Totley Tunnel East Signal Box, Totley, Sheffield, South Yorkshire - Level 3 Historic Building Recording

The methodology involved documentary and cartographic research alongside the physical survey of the Signal Box which comprised the creation of a drawn and photographic record. All of this information was then drawn together in a written report. Documentary Evidence - A survey of all readily available documentary and cartographic material was made to inform an understanding of the development and history of the buildings on the site. Readily available online sources were consulted along with historic Ordnance Survey (OS) mapping. A historical baseline has been established for the building based on a desk-based review of existing publicly accessible sources of primary and synthesised information, comprising: " Plans and maps of the site and its environs, including historical pictorial and surveyed maps and including pre-and post-war Ordnance Surveys, up to the present day; " Historical documents and photographs (including aerial photographs) held in libraries, archives and museums; and " Appropriate archaeological and historical journal and books. Building Recording - Fieldwork was carried out on Sunday 5th February 2023. At the time of the survey the weather was dry and overcast. Full access was gained to the signal box. The signal box was recorded during a line closure, known as a disruptive possession. The archaeologists had track visitor permits and were supervised by a COSS. Drawn Record - No copies of existing architect's drawings were provided. A new measured survey was therefore conducted using a combination of digital hand-held disto and hand-tape. The drawn record will comprised the following elements: " A site plan at 1:500, derived from Ordnance Survey data and enhanced on site, to relate the building to other structures and related topographical and landscape features; " A floor plan at a scale of 1:50 illustrating the form and location of structural features, fixtures and fittings of historic significance in line with Historic England's drawing conventions; " A cross section of the building at a scale of 1:50 illustrating the form and structure of the building. " All drawings will include locations of features, fixtures and fittings, and will be fully annotated with observations. Photographic Record - Photographs were taken using digital cameras with a sensor of at least 16 megapixels. Each photograph contained a graduated photographic scale of appropriate dimensions, where possible. A suitably ordered catalogue of all photographs will be submitted to the Archaeology Data Service for long-term archive storage. A full photographic record of the interior and exterior of the building was conducted. All elements of the elevations were photographed as parallel to the buildings as possible to avoid distortion. General shots were taken of the interior, as well as detailed photographs of any internal and external features of note. The photographic survey comprised: " A general view or views of the building (in its wider setting or landscape); " The external appearance of the building; " Further views which reflect the original design intentions of the builder or architect, where these are known from documentary sources or can be inferred from the building or its setting; " The overall appearance of the principal rooms; " Any external or internal detail, structural or decorative which is relevant to the building's design development and use, with scale where appropriate; " Any machinery or other plant, or evidence for its former existence; " Any dates or other inscriptions; any signage, makers' plates or graffiti which contribute to an understanding of the building. A transcription will be made wherever characters are difficult to interpret; " Any building contents which have significant bearing on the history of the buildings; and " Copies of maps, drawings, views and photographs, present in the building and illustrating its development or that of its site.