conservation – Page 5 – Industrial Heritage Networks

New Ironbridge Volunteers Begin Work on Next Phase of Sentinel Engines Restoration

November 8, 2024November 5, 2024mikenevell

In September the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust (IGMT) launched a recruitment drive to find new volunteers to help them complete the second phase of the project to conserve two Sentinel locomotives at Coalbrookdale. IGMT found them through a range of outlets, including the Shropshire Star, the Telford Journal, and BBC Radio Shropshire, and they started work omn 18 October.

The two Sentinel Shunting Locomotives (left), which date from the 1860s, are historically important parts of the Trust’s collection. They were used by the Coalbrookdale Company on their internal railway system. In the 1920s, to reduce running and material costs, the Sentinel Waggon Works Ltd. modernised and converted locomotives from a boiler and cylinder system to a boiler with chain drive to both axles, and the locomotives within this project are the oldest locomotive conversions by Sentinel that are known to have been preserved. They are now on permanent display beneath the arches of the viaduct that passes through Coalbrookdale for museum visitors and passersby to see.

In 2023 the Trust secured funding from the Association for Industrial Archaeology to carry out work to conserve the engines, whose condition had deteriorated over time due to weather conditions. While the engines will not run again, the aim of the project is to stabilise their condition and conserve them so they can continue to be enjoyed by future visitors to the Ironbridge Gorge and its museums.

Under the guidance of Trevor Barraclough, the team began work on this second phase in October 2024. The work will involve wet and dry cleaning; priming bare iron; painting; and if appropriate carrying out some minor repairs. Volunteers also regularly receive questions from members of the public interested in their work and will be asked to take photographs to help record the progress of the project. The hope is to complete the project by Christmas, but this is dependent on the weather.

*Picture shows volunteers Peter Taylor, Matthew Fletcher, Alan Watson, Steven Downton, Phil Garbett and Mike Sprason with Trevor Barraclough (centre). Image courtesy of IGMT.*

Museum Decarbonisation Case Studies

November 4, 2024mikenevell

The National Musuem Directors’ Council (NMDC) has published the findings of a series of case studies looking at the actions and costs required to decarbonise museum buildings. It worked with a consulting engineer and a construction consultancy on a study of potential improvements to the energy performance of six different museum sites across the country, identifying where changes could be made to make buildings more efficient and reduce carbon emissions.

The National Museum Directors’ Council represents the leaders of the UK’s national collections and major regional museums. Aware that many museums haven’t yet carried out baseline surveys or carbon audits due to capacity and affordability, and that some who have done so can’t share results widely due to commercial sensitivities, six museums agreed to share their findings publicly to increase sector literacy about potential improvements and outline costs. Each case study considers three categories: quick wins, maintenance, and capital projects, and within these demonstrates a range of potential carbon savings for individual measures – ranging from reviewing boiler controls or time schedules, to more ambitious interventions such as upgrading roof insulation, window repairs, or replacing gas boilers with Air Source Heat Pumps.The detailed case studies can be read by clicking the link here.

The importance of baseline carbon surveys to identify such measures cannot be overstated, as implementing these may mitigate potentially larger costs of more advanced maintenance or capital work, for which considerably more external funding is necessary.

*all carbon savings and costs are estimates. See case study document for full details.

West Somerset Railway Begin Moving Their Rolling Stock to Newly Purchased Engineering Shed

September 17, 2024mikenevell

In February 2024, the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust completed the purchase of the shed at track at Washford from the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust and agreed a new 10 year lease of the site with the West Somerset Railway PLC. Since then, work has been continuing to bring all the heritage stock owned by the Trust to the Washford site, which is now the base for all the Trust’s restoration activities.

The planned move of the three carriages previously stored at Dunster sidings to Washford was successfully completed on Monday 9 September by a WSR PLC specialist team, while the railway was closed to passenger trafﬁc. Carriages 5131, 7740 and 2578 have been located in a siding near Dunster station for many years awaiting restoration, leaving them exposed to the sea air despite being covered with tarpaulin covers. Coastal storms have periodically caused further deterioration to the carriages.

