In October 2007, ARCUS were commissioned by Under Construction Archaeology on behalf of their client, Commercial Estates Group, to undertake a programme of archaeological evaluation and mitigation excavations on a site at the former Kirkstall Forge in Leeds (SE 250 365). The programme of works followed an archaeological evaluation (Project 953), undertaken in October and November 2005, and a standing building assessment (Project 953b) undertaken between September and November 2006. The evaluation was required as a condition of planning consent for the proposed redevelopment at the site as required by the West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service (WYAAS). The scope of works consisted of eighteen trial trenches and an area of 38,000 m to be covered by excavation. The evaluation trial trenches (Project 953c) were excavated and recorded to assess the potential recovery of archaeological survival and to define areas for detailed mitigation excavation. The mitigation excavations (Project 953d) were split into five areas to assist the clients building programme. The excavations revealed good preservation of earlier remains across site allowing excellent insights into the chronological development of the forge and associated buildings, the changing processes and technologies utilized at the forge and the organization of space within the individual buildings and factory complex. The evidence covered a wide date range between the late 17 and 20centuries. The excavations also allowed excellent opportunities to examine structures such as the puddling furnaces dating between 1797 and the early 20century. The excavations also examined buildings and structures associated with heavy engineering (hammer bases, steam boilers and hydraulic systems) during the mid 19* century, as well as examining the wider function of each building during particular phases. This report recommends that further post-excavation be undertaken to produce a detailed published monograph to refine the chronological development of site and to clarify the industrial processes and use of space within the buildings. This will involve close correlation with and critical assessment of the historical sources. Detailed descriptions of the well preserved structures such as the puddling furnaces are also recommended to understand the development and workings of these features. Additional various specialist reporting has also been recommended to answer the specific research aims of the project and to refine dating sequences. Additional archaeometallurgical analysis has been recommende. The monograph should incorporate the previous evaluation programme (Project 953) and standing building assessment (Project 953b). Important findings such as the archaeometallurgical results may also be suitable for publication in a relevant academic journal
N Dransfield (Thu,) studied this question.