Pre

his

toric

Whilst there is no prehistoric evidence within the Study Area, the presence of a substantial Mesolithic site on the opposite side of the Rother valley indicates there was activity within the landscape during this period. Although no evidence of prehistoric remains have been found within the Site, the Site was not unsuitable for settlement.

Any evidence of remains from this period would be of regional evidential value.

Regional Negligible

Rom

ano-B

ritish

A single Roman coin is recorded within the Study Area (WA1), however it is unknown when the coin was deposited, and thus, at best, can only provide a rough indication of activity within the wider area.

Any evidence of remains from this period would be of regional evidential value.

Regional Low

Med

ieva

l to

post-

med

ieva

l

The Site lies within former open fields on the edge of Woodseats, a settlement of at least medieval origins. A broken hedgerow along the line of pre-1805 boundaries is evident within the Site.

Evidence for enclosure and land use could be of evidential value to local research groups.

Negligible Moderate

Modern

The Site was partially developed during the Second World War as a miners training camp (WA14), housing conscripted miners, or ‘Bevin Boys’ working at Birley East Colliery. The Nissen huts in which they were housed remained in use until the 1970s when they were pulled down.

Evidence relating to the lives and living conditions of the miners would be of evidential and communal value to local research groups.

Medium local High



Table P00367.01: Summary of the Significance and Possibility of Encountering Heritage Assets

7.6 Summary and Recommendation

7.6.1 There is a potential for development within the Site to have an impact upon undesignated heritage assets in the form of buried archaeological remains. There is a low possibility of encountering prehistoric or Romano-British activities. In addition there is a greater chance of disturbing remains of medieval to post-medieval enclosures and fields and the modern remains of a miners training camp. Such sites would be of interest to local research groups.

7.6.2 In conclusion, this Site is suitable for allocation for housing within the SDF as there is a low risk that it contains heritage assets that will affect any future development proposals.



APPENDIX P00367.1: GAZETTEER OF KNOWN HERITAGE ASSETS

WA No.

Period Designations Name Description SMR/NHLE

Refs. Easting Northing

1 Romano-

British Roman coin

Roman AR denarius of Trajan

SMR 03244/01 442710 385230

2 Medieval Grade II Listed

Building Market Cross and Stocks, Woodhouse

The cross dates to 1774 but stands on the site of an earlier one. The stocks are complete and in good condition, they adjoin the market cross, which consists of a modern shaft and socket stone on a probable medieval base of four steps.

SMR 00265/01 NHLE 1246657

and1271226 442020 384810

3 Medieval Ridge and furrow, Beighton Road

Remnants of Ridge and Furrow. SMR 02867/01 443104 384624

4 Medieval Shirtcliff Wood Post-Medieval to Modern Period Sites

A total of 17 archaeological sites of Medieval to Modern recorded during the Fuelling the Revolution project. These include post-medieval field boundaries, trackways, quarry pits, pits, a possible dressed stone gatepost and modern revetment walls, drift mine, drainage channel, pond and mound.

SMR 4791 441737 385202

5 Post

medieval Grade II Listed

Building Manor Farm

Manor Farm Woodhouse consists of an 'L' plan block of building, a gabled north-south wing with a shorter block running east from its south end - this part of the building has been truncated, and now ends in a brick gable.

SMR 01176/01 NHLE 1270938

441960 384860

6 Post

medieval Grade II Listed

Building

Cross Daggers restaurant and attached railing

Former Public House dated 1658, with early C19 and late C20 additions and alterations.

NHLE 1271261 442042 384795

7 19

th

Century Grade II Listed

Building 53, Beighton Road

House dated c1830. Coursed squared stone with ashlar dressings and slate roof with 2 brick gable stacks.

NHLE 1271224 442515 384685

8 19

th


Building

Boundary wall and gateposts to number 53

Dated c1830. Coursed squared stone wall with half-round coping, approx 15m long.

NHLE 1246704 442496 384670

9 19

th


Building Trinity Methodist Church

Dated 1878. Coursed squared stone with ashlar dressings and slate roof. Romanesque style.

NHLE 1271054 441799 384851



WA No.

Period Designations Name Description SMR/NHLE

Refs. Easting Northing

10 19

th


Building

Gateway and railing to Trinity Methodist Church

Dated 1878. Coursed squared stone and ashlar, with cast-iron railing.

NHLE 1247076 441797 384839

11 19

th


Building Vestry Hall

Vestry hall, now offices. Dated 1857. Rock-faced stone with ashlar dressings and slate roofs. Gothic Revival style.

NHLE 1247075 441789 384799

12 19

th

Century Rainbow Forge

Water powered forging hammer shown on the first edition OS map of 1855.

SMR 01757/01 441970 384045

13 19

th

Century Cliff Dyke Wheel

Water powered mill constructed in 1805 for George and Thomas Hutton.

SMR 01758/01 443284 384249

14 Modern Miners Training Centre

Miners training centre for conscripted miners working at Birley East Colliery. The centre largely comprised of prefabricated Nissen huts, and operated until 1948. The huts were retained on the Site until 1970s initially as part of Woodhouse Industrial Hospital, and later as a mushroom farm

442578 384472



PLATES FOR P00367

Plate P00367.1: General view of Site P00367, looking southwest from Beighton Road

Plate P00367.2: Detail of former central northwest-southeast boundary

Date:

Scale:

Path:

Revision Number:

Illustrator:

1805 Handsworth Parish Tithe and 1855 Ordnance Survey map Figure P00367.2

25/06/2012

1:5,000 @ A4

S:\PROJECTS\85610 (Sheffield Development Framework)\GIS\FigsMXD

1

J. Thomson1805 maps courtesy of Sheffield City ArchivesCrown Copyright 1853. All rights reserved.This material is client report only © Wessex Archaeology. No unauthorised reproduction.

1805 1855

Date:

Scale:

Path:

Revision Number:

Illustrator:

1894 and1924 Ordnance Survey maps Figure P00367.3

25/06/2012

1:5,000 @ A4


1

J. ThomsonCrown Copyright 1894 and 1924. All rights reserved.This material is client report only © Wessex Archaeology. No unauthorised reproduction.

1894 1924

Date:

Scale:

Path:

Revision Number:

Illustrator:

1935 with 1948 additions and1956 Ordnance Survey maps Figure P00367.4

25/06/2012

As shown


1

J. ThomsonCrown Copyright 1935 and 1948. All rights reserved.This material is client report only © Wessex Archaeology. No unauthorised reproduction.

1935 with 1948 additions 1956 1:2,5001:5,000

Documents

7 SITE P00367: BEIGHTON ROAD, WOODHOUSE - Sheffield · 7.2.1 A gazetteer of known and designated heritage assets referred to in the text is provided in Appendix P00367.1 . Sites are