Lowwood Gunpowder Works and Ironworks and the Workers' Hamlet of Low Wood, Cumbria: an Archaeological and Architectural Survey: Survey Report

Author(s): Marcus Jecock, Christopher Dunn, Phil Sinton, Tony Berry, Michael Fradley, Ian Goodall, Simon Taylor

In 2004, English Heritage undertook an archaeological investigation and analytical field survey of the former Lowwood Gunpowder Works in Cumbria. The investigation showed that the current overall level of preservation across the site is good, the principal surviving gunpowder features are buildings at the south-west end of the site, in particular the saltpetre refinery - which retains many original structural features and would seem to be the best-preserved example of its type presently known nationally - the weir, the headrace (although now heightened, partly re-routed, and in many places re-faced in concrete), a number of waterwheel and turbine pits (in the case of the sawmill with the original turbine installed in 1910 still in situ), various blast banks and walls, and features relating to the former works tramway. Much of the former course of the tramway system, laid out in order to facilitate movement of materials around the site, can still be traced on the ground in earthwork form. The investigation also demonstrated that a range of other features survive which date to both before and after the gunpowder works. (This was report 35/2004 in a previous series)

Report Number:
89/2004
Series:
Other
Pages:
252

Accessibility

If you require an alternative, accessible version of this document (for instance in audio, Braille or large print) please contact us:

Customer Service Department

Telephone: 0370 333 0607
Email: [email protected]

Research