Given the poor condition of the carriages, a comprehensive risk assessment was prepared in advance of the move. This included a 3 meter hard hat exclusion zone around the move, and even a camera wired up to one of the shunters, pointing underneath the carriages to check if anything fell between the tracks during the move. The whole exercise was professionally executed by the PLC team, using two top and tail shunters, without incident.

The following day, the Trust’s horse box was brought by road from its previous location at Bishops Lydeard. During the First World War, horses and mules were used extensively by the British army – nearly one million by 1918 – and were transported by rail, and it is believed that this is the only one horse box of the era to survive. It was built for the LNWR and found on a farm at Pershore. Following the move to Washford, restoration of the horse box will be completed.

The Washford Engineerign Shed was open to visitors on 14tth & 15th September, as part of the Heritage Open Days and the WSR 1940s weekend.

*Carriage 7740 on the move at Blue Anchor platform. Copyright WSRHT.*

Ironbridge Look for Volunteers for Phase 2 of Sentinel Loco Conservation

September 9, 2024September 4, 2024mikenevell

*Before (left) and after (right) shots of one of the conserved Sentinel locomotive, Coalbrookdale. Image copyright: Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.*

The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust (IGMT) is looking for volunteers to help us complete the second phase of their project to conserve two Sentinel locomotives at Coalbrookdale. The two Sentinel Shunting Locomotives, which date from the 1860s, are historically important parts of the Trust’s collection. They were used by the Coalbrookdale Company on their internal railway system, were modernised and converted by the Sentinel Waggon Works Ltd in the 1920s and are now the oldest locomotive conversions by Sentinel that are known to have been preserved.

In 2023 IGMT secured funding from the Association for Industrial Archaeology to carry out work to conserve the engines, whose condition had deteriorated over time due to weather conditions. Work on one of the Sentinel locomotives has already been completed and new volunteers are now needed to complete the second stage of the project.

Requirements:

Volunteers who can commit to a half-day on Fridays between September and December.
The role will require a reasonable amount of physical activity and working outside (though under some cover) in all weather.
No specific qualifications are required but the work will involve wet and dry cleaning; priming bare iron; painting; and if appropriate carrying out some minor repairs.
Volunteers regularly receive questions from members of the public interested in their work and will be asked to take photographs to help record the progress of the project.

This is a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. If you would like to volunteer with us or know someone who you think would like to be involved get in touch with me or with Sharon Sinclair, Volunteer Officer, volunteering@ironbridge.org.uk.

*The two Sentinel shunting locomotives at Coalbrookdale, Ironbridge. Image copyright: Dr Michael Nevell.*

Historic England & Civic Voice Launch Survey on Blue Plaques

May 8, 2024mikenevell

Historic England and Civic Voice are collaborating in the launch of a survey to understand the impact of different local plaque schemes across England and the organisations behind them. As Historic England receives nominations from the public as a part of a new blue plaque scheme, they are seeking views from civic organisations on how to set up and develop them. You can fill out the Blue Plaques survey here

This survey comes as Historic England (HE) runs a new national blue plaque scheme on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This summer, from mid-May to mid-July, you can submit your own nominations for a blue plaque. There will be advice on what HE are looking for in the nomination process, an online application form, and details on how it will be decided who gets a plaque. The unveiling of Historic England’s latest blue plaque, in April, to Clarice Cliff celebrated her enduring influence on the world of pottery. Born 125 years ago, Cliff’s journey from a young apprentice to a globally renowned ceramic artist is a testament to her talent and innovation. Her vibrant and unconventional “Bizarre-ware” designs captured the imagination of buyers worldwide, earning her a place among the most influential ceramic artists of the 20th century.

Further details on how to nominate here: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/blue-plaque-scheme/

Canal & River Trust to Use AI to Protect Historic Canal Bridges from Vehicle Strikes

March 28, 2024March 26, 2024mikenevell

The Canal and River Trust (CRT) have announced how they are trialling an innovative AI CCTV system on the Lancaster Canal to catch hit-and-run motorists damaging 200-year-old stone bridges. Annually, vehicle strikes on CRT bridges cost up to £1 million in repairs, diverting vital funds away from work waterway conservation.

