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Celebrating Our Woodland Heritage, Hirst Wood, Shipley: An Archaeological Woodland Survey

Report No: PP10/280717 0

Celebrating Our Woodland Heritage Hirst Wood, Shipley: An Archaeological Woodland Survey

Pennine Prospects

Celebrating Our Woodland Heritage Project

Report No: PP10/280717



Celebrating Our Woodland Heritage

Hirst Wood, Shipley:

An Archaeological Woodland Survey

Pennine Prospects

Celebrating Our Woodland Heritage Project

November 2018

Report No: PP10/280717

Compiled by Chris Atkinson BA (Hons), MA

Woodland Heritage Officer

and

Kaitlyn Keenhold BA (Hons), MA

with contributions from

Tony Woods

Pennine Prospects

Hebden Bridge Canal & Visitor Centre

Hebden Bridge

West Yorkshire

HX7 8AF



Contents

Summary 3

1.0 Introduction 4

2.0 Aims and Purpose of Assessment 5

3.0 Methodology 6

4.0 Location and Geology 9

5.0 Historical and Archaeological Background 11

6.0 Results 24

7.0 Discussion 35

8.0 Management Recommendations 36

9.0 Acknowledgments 40

10.0 Bibliography 41

11.0 List of illustrations and figures 43

Appendix 1: Survey Database

Appendix 2: Distribution Map

Appendix 3: Historic Mapping

Appendix 4: Digital Archive

Appendix 5: About the Author and Pennine Prospects

This project would not have been possible without the support of the Heritage Lottery

Fund. Thank you to all of the National Lottery players, without who projects such as

the Celebrating Our Woodland Heritage project would not be possible.



Summary

This report discusses the results of an archaeological woodland survey undertaken

by volunteers as part of the Celebrating Our Woodland Heritage project, a project led

by Pennine Prospects. The investigation took place within the Bradford Metropolitan

District Council owned Hirst Wood, Shipley. Across the 13.7 hectares (34 acres) of

woodland volunteers identified and recorded 64 previously unrecognised features of

archaeological interest.

Prominent features included the site of New Hirst Mill established in the early 18th

century, along with its associated workers cottages. In addition, extensive industrial

activity relating to mineral extraction (both stone and sand) was noted alongside

evidence for charcoal production, evidenced by at least two charcoal burning

platforms.

The site of a known prehistoric hut circle (PRN: 2550) within the woodlands was also

recorded and its condition assessed. Its classification as prehistoric is currently in

question due in part to it being enclosed by and closely associated with post-

medieval mineral extraction activity within the woodlands.



1.0 Introduction

This report has been compiled as part of the Celebrating Our Woodland Heritage

project. This three year project (2016-2019) is jointly funded by Yorkshire Water,

Heritage Lottery Fund, Green Bank Trust and Newground Together and aims to

identify, record and interpret the historic environment of woodlands across the South

Pennines (National Character Area 36 – Natural England, 2014).

Led by Pennine Prospects, the project recognises, as a result of a desk-based study,

‘Hidden Heritage of the South Pennine Woodlands’ (Brown, 2013), that … “number

of sites recorded on the HER (Historic Environment Record) does not represent the

true nature of the surviving archaeological resource”. The report highlights that this

underrepresentation (and general lack of knowledge) was the primary threat to

woodland archaeology.

The Celebrating Our Woodland Heritage project therefore seeks to enhance the

historic record for woodland across the South Pennines by means of a structured

programme of archaeological walkover surveys. Where appropriate these surveys

will provide the opportunity for members of the public, heritage and youth groups to

engage and contribute towards the investigations.

Archaeological features to be recorded within areas of woodland can represent the

whole of human history and use of the landscape. Features relating to the woodland

itself can include historic or veteran trees; woodland boundaries; charcoal burning

platforms; storage platforms; cottage sites; trackways and mills. Features may also

predate the current woodland and represent prehistoric-medieval field boundaries;

settlement sites or stones such as Iron-Age cup and ring carvings.

The information collated during the field surveys will be deposited in the form of an

archaeological report (CIfA, 2014) and digital record to the landowner and the

regional Historic Environment Record. This data will not only guide future research

into the region, but also support and promote the preservation of the historic

environment as a part of any future management programmes within woodlands.



2.0 Aims and Purpose of Assessment

This investigation forms a baseline record of the archaeological and historic features

contained within the property. The general aims of the archaeological woodland

survey described in this report were to:

1. Develop a history of land use for the property from readily available historic

and archaeological documentation.

2. Identify previously unrecorded archaeological features and sites across the

property.

3. Revisit and assess the condition of previously recorded archaeological

features and sites across the property.

4. Provide management recommendations concerning each of the historic

assets identified and recorded. This information will support any future

management works within the woodland.

5. Produce a database (Appendix 1) for use by Bradford Metropolitan Borough

Council and West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service Historic

Environment Record.



3.0 Methodology

3.1 Geology

Property information including any digital property mapping data was obtained from

Bradford MDC. Data concerning the statutory and non-statutory conditions of land

and habitats both on and within the vicinity of the property was obtained from Natural

England and made available for commercial use under the Open Government

Licence. In addition the Natural England maintained MAGIC website was consulted.

The webpage provides authoritative geographic information about the natural

environment from across government. The information covers rural, urban, coastal

and marine environments across Great Britain.

Site geological and soil data was obtained online from the British Geological Survey

OpenGeoscience webpage. The data was downloaded and displayed using QGIS

2.18.14 'Las Palmas', an Open Source Geographic Information System (GIS). Site

maps were produced at a scale to best illustrate the full extent of the woodland under

investigation.

3.2 Historical and Archaeological Background

Previously collated historical and archaeological data concerning the site under

investigation (which includes a 200m buffer around the area) was obtained from

West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service (WYAAS) as well as a search of the

Heritage Gateway. Listed building; parks and gardens and scheduled monument

data was obtained from the National Heritage List for England and downloaded as

shapefiles from Historic England.

3.3 Map Regression

Historic map regression of woodlands will be undertaken as a means of identifying a

broad account of landscape change and use. Where possible the available map

coverage (which included 1st – 3rd Edition County Series Survey, 1st – 4th Edition

National Grid and land utilisation mapping) were georeferenced using QGIS 2.18.14

'Las Palmas' and shapefiles produced to provide site specific data to map the historic

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/

http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/home.htm

http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/home.html?src=topNav

http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/gateway/

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/data-downloads/



development of woodlands and the immediate surroundings. The Shapefiles are

included within the digital appendix.

3.4 Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data was consulted to support the historic map

regression and walkover survey elements. ‘Bare-earth’ Digital Terrain Model (DTM)

LiDAR tiles at a resolution of fifty centimetres were downloaded from the Survey

Open Data – Environment Agency webpage. The tiles were converted from an

American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) format to a raster

format using QGIS 2.18.2 'Las Palmas'. The tiles were merged to create a single

raster layer, a slope algorithm was then applied to create a model suitable for the

analysis of the survey area and its immediate surroundings.

Four DTM tiles were merged and analysed as part of the assessment. The ASCII

tiles consulted were:

Digital Terrain Model Tiles:

Se1237_DTM_50CM; se1238_DTM_50CM; se1337_DTM_50CM;

se1338_DTM_50CM

3.5 Level 1 Reconnaissance Survey (Field Survey)

The field survey was undertaken between the 6th and 7th January 2017. The

investigation was systematic (where possible), with each woodland parcel walked in

transects. Linear features encountered whilst walking each transect (such as relict

field boundaries and trackways) were recorded in their entirety, before continuing

along the transect.

Each archaeological feature encountered (such as quarries, platforms and relict

boundaries), was recorded in a field notebook and transcribed into an EXCEL

spreadsheet (see Appendix 1). The information recorded included:

• Grid Reference (using a handheld Garmin GPSmap 64s)

• Site Name

https://environment.data.gov.uk/ds/survey/#/survey




• Site Type (i.e. cottage site; quarry; charcoal burning platform; trackway)

• Description (i.e. dimensions; interpretation)

• Period (i.e. prehistoric; roman; medieval; post-medieval; modern; unknown)

• Condition/Threat (i.e. erosion caused by livestock)

• Recommendations (management suggestions)

• Reference (i.e. photographic reference; historic map reference)

• Importance (i.e. Local – Regional – National)

3.6 Field Conditions

The survey area covered 13.7 hectares (34 acres) and was undertaken during cold,

clear conditions. The survey was prohibited in certain areas due the dense nature of

the ground flora.



