Historic Building Recording, Kirkstall Forge, Abbey Lane, Leeds

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by The University of Sheffield to complete the reporting and archive of a programme of archaeological building recording undertaken in 2006 by their former field unit ARCUS, at the site of Kirkstall Forge, Abbey Lane in Leeds (the Site, NGR SK 250 365). The work was required to enable their Client Commercial Estates Group to fulfil a planning condition attached to consent for the redevelopment of the Site (ref. 24/96/95/OT) for housing, offices, a hotel, restaurants, leisure facilities and a new railway station. The archaeological interest in the Site was identified in a Brief prepared by the West Yorkshire Archaeological Advisory Service (the curator) and considered all of the extant buildings and structures associated with Kirkstall Forge. A targeted programme of detailed building recording and a comprehensive architectural photographic record of the Site, followed by a structural watching brief during demolition was undertaken in accordance with a Brief issued by the curator. This report presents the results of the archaeological building recording; a separate phase of archaeological evaluation separately by ArcHeritage. Archaeological fieldwork was undertaken between September and December 2006, with further monitoring of the demolition programme between March and May 2007. Over 65 standing buildings and structures have been photographically recorded, with 18 undergoing detailed metric survey, structural phasing and analysis. All of the buildings apart from the Cottages, Stables, Entrance Gates, Upper and Lower Forges have been demolished. Kirkstall Forge is one of a very small number of industrial sites that have survived in continuous use as an iron-working site from the late 16 century to the end of the 20 century. Whilst the majority of the buildings have been demolished, the archaeological record has provided an opportunity to preserve by record, the changing architectural styles of these utilitarian factory sheds and workshops, which demonstrate the evolution of industrial architecture throughout the 18 to the 20 centuries. The remains of the Lower Forge (a Grade II listed building) is a Nationally significant Structure that retains one of the earliest all-iron water wheels associated with the puddling of iron in England. The building is still not fully understood, and further Structural analysis during its future conservation and reuse will enhance our knowledge of its former operation. The buildings were found to represent a wide variety of architectural styles, many being steel framed dating from the late 19 to early 20 century in date. The earliest structures were made with locally quarried gritstone with wooden predominance of steel framing building adopted by the 20 century. Further work into the vast collection of maps, plans and company records held by the West Yorkshire Archive Service, in association with both the results of the extensive archaeological excavations undertaken by ARCUS and the standing structures reported here, will create a valuable source of information for both researchers and members of the general public. In summary, the scale and longevity of its operation, coupled with the extensive archaeological record, identifies Kirkstall Forge as one of the most important metal production sites within the Yorkshire region.