The new system is controlled by AI using a mobile phone signal and doesn’t continuously record but takes a few photos when it detects vehicle movement. The AI then assesses if the bridge has been impacted. If there is no strike, the photos are deleted and if damage has been caused, Trust staff receive a notification, allowing them to identify number plates to track down the offenders and claim full repair costs on their insurance.

Andy Dobson, CRT asset engineer, said: “Hump-back bridges, an iconic part of Britain’s canal network, were built for the passage of horse-drawn carts, not for today’s modern vehicles and HGVs. Due to the large number of rural, narrow roads crossing the Lancaster Canal, it has more bridge strikes than any other. The bridges are part of the canal’s special character and heritage, and each time one is hit a small piece of history is lost.”

More details of the experimental scheme can be found here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/artificial-intelligence-helps-to-protect-historic-canal-bridges-from-vehicle-strikes

*A typical humped-back bridge on the Lancaster Canal near the city of Lancaster*

Middleport Pottery Bottle Oven Online Appeal

February 2, 2024February 1, 2024mikenevell

Middleport Pottery, Stoke-0n-Trent, has launched an online appeal to raise £1600 to help with maintenance work on its iconic Bottle Oven. In particular the charity Re-Form Heritage, who own and run the site, need to remove foliage and to ensure the structure remains safe.

Middleport Pottery was established in 1888-89 by Burgess & Leigh Ltd, as a ‘model pottery’ for the period. The Grade II* Bottle Kiln was first fired in the late 19th century and continued working until the 1960s. During the kiln’s working life heat from the regular firing destroyed any plant seeds attaching themselves to the brickwork and in the mortar joints, which protected it from vegetation growth; with no firing, it lost its mechanism to defend its structure.

To help Re-Form Heritage reach their target of £1600 for removing and cleaning the exterior of the bottle kiln please follow this link: https://localgiving.org/appeal/Bottle-Kiln-Makeover/…

*The iconic bottle kiln at Middleport Pottery. Image courtesy of Re-Form Heritage.*

SPAB Mills Online Day Event: Problems & Solutions – 2nd March 2024

February 1, 2024January 31, 2024mikenevell

SPAB is running an online mills day event on Saturday March 2nd providing an insight into problems and how they have been solved both in windmills and watermills.

All SPAB speakers are experts in their own field and have come across problems both before and during work on a mill. Using a variety of mill case studies (including Burseldon Windmill, Kibworth Harcourt Post Mill, and Wicken Smock Windmill) to illustrate how they overcame the problems. The speakers will be millwrights both volunteer and professional, millwright consultants, also a structural engineer, and Chairman of the Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust.

SPAB hopes that you will be part of the day starting at 10am, with 40-minute talks with time for Q & A’s. There will be a break during the morning, then lunch, and another break in the afternoon before the summing up of the day with any more questions.

Please note that the last day for booking this event will be Friday 1st March 4pm. A recording of the talks will be available after the event for all bookings that were registered before 2nd March 2024. Price: £20 Early Bird until Wednesday 21 February 2024, then £25. For further details follow this link:

https://www.spab.org.uk/whats-on/lectures/spab-mills-day-event-problems-solutions

*A damaged windmill sail. Image copyright Tim Whiting.*

F-Pit Museum, Washington, Due for £2.2 Million Upgrade

December 21, 2023December 20, 2023mikenevell

Sunderland City Council is seeking to appoint a design team for a £2.2 million upgrade of Washington’s F-Pit Museum. Following a consultation on regeneration plans for Washington F-Pit Museum and Albany Park in 2022, the Council has now developed a draft outline Masterplan for improvements to the Park and a concept sketch proposals for a new Heritage Centre and Café to enhance the heritage offer and visitor appeal of this unique site for residents and visitors.