4.0 Location and Geology

Figure 1: Location of Hirst Wood, Shipley in relation to the wider region. The site of Hirst Wood is

indicated by the results of the field survey.

Hirst Wood (located at NGR 412678 438200) is located within the ward of Shipley,

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, West Yorkshire. The woodland is

bound to the north by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and to the south the Leeds and

Bradford railway extension from Shipley to Colne (constructed between 1847-8; the

line between Skipton and Colne closed in 1970), as well as the River Aire (which

marks the western extent of the woodland). To the east the woodland is bound by a

public carpark and Hirst Lane. The surveyed woodland covers an area of 13.7

hectares (34 acres) and was accessed by volunteers from the carpark off Hirst Lane.

Hirst Wood lies within the Community Forest of the White Rose Forest (MAGIC,

2017) and is recognised as ancient semi-natural woodland on the Ancient Woodland

Inventory (Natural England, 2017) supporting a mixed deciduous, broadleaved and

yew habitat (Land Cover Map, 2007) including holly, elder, birch, beech, oak, ivy,

sycamore and ash. More than 50% of the woodland cover within the property is



listed as deciduous woodland on the Priority Habitat Inventory for England as held by

Natural England (MAGIC 2017). The woodland is located within the World Heritage

Site (England) buffer zone of Saltaire (ref: 1000099; MAGIC, 2017).

Figure 2: Extent of Hirst Wood, Shipley, West Yorkshire. Previously recorded locally listed monuments

and Listed Buildings are also displayed.

The woodland developed on a glacial till deposit created by ice and watermelt up to

2 million years ago in the Quaternary Period. The underlying bedrock consists

primarily of sandstone of the Rough Rock Flags formation developed between 319

and 320 million years ago in the Carboniferous Period when the local environment

was dominated by swamps, estuaries and deltas (BGS, 2017).

Soil across the site is described as loamy and clayey in floodplain areas with

naturally high groundwater (United Kingdom Soil Observatory; 2017).



3.0 Historical and Archaeological Background

3.1 Historical Background

The earliest evidence for occupation/activity in Hirst Wood is the site of a hut circle of

presumed Iron Age date (WYAAS HER No. 2550). The site consists of a sub-

circular rubble-filled wall with boulder retaining walls on the inner and outer faces. In

addition a coin (find spot unknown) with badly pitted surfaces interpreted as possibly

an Antonianus of Carausius (287-293 CE) is recorded as within Hirst Wood (WYAAS

HER No. 1853).

One of the first records for the region in which Hirst Wood is located comes from the

1086 Domesday Survey and its record of the Manor of Shipley.

In 1086 the Manor of Shipley (Scipelei), located within the Hundred of Morley, was

regarded as Waste (common) held by Tennant-in-Chief Ilbert de Lacy. The manor

included an area measuring 1 league (2.4 km/1.5 miles) long by 0.5 league (1.2

km/0.75 miles) of wood pasture (Silva pastilis). Prior to the Norman Conquest the

manor was held by Rafnketill. During this period the manor included 3 carucates

(145.6 hectares/360 acres) of taxable land, large enough to support two ploughs (a

plough represents a plough team including eight oxen and the plough itself). It was

worth 10s (ed. Morris, 1986).

This change in circumstances to the manor by 1086 could be attributed to William I

‘harrying of the north’ during the winter of 1069–70, although it may similarly

represent the manor had become uncultivated or unusable.

It is understood that the name Shipley (Scipelei) derives from the Old Northumbrian

meaning ‘Forest-clearing used for sheep’ (Smith; 1961).

Thomas Jefferys County of York survey produced in 1772 provides one of the first

depictions of Hirst Wood, recording its extent as well as its location in relation to

Shipey, Cottingley and Bingley (figure 3). Of particular note is the depicted location

of New Mill (New Hirst Mill) within the southwest of the wood adjacent to the Aire

River. Of note is the ‘intended’ course of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal depicted as

to the south of its final course.



The mixed deciduous woodland encountered today is the product of the last 100-140

years. No evidence for traditional woodland management in the form of coppicing

and or pollarding is evident (with the exception of a number of coppiced ash and lime

along Hirst Lane) at the site. Within the Rosse Archive (W.Y.A.S, Rosse (Birr)

Estate Archives), records of sale dating 1822 identifies part of Hirst Wood as spring

wood (coppice woodland) worth £113.10s.0p per annum. This, along with other

records will no doubt enhance our understanding of how the woodland has been

traditionally managed.

Figure 3: Excerpt of the County of York Surveyed in (1772) MDCCLXVII, VIII, IX, and MDCCLXX

Engraved by Thomas Jefferys (Sheet V). The site of Hirst Wood and New (Hirst) Mill are depicted in

the bend of the River Aire (centre left). Copyright © The British Library Board

New Hirst Mill was established as a fulling mill (a mill for the cleansing of cloth/wool

to eliminate oils, dirt, and other impurities, and to make it thicker) by Samuel Denison

in 1745 with permission from the Lords of the Manor Cyril and Judith Jackson. A

mortgage agreement between Samuel Denison and Robert Stansfield reads:

A ‘parcel of ground called the Silver Hills … near Hyrst Wood as is set out South of a

cartway leading from Hirst Wood to a parcel of land called the Forge Holm adjoining



the River Ayr, and an adjoining … parcel of ground called Old Forge Goyt with …

liberty during the term of 170 years … to widen and wall … the said Goyt … and to

start a mill dam … over (the Shipley) half of the River. And also to erect a mill … for

the fulling of cloth … upon the said dam or goyt … And with liberty to get … stones

… for any buildings and future repairs … in those woody grounds called the Hyrst’

(Hampshire; 2000).

The site of New Hirst Mill is understood to have occupied the site of a 16th century

iron smelting site, the names ‘Forge Holm’ and ‘Old Forge Goyt’ giving reference to

this. It is thought that Hirst Wood (or Shiplaye Hurste as it was known) was one of a

number of sites in Shipley where iron was made using a mix of fuel types which

included charcoal, coal, turf and peat (albeit unsuccessfully). The site at Hirst Wood

was leased by Edward Cage in the early 1590’s, before it was abandoned (Sheeran;

1984) and presumably remained derelict until the establishment of New Hirst Mill at

the site.

Figure 4: Excerpt of the Township of Shipley 1847 survey by G. T. Lister detailing New (Hirst) Mill and

the workers cottages, including the divisions between dwellings (WYAS Bradford - WYB346/1211

B15)

By 1814 the mill had developed to support two water wheels, one to power the fulling

stocks and the other for scribbling engines (Scribbling involved the coarse combining



of wool/cotton fibres to straighten them prior to spinning). An advertisement for

would-be tenants dated 21st November 1814 reads:

‘New Mill, to be let on lease, on the River Aire with a fall of near seven feet. The Mill

is above fifty feet square and it is intended to add a chamber over the whole and to

put in two water wheels eight feet broad, one to carry eight fulling stocks, and the

other six scribbling engines, six carders, a willey, a Jiger and a teaser, large enough

to supply six stubbing billies. If not let for woollen machinery it will be offered as a

worsted, flax or other mill to the Tenant’s choice. Also available are two houses, two

barns and about twenty acres of land near the mill’ (Hampshire; 2000).

The 1841 census indicates the number of cottages at New Hirst Mill had increased to

8, which housed 58 occupants combined. The extent of occupation is illustrated on

the 1847 Township of Shipley survey (figure 4) which details the dwellings within

Hirst Wood.

Figure 5: Excerpt of the Yorkshire 201 (includes: Baildon; Bingley; Bradford; Shipley) OS Six-Inch

map, surveyed between 1847 and 1848 and published in 1852. The survey depicts the full extent of

Hirst Wood prior to encroachment of Saltaire to the south. Copyright National Library of Scotland



Complementing this survey is the Yorkshire 201 (includes: Baildon; Bingley;

Bradford; Shipley) OS six-inch map (figure 5) which not only depicts the mill as a

scribbling and fulling mill but also maps in detail the network of trackways through

the woodland. Of further note is the extent of the woodland itself, which continued to

extend beyond the course of the Leeds and Bradford railway extension to the south.

The irregular pattern of enclosure between the woodland and the relatively sinuous

nature of Hirst Lane to the east is likely to represent an earlier phase of woodland

clearance for agriculture. The pattern of fields and its relation to the railway certainly

suggests the fields were laid out prior to its construction between 1847 and 1848.

The fields are therefore likely to represent medieval to early post-medieval

enclosure, formed as a result of woodland assartment. Prior to this enclosure, Hirst

Lane is likely to have marked the eastern limit of the Hirst Wood, whereas the River

Aire marked its northern and western limits. The Dowley Gap Aqueduct (Listed

Building: 1133548) supporting the canal to the northwest of the woodland is also

depicted along with the site of Hirst Lock (Listed Building: 1314200) situated to the

northeast of the woodland. By the early 20th century New Hirst Mill (plate 1) served

as a mill for wool

cleaning, prior to its

closure along with the

majority of cottages

during the 1920’s when

the property was gifted

by Sir John Roberts of

Salt's Mill to the Shipley

Urban District Council.

Plate 1: New Hirst Mill in

1890 (the glass slide was

incorrectly labelled Hurst

Mill). Originally from the

Bradford Boys' Grammar

School collection of lantern

slides. Courtesy of Mike

Short



This included Hirst Wood itself which became open to the public (Hampshire; 2000).

The transferring of Hirst Wood along with the cottages and New Hirst Mill is apparent

on the 1922 1:2500 Second Edition First County Series Survey (figure 8) where the

mill is depicted as ‘disused’. In addition a large proportion of Hirst Wood to the east

had been felled both along the canal edge and to the south adjacent to the railway.

The latter area is depicted as an area of rough pasture/scrub on the survey and now

lies outside of the current extent of Hirst Wood. The gradual enclosure of Hirst Wood

to the south of the railway increased once Nab Wood Cemetery was established

prior to the publication of the 1908 1:2500 First Revision First County Series Survey

(figure 7). By the time of the 1934 1:2500 Third Revision First County Series (figure

9) publication the urban and industrial spread of Shipley served to restrict Hirst Wood

further. By this date only three of the workers cottages stood at the site.

Analysis of the Land Utilisation Survey of Britain coverage for Leeds and Bradford

(figure 6) surveyed between 1932 and 1937 indicates that much of the land adjacent

to the River Aire was utilised as meadow or permanent grassland (light green), in

addition isolated areas of land agriculturally unproductive (red) are noted to the south

and west of Hirst Wood. The urban development of Saltaire is also recorded to the

southeast, interpreted as housing with gardens as well as allotments (purple).

Figure 6: This work is based on data provided through www.VisionofBritain.org.uk and uses historical

Land Utilisation Survey map material which is copyright of The Land Utilisation Survey of Great

Britain, 1933-49, copyright Audrey N. Clark.



Figure 7



Figure 8



Figure 9



3.2 Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)

The available OpenSource LiDAR Digital Surface Model (DSM) and Digital Terrain

Model (DTM) data obtained from the Survey Open Data – Environment Agency

website provided complete coverage of Hirst Wood and its immediate surroundings

at a resolution of 50cm. This data was not only useful for understanding and

mapping the historic environment features within the woodland, but it also supported

the Level 1 Reconnaissance Survey; helping to enhance the accuracy of GPS

readings obtained and to support the interpretation of known and previously

unrecorded features of archaeological significance.

Figure 10: LiDAR 50cm DSM slope model detailing the extent of coverage across Hirst Wood survey

area. Also presented are the sites identified during the field survey.

Despite the presence of a woodland canopy, the DSM was surprisingly useful, as the

LiDAR survey was presumably undertaken in Autumn/Winter when the tree canopy

was clear. With the exception of areas covered in dense, understory vegetation

such as holly, features of archaeological interest are identifiable on the DSM. The




DTM served to complement the DSM, although similarly in areas, where ground

vegetation is dense, the survey is truncated.

Figure 11: LiDAR 50cm DTM slope model detailing the extent of coverage across Hirst Wood survey


The network of historic trackways within the woodland are well documented in the

available historic mapping and the LiDAR only serves to confirm its presence, extent

and survivability. What is particularly useful is the extent to which the LiDAR

highlights areas of past mineral extraction. From the large sandstone quarry within

the northwest of the woodland to the smaller pits scattered through the woodland

centre, both the DSM and DTM indicate how the network of tracks served to provide

access to these areas of activity.

Two charcoal burning platforms within the southwest of the woodland are also

discernible, located upon the south-facing slope overlooking the River Aire. Both

appear to measure between 5.0m and 6.0m in diameter. The sites are serviced by

the network of tracks within the woodland, which not only connect them to Saltaire to

the east, but the site of New Hirst Mill and the workers cottages immediately to the



west. It is not implausible that these features serviced the mill and indeed the earlier

iron industry at the site.

Figure 12: LiDAR 50cm DTM Slope Model depicting the site New Hirst Mill (Site No. 60), the workers

cottage site (Site No. 21) and nearby charcoal burning platforms (Site No. 10 and 27) within the

southwest of Hirst Wood. The network of holloways and terraced tracks is particularly clear along

with the area of stone extraction represented as pitting to the northeast.

3.3 Archaeological Background

Prior to this investigation, 7 monuments had been recorded within and immediately

outside of the Hirst Wood survey area. The monuments consisted of 2 Grade II

Listed Buildings under statutory protection and 5 locally listed monuments recorded

by West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service Historic Environment Record. No

Scheduled Monuments, Registered Parks and Gardens or Battlefield Sites exist

within the survey area.



Table 1: List detailing the known archaeological records on and immediately around the property.

SAM: LB No: NT HBSMR: HER: Name: Type:

2550 Hut Circle, Hirst

Wood

Non-designated

monument

1853

Roman coin with

badly pitted

surfaces. May

possibly be an

Antoniaus of

Carausius (AD 287-

293). Found August

1950, find spot

unknown.

Find Spot

4253

Iron Working site at

place name ‘Cinder

Hills

Non-designated

monument

9136

Leeds and

Liverpool Canal:

Hirst Lock

Non-designated

monument

4029 Bone Awl, found in

Bull Copy Wood Find Spot

1133548

Leeds and

Liverpool Canal,

Dowley Gap

Aqueduct

Grade II Listed

Building

1314200

Leeds and

Liverpool Canal,

Hirst Lock

Grade II Listed

Building



6.0 Results Figure 13: Distribution of features of archaeological interest recorded during the woodland survey.



During the survey 64 features of archaeological interest were recorded across the

property, of which 63 had not previously been recorded. The following serves to

summarise the findings of the survey by period. A detailed dataset, including feature

specific management recommendations for each of the recorded features can be

found in Appendix 1.

6.1 Prehistoric

Prehistoric activity within Hirst Wood is represented by the sub-circular hut circle

marked by boulder-walling (WYAAS HER No. 2550; Site No. 40; plate 2). The site is

located upon the gentle east-facing slope of the glacial till on which Hirst Wood is

located, within an area of young and sapling beech woodland. A single collapsed

birch lies across the feature.

Plate 2: The possible late Iron Age hut circle (WYAS HER No. 2550) viewed from the west. The line

of boulders in the fore-ground represents the outer-face of the boulder walling marking the western

face of the hut circle (Scale is 2.0m; Photograph: P1030974). Copyright Pennine Prospects



6.2 Romano-British

No evidence for Romano-British activity was identified during the survey.

6.3 Medieval

No evidence for Medieval activity was identified during the survey.

6.4 Post-medieval

The majority of features identified during the survey are thought to relate to post-

medieval activity within the woodlands. This is exemplified by the site of New Hirst

Mill (Site No. 60), its associated cottages (Site No. 21) and extensive evidence of

mineral extraction.

6.4.1 Settlement

The site of the New Hirst Mills workers cottages (Site No. 21; plate 3) is located

within the southwest of Hirst Wood, overlooking the mill site and River Aire to the

south. The original lane which provided access to the cottages and mill (as

illustrated on the available historic map) continues to serve as a footpath.

Plate 3: Volunteers stood within the remains of the mill workers cottages. The wall represents the

rear of the cottages (Photograph Ref: IMAG4101). Copyright Pennine Prospects



The 1847 Shipley Township map (figure 4) indicates the row of cottages (orientated

northwest-southeast) to have been subdivided into 10 compartments. Each of which

was accessed from a lane to the south. Although many of the subdivisions are now

absent following the 1920’s demolition, foundations can be found amongst the

undergrowth along with the rear retaining wall standing up to c.2.0m. The interior of

each structure is littered with structural debris.

Each compartment measured between 3.0m and 7.0m long (northwest-southeast)

and, in a number of cases, individual window frames and thresholds were identified.

The cottages were constructed of largely dressed sandstone and gritstone and

bonded with mortar. The interior walls themselves also preserve evidence of

plastered surfaces. The width of the cottages (northeast-southwest) is less clear as

the south-face of the cottages have been almost entirely removed. Clearance of the

dense vegetation on the feature would likely reveal further foundations.