The successful architect-led multi-disciplinary design team will oversee the details of the upgrade. Due for completion in 2027, the project aims to boost visitor numbers to the museum and to secure a ‘viable and sustainable long-term future’ for the site, drawing new visitors to Washington and Sunderland. The museum is currently on Historic England’s Heritage At Risk Register and only receives around 1,000 visitors a year

The F-Pit Engine House and attached headgear are a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and are the only surviving structures of New Washington Colliery. The Engine House was presented by the National Coal Board to the people of Washington as a monument, following its closure in 1968, and it has operated as a Museum since 1976. Albany Park was formed from land reclaimed from the former colliery.

Further details here: https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/fpit-albany-park?ccp=true

*Washington F-Pit, Sunderland. Image courtesy of Sunderland City Council.*

Industrial Sites Saved & Added to Historic England’s Heritage At Risk Register for 2023

December 4, 2023mikenevell

Historic England released its annual Heritage at Risk Register in November 2023, marking the 25th anniversary of publicly recording neglected or imperilled heritage sites. In total, there are 4,871 entries on the 2023 register, 44 fewer than in 2022. However, heritage sites continue to be added to the Register every year. In 2023 there were 159 new entries, made up of 44 buildings and structures, 53 places of worship, 55 archaeology entries, 3 parks and gardens and 4 conservation areas.

*Hunslet Mill, Leeds. Image courtesy of Historic England*

Amongst those heritage sites conserved and so removed from the list are 13 industrial heritage sites. These are:

Bourn Mill, Caxton end, Bourn, Cambridgeshire, LB I, 1162375
Electricity Substation at junction with Sunnyside Passage, Sunnyside SW19, LB II*, 1358028
Lambeth uncovered coal store including tower and attached tunnels, Portsmouth Road, Surbiton, Greater London, LB II*, 1031864
Remains of iron works and gun foundry at North Park Furnace, Linchmere / Fernhurst, Chichester, West Sussex, SAM, 1021403
Surrey Iron Railway embankment, approximately 130m south west of Lion Green Road, Coulsdon, SAM, 1021441
Upminster Windmill, St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, LB II*, 1079878
Westlink House, Great West Road, Hounslow, LB II*, 1255218
Ditherington Flax Mill: Spinning Mill, Shrewsbury, LB I, 1270576
Hunslet Mill, Goodman Street, Hunslet, Leeds, LB II*, 1256253
Pike Law lead hushes and mines, Newbiggin / Forest and Frith. County Durham, SAM, 1015835

Sadly, 15 industrial heritage sites were also added to the At Risk Register for the first time. These are:

Boardmans Mill, Ludham, North Norfolk, LB II*, 1373439
The Dovercourt lighthouses and causeway, Harwich, SAM, 1017200
Herringfleet Marsh Mill, Somerleyton, Ashby and Herringfleet, Waveney, East Suffolk, LB II*, 1183297
Turf Fen Windpump, Barton Turf, North Norfolk, LB II*, 1049930
Fan House and Chimney at the Former New Hawne Colliery, Dudley, LB II*, 1063766
Site of pumping engine at Muxton Bridge colliery, Donnington and Muxton, SAM, 1018468
Pin Dale lead side veins, Castleton, High Peak, SAM, 1017651
Engine house, boiler house and workshop, Papplewick Pumping Station, Longdale Lane, Ravenshead, Ravenshead / Papplewick, SAM, 1006373
Cliffe Explosives Works, Cliffe and Cliffe Woods, Medway, SAM, 1428315
Kings Windmill, Shipley, Horsham, West Sussex, LB II*, 1180806
Polegate Windmill, Park Croft, Willingdon and Jevington, East Sussex, LB II*, 1043086
Stockton & Darlington Railway: Lower Section Of The Southern Etherley Incline, Etherley, County Durham, SAM, 1480894
Stockton & Darlington Railway: Route Alongside The River Gaunless, Etherley / West Auckland, County Durham, SAM, 1480897
Stockton & Darlington Railway: Brusselton Inclines, Shildon, County Durham, SAM, 1480914
Stockton & Darlington Railway: Etherley Inclines, Summit And Upper Sections, Etherley, County Durham, SAM, 1480892

A map showing the location of all at-risk heritage sites in England cab be found via this link: Historic England At Risk Register for 2023.

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