Immediately upslope (north), running behind the row of cottages is a narrow

trackway which not only serves to provide access, but also serves as a barrier

between the cottages and hill slope, thus preventing damp.

At the northwest end of the row of cottages is a trapezoidal enclosure interpreted as

a garden. The site is terraced into the south-facing slope and is enclosed by an

irregular drystone wall. The soils within the enclosure are dark, organic rich and of

considerable depth (at least 1.0m). Within the northeast corner of the garden are the

foundations of a possible shed or outhouse.

6.4.2 Industrial Infrastructure

Within the southwest corner of Hirst Wood is the site of New Hirst Mill (Site No. 60),

a fulling mill established in the mid-18th century before it was extended and

converted to a fulling and scribbling mill in the early 19th century. Located on the

north bank of the east-flowing River Aire few standing remains relating to the mill

survive, following its demolition in the early 20th century.

Though overgrown and silted, the site of the goit/leat remains visible at the site.

Upon its southern end, the remains of the brick and stone lined sluice/wheel pit

survive (plate 4) along with an upright iron post likely to have formed part of a



turbine. Within the immediate vicinity of the sluice remains of the cobbled surface

marking the ground floor of New Hirst Mill survive.

The remains of the weir and site of stepping stones are also visible within the River

Aire to the south of the mill site.

Plate 4: Silted wheel pit at the site of New Hirst Mill, note the remains of a turbine located to the left of

the upright 1.0m scale (Photograph: IMG_7939). Copyright Pennine Prospects

The mill structures today have been greatly affected by the elements and vegetation.

Where there is any sign of structures, the ruins are largely eroded and overgrown.

One of the earliest maps depicting the mill structures is recorded on the 1847 Six-

Inch Ordnance Survey (figure 5). The site was accessed via the main

trackway/holloway (Site No.2) which winds its way generally east-west through the

woodland. The buildings that made up the cottage settlement, as well as the mills,

have been largely removed (with the exception of small traces of foundation walls

and hillslope retaining walls). At the site of New Hirst mill, the location of the now

largely silted goilt/leat remains partially visible, along with the foundations of the



eastern-face of the mill. To the south, constructed into the riverbank, is a c.2.0m tall

retaining wall (presumably a foundation wall of the mill itself), beyond which lies the

remains of a weir. Constructed into the south-facing slope and marking the northern

edge of the mill are short sections (originally a single feature) of retaining wall formed

of dressed local sandstone (plate 5). Ares of cobbled ground floor surface are also

exposed at the site.

Plate 5: The site of New Hirst Mill (Site No. 60) is almost entirely in ruin. Freestanding walls and

retaining walls constructed of dressed and cut stone survive protruding from the south-facing slope of

the hill and river bank (Scale is 1.0m; Photograph: IMG_7940). Copyright Pennine prospects

6.4.3 Charcoal Industry

Evidence for charcoal production survives in the form of two charcoal burning

platforms (Site No. 10 & 27). The features are located within the southwest of the

woodland and appear as oval platforms, cut into the south-facing slope. Each

measures approximately 9.0m (east-west) by 12.0m (north-south). A potential third

platform was identified near the northwest corner of the woodland (Site No. 58; plate



6) located immediately west of the Sandstone Quarry (Site No. 57; plate 7). Each of

the features are located close to well established routes of communication. The

concentration of the platforms within the west of the woodland may indicate their role

in supplying the sites of New Hirst Mill (originally a fulling mill for the removal of oil

and dirt. This process may have included wool combining and the use of charcoal),

its associated cottages (domestic use of charcoal) as well as the earlier 16th century

forge site.

Plate 6: Possible charcoal burning platform (Site No. 58) viewed from the east (Scale is 2.0m;

photograph IMG_7934). Copyright Pennine Prospects

6.4.4 Mineral Extraction

The site of Hirst Wood has been the subject to a high level of mineral extraction.

Much of the extraction may be attributed to the construction of New Hirst Mill and

cottages in 1745 by Samuel Denison, as it is known he was given the right to extract

stone from Hirst Wood by the Lords of the Manor (see 3.1 Historical Background).

The largest of the quarries (Site No. 57; plate 7) within Hirst Wood is located within



the northwest, adjacent to the Leeds and Liverpool canal. The 1847-48 Yorkshire

201 (includes: Baildon; Bingley; Bradford; Shipley) OS Six-Inch map (figure 5) labels

the site as a sandstone quarry. The quarry supports an exposed sandstone face up

to 10.0m tall and covers an area of c.30.0m diameter. By 1872 the quarry is

depicted as not working on a Countess of Rosse map, although the Smith-Gotthardt

(1895-96) Statement of Account indicates that despite this Benjamin Firth extracted

stone from Hirst Wood Quarry for £19.6s.8d as well as stones in Hirst Wood for £10

(W.Y.A.S, Rosse (Birr) Estate Archives). The latter reference to the extraction of

stones in Hirst Wood is in part likely to relate to the extensive areas of shallow pitting

across the woodland. These, often shallow, pits represent locations where more

readily available surface stone was extracted.

Plate 7: Large sandstone quarry (Site No. 57) traversing the north-facing slope at the northwest point

of Hirst Wood (Scale is 2.0m; Photograph: IMG_7933). Copyright Pennine Prospects

Within the east of the woodland, immediately north of the woodland entrance is a

large hollow, likely to represent the location of an extraction site. Due to the form of



the feature and absence of any surface stone or exposed bedrock the site may

represent a sand pit (Site No. 64). This site may represent that recorded in the

Smith-Gotthardt (1895-96) Statement of Account in which James Bairstow extracted

sand from Hirst Wood at the cost of £21.15s.0d.

6.4.5 Land Divisions

Plate 8: Drystone wall (Site No. 2) constructed of irregular and regular dressed stone serving to mark

a division in woodland ownership (Scale is 1.0m; Photograph: P1030984). Copyright Pennine

Prospects

Two drystone wall boundaries were identified during the survey. Both features (Site

No. 2 (plate 8) & 59) are recorded on the 1893 1:2500 First County Series Survey

map. Identified as Site No. 2, the boundary was constructed of both regular cut and

irregular sandstone represents the most extensive boundary within the woodland.

There is some question concerning its heritage and purpose, however the current

understanding is that it represents a property boundary. The boundary serves to



demarcate a narrow strip of woodland located immediately north of the railway

cutting and is perhaps related to the railway’s construction in the 1870’s.

Within the west of Hirst Wood and located north of New Hirst Mill and west of the

cottages is an irregular dry-stone (Site No. 59). The boundary is orientated east-

west and stands in a poor condition, measuring up to 0.30m wide and 0.70m tall.

The feature can be traced for approximately 16.50m, marking the northern edge of a

holloway (Site No. 11), before it ends (to the east) at a large fallen stone, at the

juncture between a number of trackways. The stone in question appears to represent

a collapsed gatepost which controlled access to the cottage sites from the west.

6.4.6 Routes of Communication

Plate 9: The main track through Hirst Wood (Site No. 11) consists of a holloway which winds its way

around the woodland serving to connect with New Hirst Mill, the workers cottages and the areas of

stone extraction (Scales are 1.0m; Photograph: P1030940). Copyright Pennine Prospects



The principle track through Hirst Wood is a holloway (Site No. 11, plate 9), the

feature is well documented in the available historic mapping and continues on the

whole to serve as a public footpath through the woodland. In addition, two terraced

tracks were identified; both serve as branches off the main network of holloway. Site

No. 24 represents a subtle track which traverses the south-facing slope serving to

connect the charcoal burning platform Site No. 27 as well as a neighbouring stone

extraction pit (Site No. 28) with the mill complex to the west via the holloway (Site

No. 11). From the centre of the woodland and extending east along the ridge top is,

what appears to be a later terraced track (Site No. 63). To the west the track

connects with a holloway (Site No. 11), whereas to the east the feature appears to

terminate at the western edge of the possible sand pit site (Site No. 64).



7.0 Discussion

Although not exhaustive, the archaeological survey of Hirst Wood undertaken by

volunteers has enhanced the understanding of the woodlands historic use and

development significantly. Prehistoric activity on the site has been long suggested in

the form of the locally listed hut circle (PRN: 2550), however its close proximity to

what was intensive and extensive stone extraction during the post-medieval and

possibly medieval periods may question this categorisation. What is certain is Hirst

Wood played a significant role in the local industrial narrative of Shipley and the

features recorded during the survey evidence this.

The remains of both New Hirst Mill established in the 18th century, and the row of

cottages which housed the workers survive, albeit in a poor condition as a result of

seasonal flooding and root action. Mineral extraction is also well represented in the

form of pitting, a quarry as well as a possible sand pit. Each of the sites, which

includes at least three charcoal burning platforms, are not located in isolation but

interlinked by a network of well-established holloways and terraced tracks of

potentially medieval origins.

Combined, these features represent a palimpsest of activity at Hirst Wood relating to

potential early settlement (Prehistoric/Roman), medieval iron working, post-medieval

mineral extraction and the cotton/wool industry as well as the charcoal industry. As

a well-used recreational area, there is perhaps an opportunity to enhance the visitor

experience whilst enhancing local knowledge and a sense of place through some

form of trail or interpretation. One suggestion could be to link the woodland trails to

the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the neighbouring World Heritage Site of Saltaire.



8.0 Management Recommendations

As a part of this survey, identified features were assessed in regards to condition;

this information has been used to formulate management recommendations. The

recommendations cover only those features identified within woodland areas.

8.1 General Guidelines

Forestry operations can be detrimental to both upstanding archaeological remains

and below-ground archaeological deposits. Guidelines which meet the requirements

of the United Kingdom Forestry Standard (UKFS) have been published by the

Forestry Commission (Forestry Commission; 2011). The reader is advised to refer

to this document for further information.

The guidelines recognise:

1. Forests should be designed and managed to take account of the historical

character and cultural values of the landscape.

2. Windblown trees located upon features of archaeological interest can cause

considerable damage due to the uplift of root plates. Any upstanding walls or

structures may also be crushed as a result of windblown trees. General root

action can also be disruptive to both below and above ground archaeological

features.

3. Although low-level woodland browsing can control woody vegetation within

woodland pastures and clearings; overgrazing by introduced livestock can

cause significant erosion to upstanding earthworks and structures. Additional

measures such as fencing may be required to protect the ground around

individual sites of historic importance/interest.

4. Forest operations and civil engineering activities involve heavy machinery and

earth-moving equipment. These can unintentionally destroy or damage

archaeological remains and veteran trees directly, or in-directly due to soil

vibration, compaction and erosion.

5. Ground disturbance and with that potential damage or destruction to

archaeological features and below ground deposits can also be caused as a

result of habitat restoration projects. This can involve the pulling out of tree



stumps and the inverting of soil layers to reduce surface nutrient content.

Alternatively, restocking can lead to new or additional damage to

archaeological features and below-ground deposits.

6. There is considerable public interest in cultural heritage and the historic

environment and interpretation of theses aspects of woodlands can provide a

focus for visitors (using the public rights of way through the woodland). This

could be achieved as part of a wider access or recreation strategy. Historic

environment features can be linked by heritage trails and explained through

the use of interpretative panels, leaflets or maps. However these would need

to be managed to avoid negative impacts on the historic environment, such as

increased erosion.

In 2018 ancient woodland, including ancient semi-natural woodland and

plantations on ancient woodland received specific legislation as part of the

National Planning Policy Framework (Chapter 11. Conserving and enhancing the

natural environment) concerning their protection. The reader is advised to refer

to this document prior to any management or development activities.

The guidance states:

1. Direct impacts of development on ancient woodland or veteran trees include:

damaging or destroying all or part of them (including their soils,

ground flora, or fungi)

damaging roots and understorey (all the vegetation under the taller

trees)

damaging or compacting soil around the tree roots

polluting the ground around them

changing the water table or drainage of woodland or individual trees

damaging archaeological features or heritage assets

2. Nearby development can also have an indirect impact on ancient woodland or

veteran trees and the species they support. These can include:

breaking up or destroying connection between woodlands and

veteran trees

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework/11-conserving-and-enhancing-the-natural-environment#paragraph_118

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework/11-conserving-and-enhancing-the-natural-environment#paragraph_118



reducing the amount of semi-natural habitats next to ancient

woodland

increasing the amount of pollution, including dust

increasing disturbance to wildlife from additional traffic and visitors

increasing light pollution

increasing damaging activities like fly-tipping and the impact of

domestic pets

changing the landscape character of the area

Legislation states: ‘planning permission should be refused for development resulting

in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and

the loss of aged or veteran trees found outside ancient woodland, unless the need

for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss …’

(Chapter 11, Paragraph 118, NPPF, 2018).

8.2 Mitigation

1. At the earliest stage, in advance of any management operations within areas

of woodland, the organisation commissioning the works should consult with

the regional historic environment authority, in this instance West Yorkshire

Archaeology Advisory Service (WYAAS): http://www.wyjs.org.uk/archaeology-

advisory-service/; and Natural England. Due to the proximity of the

woodlands to buildings of historical significance (Listed Buildings), and due to

aspects of the woodland and recorded features as part of this survey, it is

advised that the organisation commissioning the works contact Historic

England.

2. Where an operation next to a historical feature is unavoidable, clear routes

and exclusion areas should be marked out to provide protection to the

monuments. Contractors could be provided with a ‘cab-card’, detailing in

bullet-point and map format information concerning the heritage, exclusion

zones and routes to and from site.

3. Regular visits to heritage sites to monitor the condition will identify any new

threats or damage to the feature.

http://www.wyjs.org.uk/archaeology-advisory-service/

http://www.wyjs.org.uk/archaeology-advisory-service/



4. Trees and shrubs either on or within the immediate vicinity of archaeological

sites/features should be managed to limit the extent and establishment of

woody vegetation. It should be considered that large trees vulnerable to

windthrow be removed or crowned to reduce the weight of the tree canopy.

However, veteran trees should be retained where possible.

8.3 Specific Guidelines

Specific management recommendations for each feature recorded as part of the

survey can be found in Appendix 1.

8.3.1 Boundaries

Boundary walls recorded during the survey (Site No. 11 & 29) are relict and in a poor

to fair condition. Deterioration of the features is caused principally by root action.

Each boundary should be monitored to ensure ground vegetation and tree saplings

do not establish themselves on the stonework and cause damage/erosion. Mature

trees within close proximity of all of the boundaries recorded during the survey

should also be monitored and, where appropriate coppiced/pollarded, crowned,

thinned or removed to prevent windthrow damage to the features.

As relict boundaries (no longer in use), the landowner should seek to preserve the

feature, acting to prevent further erosion by means of reducing ground vegetation

and preventing the establishment of tree saplings on the feature.

8.3.2 Structures

Multiple structures relating to New Hirst Mill (Site No. 60) and the workers cottages

(Site No. 21) were identified within areas of woodland during the survey. Both sites

are significant in their representation of the regions early industrial heritage

(particularly when considered alongside the neighbouring World Heritage Site of

Saltaire and Salts Mill). In order to prevent further deterioration and damage at the

sites of New Hirst Mill and the workers cottages, scrub vegetation and sapling trees

should be removed and prevented from establishing on the masonry. Mature trees

within close proximity of all of the features recorded during the survey should also be

monitored and, where appropriate, coppiced/pollarded, crowned, thinned or removed

to prevent root or windthrow damage to the features.



9.0 Acknowledgments

Pennine Prospects would like to thank the Department of Place, City of Bradford

Metropolitan District Council, in particular Colin Whitfield, Bob Thorp and Andrew

Cutts for their permission, support and enthusiasm of the Celebrating Our Woodland

Heritage Project.

We would also like to thank the staff of West Yorkshire Archaeological Advisory

Service Historic Environment Record for their provision of data relating to Hirst Wood

and the wider West Yorkshire area.

Of course our biggest thanks go to all of the volunteers who supported, participated

and undertook the survey of Hirst Woods in January 2017. It was a pleasure to meet

and work with you all.

Thank you:

Alister Bowis, Caroline Perry, Chris Marshall, David Starley, Derek Barker, Gavin

Edwards, Jane Robinson, Jill Campbell, John Bromley, Joy Smith, Julie Wilson,

Maggie Fleming, Norman Alvin, Roger Pollard, Sharon Snaylam, Simon Duncan,

Tony Woods

I would like to thank in particular Kaitlyn Keenhold, Tony Woods and Derek Barker

for their help both in the field as well as in compiling this report.

This project would not have been possible without the support of the Heritage Lottery

Fund. Thank you to all of the National Lottery players, without who projects such as

the Celebrating Our Woodland Heritage project would not be possible.



10.0 Bibliography

Online Resources

British Geological Survey, Geology of Britain Viewer Accessed: 08/12/2018

URL: http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html

Heritage Gateway Accessed: 06/11/2018

URL: http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/gateway/

MAGIC geographic information Accessed: 06/11/2018

URL: http://www.magic.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx

United Kingdom Soil Observatory Soils map viewer Accessed: 06/11/2018

URL: http://mapapps2.bgs.ac.uk/ukso/home.html

Published Resources

Ainsworth, S; Bowden, M; McOmish, D & Pearson, T, (2007). Understanding the

Archaeology of Landscapes: A guide to good recording practice. Swindon, English

Heritage

CIfA, (2014). ‘Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Field Evaluation’.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, University of Reading

Forestry Commission, (2011). ‘Forests and historic environment: UK Forestry

Standard Guidelines’. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh

Hampshire, Bill (2000). The Water Mills of Shipley. Shipley Local History Society

http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html

http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/gateway/

http://www.magic.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx

http://mapapps2.bgs.ac.uk/ukso/home.html



King William I, (1086). Ed John Morris, (1986). Domesday Book, Yorkshire (Part

Two). Phillimore, Chichester

Natural England, (2014). ‘National Character Area Profile: 36 Southern Pennines’.

Natural England

Sheeran, George (1984). Village to Mill Town, Shipley and its Society 1600-1870,

p5, pp15-16; J S King: Heaton the best place of all (2001), pp17-18.

Smith, A. H. (1961). The Place-Names of the West Riding of Yorkshire. English

Place-Name Society. Cambridge University Press



11.0 List of illustrations

Tables

Table 1: List detailing the known archaeological records on and immediately around the property

Figures

Figure 1: Location of Hirst Wood, Shipley in relation to the wider region.

Figure 2: Extent of Hirst Wood, Shipley, West Yorkshire. Previously recorded locally listed monuments

and Listed Buildings are also displayed.

Figure 3: Excerpt of the County of York Surveyed in (1772) MDCCLXVII, VIII, IX, and MDCCLXX

Engraved by Thomas Jefferys (Sheet V). The site o Hirst Wood and New (Hirst) Mill are depicted in

the bend of the River Aire (centre left). Copyright © The British Library Board

Figure 4: Excerpt of the Township of Shipley 1847 survey by G. T. Lister detailing New (Hirst) Mill and

the workers cottages, including the divisions between dwellings (WYAAS Bradford - WYB346/1211

B15).

Figure 5: Excerpt of the Yorkshire 201 (includes: Baildon; Bingley; Bradford; Shipley) OS six-inch

map, surveyed between 1847 and 1848 and published in 1852. The survey depicts the full extent of

Hirst Wood prior to encroachment of Saltaire to the south. Copyright National Library of Scotland

Figure 6: This work is based on data provided through www.VisionofBritain.org.uk and uses historical

Land Utilisation Survey map material which is copyright of The Land Utilisation Survey of Great

Britain, 1933-49, copyright Audrey N. Clark.

Figure 7: 1908 1:2500 First Revision First County Series Survey. © Crown Copyright and Landmark

Information Group Limited (2018). All rights reserved. (1908) An Ordnance Survey/Edina supplied

service.

Figure 8: 1922 1:2500 Second Revision First County Series Survey. © Crown Copyright and

Landmark Information Group Limited (2018). All rights reserved. (1922) An Ordnance Survey/Edina

supplied service.

Figure 9: 1934 1:2500 Second Revision First County Series Survey. © Crown Copyright and

Landmark Information Group Limited (2018). All rights reserved. (1934) An Ordnance Survey/Edina

supplied service.

Figure 10: LiDAR 50cm DSM slope model detailing the extent of coverage across Hirst Wood survey


Figure 11: LiDAR 50cm DTM slope model detailing the extent of coverage across Hirst Wood survey




Figure 12: LiDAR 50cm DTM Slope Model depicting the site New Hirst Mill (Site No. 60), the workers

cottage site (Site No. 21) and nearby charcoal burning platforms (Site No. 10 and 27) within the

southwest of Hirst Wood. The network of holloways and terraced tracks is particularly clear along

with the area of stone extraction represented as pitting to the northeast.

Figure 13: Distribution of features of archaeological interest recorded during the woodland

survey.

Plates

Plate 1: New Hirst Mill in 1890 (the glass slide was incorrectly labelled Hurst Mill). Originally from the

Bradford Boys' Grammar School collection of lantern slides. Courtesy of Mike Short

Plate 2: The late Iron Age hut circle (WYAS HER No. 2550) viewed from the west. The line of

boulders in the fore-ground represents the outer-face of the boulder walling marking the western face

of the hut circle (Scale is 2.0m; Photograph: P1030974). Copyright Pennine prospects

Plate 3: Volunteers stood within the remains of the mill workers cottages. The wall represents the

rear of the cottages (Photograph Ref: IMAG4101). Copyright Pennine Prospects

Plate 4: Silted wheel pit at the site of New Hirst Mill, note the remains of a turbine located to the left of

the upright 1.0m scale (Photograph: IMG_7939). Copyright Pennine Prospects

Plate 5: The site of New Hirst Mill (Site No. 60) is almost entirely in ruin. Walls made with dressed

and cut stone survive protruding from the south-facing slope of the hill and river bank (Scale is 1.0m;

Photograph: IMG_7940). Copyright Pennine prospects

Plate 6: Possible charcoal burning platform (Site No. 58) viewed from the east (Scale is 2.0m;

photograph IMG_7934). Copyright Pennine Prospects

Plate 7: Large sandstone quarry (Site No. 57) traversing the north-facing slope at the northwest point

of Hirst Wood (Scale is 2.0m; Photograph: IMG_7933). Copyright Pennine Prospects

Plate 8: Drystone wall (Site No. 2) constructed of irregular and regular dressed stone serving to mark

a division in woodland ownership (Scale is 1.0m; Photograph: P1030984). Copyright Pennine

Prospects

Plate 9: The main track through Hirst Wood (Site No. 11) consists of a holloway which winds its way

around the woodland serving to connect with New Hirst Mill, the workers cottages and the areas of

stone extraction (Scales are 1.0m; Photograph: P1030940). Copyright Pennine Prospects



Appendix 1: Survey Database

Site No.

HER No.

Designation

Easting

Northing

Site Name

Site Type

Sub-category

Description Period Condition/Threat Recommendation

Reference

Importance

1 412937

438182

Pit Slag Pit?

Hollow 7 m in diameter. Cut into the South-facing slope. It is up to 80 cm deep on S side and 1.80 cm deep on N side. At the Southern side is brick and stone building material as well as a deposit of iron slag. The feature may represent a slag pit.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes holly, elder and birch.

The feature should continue to be monitored.

Photograph Ref: DSCF9611, DSCF9612, DSCF9613, DSCF9615, P1030987

Local



2 412700

438110

Boundary

Irregular Drystone Wall

Irregular drystone wall standing up to 1.0m, 0.60m wide. The feature is in a gradual state of decline, serving to enclose an area of woodland immediately to the north of the railway cutting. The feature is recorded on the 1893 1:2500 First County Series Survey and earlier historic maps, and is understood to represent a land ownership boundary. At the northwest corner of the boundary a narrow entrance (1.0m wide) was identified. The site of the entrance/gate is recorded on the available historic mapping. The wall supports angular copping stones and shows evidence the wall has been repaired using mortar to bond the stone work in places.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a poor condition. Vegetation includes sapling and mature beech and holly as well as brambles. Large proportions of the wall have either collapsed or been robbed of material. The site is in a gradual state of decline due to natural root action and windthrow damage.

The feature should continue to be monitored and maintained as a relict boundary. Scrub and sapling tree vegetation should be monitored and where necessary reduced upon the feature to prevent erosion. Young and mature trees upon or within the immediate vicinity should be coppiced/pollarded or felled in order to prevent windthrow damage.

Map Ref: 1893 1:2500 First County Series Survey; Photograph Ref: DSCF9616, DSCF9617, DSCF9618, DSCF9619, DSCF9620, DSCF9621, DSCF9622, P1030984, P1030985, P1030986, P1220050, P1220051

Local



3 412690

438169

Pit Stone extraction pit 3.0m to 3.50m in diameter and 1.50m deep. It is 3 m across running East to West and 3.50m across running North to South. The bottom of the hollow is covered in a deep layer of leaf litter.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a good condition. Vegetation includes holly and overgrowth.


Photograph Ref: DSCF9626

Local

4 412685

438181

Pit Stone extraction pit 6.0m in diameter and 1.0m deep. Holly and saplings grow around the perimeter and birch is in the centre.

Post-medieval

The feature is a fair condition. Vegetation includes holly with birch in the centre.



Local

5 412683

438172

Pit Stone extraction pit 5.0m in diameter amongst dense holly overgrowth with a fallen tree across it.

Post-medieval

The feature is a fair condition. Vegetation includes dense holly cover with a fallen tree across the site.



Local

6 412681

438172

Pit Stone extraction pit 3.0m in diameter and 80 cm deep. There is a mature oak on the South side as well as sapling tree growth.

Post-medieval

The feature is a good condition. Vegetation includes saplings growing around the hollow with mature oak.



Local

7 412689

438166

Pit Stone extraction pit measuring 3.0m across running North to South and 2.0m across from East to West. Young beech and oak surround the hollow with some holly. A exposure of gritstone protrudes from

Post-medieval

The feature is a fair condition. Vegetation includes holly, beech oak, and saplings.



Local



the North side.

8 412622

438096

Pit Linear stone extraction pit orientated east-west. It extends west for 13.50m from the drystone wall boundary. The depression is approximately 3.0m wide and up to 0.60m deep.

Post-medieval

The feature is a fair condition. Vegetation includes some beech saplings and holly bush.



Local

9 412641

438077

Pit Hollow 3.50m to 4.0m in diameter and 0.90m deep. It is 3.50m across running North-South and 4.0m across from East-West.

Post-medieval

The feature is a fair condition. Vegetation includes holly and mature oak.



Local

10 412542

438114

Charcoal Burning Platform

Platform measures 9.0m south-north by 11.0m east-west. The platform was constructed into the southwest facing slope. Fragments of charcoal are exposed on its surface. The platform stands up to 2.0m on its southern edge.

Post-medieval

The feature is a fair condition. Vegetation includes beech, bramble and ivy.

The feature should continue to be monitored and managed. Sapling and young tree vegetation should be controlled and where necessary removed to prevent above and below ground disturbance.

Photograph Ref: P1030961, P1030962

Local



11 413015

438183

Trackway

Holloway

Historic carriageway in the form of a sinuous holloway orientated east-west. The holloway measures up to 3.0m wide at its foot and up to 5.0m wide at its summit. It measures up to 1.50m deep. Within the centre of the woodland the carriageway is less pronounced as it traverses the north-facing slope. The majority of the feature continues to serve as a public footpath.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a good condition. Vegetation includes mature and sapling holly in isolated locations as well as sapling and mature oaks. Dense areas of holly prohibits access to the carriageway in a number of locations.

The feature should continue to be monitored and maintained as a public footpath through the woodland. Sapling and young tree vegetation should be controlled and where necessary removed to prevent above and below ground disturbance to the feature.

Map Ref: 1893 1:2500 First County Series Survey; Photograph Ref: IMG_7045, P1030940, P1030941, P1030942, P1030943, P1030944

Local

12 412791

438184

Pit Stone extraction pit located within the northeast of Hirst Wood. The feature measures c.1.50m diameter and 0.20m deep.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition.


Photograph Ref: P1030948

Local

13 413054

438229

Veteran Tree

Beech Veteran coppiced beech measuring up to 3.60m in diameter and c.30.0m tall.

The tree is in a good condition.

The tree should be monitored and as a veteran. In order to prevent limb collapse or windthrow the tree canopy may require

Local



crowning and the removal of deadwood.

14 412895

438288

Pit Stone extraction pit cut into the north-facing slope overlooking the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The feature is orientated southeast to northwest. On the north side of the hollow is a heap/mound. The hollow is 6.50m long and 9.0m wide. The maximum depth is 0.40m.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes brambles.



Local

15 412904

438283

Pit Stone extraction pit located to the south of the canal and measuring 5.80m in diameter and 0.30m deep.

Post-medieval

Fair. Vegetation includes brambles.



Local

16 412871

438304

Pit Stone extraction pit measuring 2.50m long, 2.0m wide and 0.20m deep.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a good condition. Vegetation includes brambles.



Local

17 412663

438177

Pit Stone extraction pit measuring 8.30m in diameter and 1.50m deep.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes laurel, holly, beech, and birch.



Local

18 412627

438183

Pit Stone extraction pit measuring 3.50m diameter, 0.80m deep.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a good condition. Vegetation includes holly and beech. Circular erosion.



Local



19 412633

438158

Pit Linear stone extraction pit consisting of two interlinked pits measuring 9.0m in length. Each of the pits measure 2.60 and 5.0 diameter respectively.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a good condition.


Photograph Ref: P1030956, P1030957, P1030958

Local

20 412632

438154

Pit Stone extraction pit measuring 4.0m in diameter and 0.15m deep.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a good condition. Vegetation includes beech.



Local

21 412422

438163

Structure

Cottage Site

Structural remains of a row of cottages located within the southwest of Hirst Wood. The cottages were constructed to house the workers of New Hirst Mill, established in 1745. By 1841 the census indicates the row of cottages included 8 dwellings, housing 58 occupants at the time of the survey. The site was demolished in the 1920's. The row of cottages extended for c.60.0m (northwest-southeast) and measured up to 6.0m wide. Access to the dwellings was from the south via now overgrown and largely reduced lane. At the eastern end of the row were at least two store or garage areas

Post-medieval

The feature is in a poor condition. Vegetation includes dense brambles and ivy, sapling ash, birch and sycamore, and mature sycamore, birch and beech. The site is in a gradual state of decline due to natural root action and windthrow damage.

The structure should be monitored and maintained. Scrub and sapling tree vegetation should be monitored and where necessary reduced upon the feature to prevent erosion to upstanding and below ground archaeological features and deposits. Young and mature trees upon or within the immediate

Map Ref: 1893 1:2500 First County Series Survey; Photograph Ref: P1040004, P1040005, P1040006, P1040007, P1040008, P1040009, P1040010, P10400

Local



whereas on the western end was a sub-rectangular garden and outhouse, bound by a track and drystone wall to the south, west and north. Only the rear walls (north-face) of the row of structures survive to any great height (up to 1.70m tall), in a number of locations the remains of individual windows and recesses survive. In addition a number of the partition walls survive, although these stand no more than 1.0m tall and a largely truncated. The front of the cottages (south-face) are absent, with the exception of some areas of foundations which protrude from the scrub vegetation and the structural debris that covers the interior and dwellings. The stone work is a mixture of mortared dressed and irregular gritstone and sandstone. The walls also preserve evidence of rendering.

vicinity should be coppiced/pollarded or felled in order to prevent windthrow damage. Any works at the site will likely require archaeological intervention.

11, P1040012, P1040013, P1220052, P1220053, P1220054, P1220055, P1220056, P1220057, P1220059, P1220060, P1220061, P1220062, DSCF9652, DSCF9653, DSCF9654, DSCF9655, DSCF9656, DSCF9657, DSCF96



58, DSCF9659, DSCF9660, DSCF9661, DSCF9662, DSCF9663, DSCF9664, DSCF9665, DSCF9666, DSCF9667, DSCF9668, IMAG4101, IMAG4102, IMAG4105, IMG_7086



22 412535

438161

Pit Large pit cut into the south-facing slope. The feature is located immediately south of a well established track and was likely excavated for the purpose of extracting gritstone. The pit measures up to 8.0m wide (east-west), 10.0m long (north-south) and was cut to a depth of 3.0m.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a good condition. Vegetation consists of sapling beech, mature birch and holly.


Photograph Ref: DSCF9650, DSCF9651

Local

23 412558

438162

Socketed Stone

Large, elongated boulder oriented east-west upon the southern edge of a track. The boulder measures c.3.0m long, 2.0m wide and 1.30m tall. At its eastern end on its north face is a 0.16m diameter socket measuring up to 0.15m deep. It is understood the feature relates to past stone extraction activity within the vicinity.

Post-medieval

Feature is in a good condition. Vegetation includes moss and lichen.



Local



24 412482

438148

Trackway

Terraced Track

Subtle terraced track traversing the south-facing slope overlooking the Aire River. To the west the track connects with a charcoal burning platform, to the east it steadily descends the hill slope before becoming lost with scrub woodland. The track measures up to 2.0m wide.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation consists of dense holly.


Local

25 412724

438109

Structure

Irregular drystone wall foundations of a structure constructed against the south-face of an east-west oriented woodland boundary. The purpose of the structure is unknown, although it is likely to represent a more recent recreation structure utilising collapsed stone from the wall it is constructed against. The feature measures up 4.20m long (east-west) by 2.20m wide (north-south).

Modern Vegetation includes a mature ash and holly.


Photograph Ref: DSCF9635, DSCF9636, IMAG4098, P1220048

Local

26 412697

438080

Pit Oval pit attributed to stone extraction within the woodland. The pit measures up to 3.0m diameter and 0.80m deep. Around the edges of the pit are a number of boulders.

Post-medieval

Vegetation includes small saplings, birch, ivy, oak, and ash.



Local



27 412474

438156


Charcoal Burning Platform cut into the south-facing slope and measuring 6.40m diameter. The platform stands c.1.80m tall and is cut into the natural slope to a depth of 1.0m. Fragments of charcoal were noted on the surface. The platform was accessed by a subtle trackway from the east and west.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a good condition. Vegetation includes beech saplings, an oak tree stump, holly, ivy and mature sycamore birch and beech.


Photograph Ref: DSCF9643, DSCF9644, P1050959, P1050960, P1050961

Local

28 412486

438157

Pit Semi-circular hollow cut into the southwest-facing. The feature measures up to 2.0m deep, 6.30m long (north-south) by 9.75m wide (east-west). Surface stone was noted during the survey. The feature was accessed from the south via a northwest-southeast orientated track.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a good condition. Vegetation includes beech and birch on the outside edges, small holly growing just below the rear bank.



Local

29 412634

438240

Pit Stone extraction pit measuring 0.70m deep, 4.0m diameter. Spoil heap located 2.0m to the south.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes veteran oak and brambles.



Local

30 412641

438248

Pit Stone extraction pit measuring 0.80m deep, 9.0m long and 6.50m wide. Spoil heap to the North measuring 4.0m by 2.0m.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes young holly and brambles.



Local



31 412627

438239

Platform Possible platform orientated east-west for 8.50m by 7.0m (north-south). Southern edge of the feature is lined with unworked stone. The soil is notably dark and appears to contain carbonised material.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes sapling beech and young ash.



Local

32 412618

438229

Pit Stone extraction pit measuring 1.0m deep and 4.0m in diameter. A large gritstone boulder is located on its eastern edge. The boulder appears to have been split.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes saplings holly and beech.



Local

33 412622

438235

Pit Stone extraction pit measuring 0.50m deep, 2.80m long by 2.0m wide. Spoil is located on is eastern edge.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes sapling beech and fern.



Local

34 412622

438240

Pit Interlinked network of stone extraction pits and spoil. The sinuous network is oriented roughly northwest to southeast and extends a distance of c.30.0m. The pits measure up to 1.0m deep and 4.0m wide. Exposed gritstone is visible at numerous location within the edges of the pits.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes young holly and beech.



Local



35 412614

438246

Pit Stone extraction pit measuring 9.50m long, 8.50m wide and 0.50m deep. Gritstone boulders including a large boulder on its southern edge.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes mature ash, sapling beech, young holly and fern.



Local

36 412605

438240

Pit Stone extraction pit and spoil heap orientated north-south. The pit measures 6.0m long, 4.50m wide and 0.50m deep. The spoil heap measures 4.0m long by 2.0m wide.

Post-medieval




Local

37 412590

438234

Platform Possible platform measuring 5.50m in diameter.

Post-medieval




Local

38 412605

438248

Pit Stone extraction pit and spoil heap. The pit measures 5.0m diameter and 0.50m deep. Some surface stone located on the edges of the pit.

Post-medieval




Local



39 412754

438101

Ditch Drainage ditch oriented northeast-southwest. The feature measures up to 2.0m wide, 0.30m deep and extends a distance of c.50.0m. To the south the ditch peters-out as it approaches the railway cutting, to the north it peters-out next to a public footpath. The feature is overlain at a right-angle by an irregular drystone wall.

Post-medieval



Local

40 2550 412708

438162

Hut Circle, Hirst Wood

Hut Circle

Site of a possible prehistoric hut circle. The feature was excavated in the 1951 and 1966 although no datable evidence or artefacts were retrieved. The feature measures up to 15.0m diameter and is marked by a truncated rubble filled drystone wall measuring up to 1.50m wide. The outer and inner face of the wall is marked by orthostats. One of the stones along the southern edge of the feature was noted supports a 0.11m diameter, 0.06m deep socket. The interior of the circle is gently sloping, forming a level based bowl c.0.40m deep. Although interpreted as

Prehistoric

The feature is in a poor condition. Vegetation consists of ferns, brambles, moss, sapling beech, young holly and beech. A collapsed mature birch lies across the centre of the feature. The feature is in a gradual state of decline due to natural root action and windthrow damage.

The monument should be monitored and maintained. Scrub and sapling tree vegetation should be monitored and where necessary reduced upon the feature to prevent erosion to upstanding and below ground archaeological features and deposits. Young and mature trees

Photograph Ref: IMG_7046, IMG_7047, IMG_7048, IMG_7049, IMG_7050, IMG_7051, IMG_7052, IMG_7063, IMG_7064, IMG_7065, P1030972,

Local



prehistoric, its position within an area of general stone extraction may indicate it is significantly later in date.

upon or within the immediate vicinity should be coppiced/pollarded or felled in order to prevent windthrow damage. Any works at the site will likely require archaeological intervention.

P1030973, P1030974, P1030975, IMAG4090

41 412706

438169

Pit Stone extraction pit measuring 6.50m (north-south) by 4.20m (east-west). The feature is up to 0.75m deep. The pit is located adjacent to the east of a possible prehistoric hut circle.

Post-medieval

Feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes holly and fern in the centre, with young birch and beech around the edge.


Photograph Ref: IMG_7053, IMG_7054, IMG_7055, IMG_7056

Local

42 412699

438173

Pit Circular stone extraction pit measuring up to 1.0m deep at its centre. It measures c.5.0m diameter. Surface gritstone boulders mark its southern edge, along with a single mature oak.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes mature oak, sapling beech and young holly.


Photograph Ref: IMG_7057, IMG_7058, IMG_7059, IMG_7060, IMG_7061, IMG_70

Local



62

43 412699

438173

Socketed Stone

Located immediately northwest of a stone extraction pit is a socketed gritstone of unknown date and purpose. The socket measures 0.11m in diameter and 0.08m deep. The feature is likely attributed to relate to stone extraction activity.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes mature oak on West side.


Photograph Ref: IMG_7062, IMG_7063, IMG_7064, P1030982

Local

44 412712

438148

Veteran Tree

Beech Veteran beech, measuring 4.90m in circumference. The tree stands c.30.0m tall. Above 2 m there are vertical branches, perhaps indicating it was once managed as a coppice. Graffiti exists up to 5.0m high.

Post-medieval


The feature should continue to be monitored. In order to prevent the risk of windthrow and deadfall the canopy should be managed and dead limbs removed as necessary.

Photograph Ref: IMG_7071, IMG_7072

Local

45 412687

438129

Pit Linear extraction pit located on the northern edge of a track. The feature measures 8.0m (east-west) long by 2.0m wide. It measures up to 0.30m deep.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes holly, beech, oak, and birch.


Photograph Ref: IMG_7073, IMG_7074, IMG_7075

Local



46 412686

438125

Pit Stone extraction pit measuring 3.20m (north-south) by 5.50m (east-west). The feature measures up to 0.30m deep.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes holly and beech.



Local

47 412666

438120

Pit Stone extraction site located immediately north of an east-west orientated irregular drystone wall. The pit measures 4.0m in diameter and 0.50m deep.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes holly.



Local

48 412739

438137

Ditch Possible drainage ditch extended northeast-southwest. The feature underlies an irregular drystone wall, petering out to the north on the edge of a footpath and to the south within an area of young scrub woodland. The ditch is no more than 0.20m deep and 2.0m wide.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation to the south of the wall consists of scrub holly, brambles and ivy. To the north open mature beech woodland.


Local

49 412530

438076

Pit Small pit measuring 4.50m diameter and up to 1.0m deep.

Post-medieval

Fair condition. Vegetation includes holly.


Photograph Ref: IMG_7080

Local

50 412634

438077

Pit Circular stone extraction pit measuring 3.0m diameter and 0.40m deep.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes brambles.



Local



51 412644

438075

Pit Elongated stone extraction pit measuring 6.70m long (east-west) by 3.50m wide. The feature measures 0.60m deep.

Post-medieval

Feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes holly and birch.



Local

52 412645

438067

Pit Stone extraction pit truncated by a modern fence line and foot path. The feature measures 2.70m east west by 3.0m north-south.

Post-medieval

Feature is in a poor condition. Vegetation includes ivy and bramble. A fence and path cut the feature on an east-west axis.



Local

53 412647

438085

Pit Stone extraction pit with a mound at its centre. Feature measures 6.20m wide, 9.50m long and 0.70m deep.

Post-medieval

Feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes holly, beech saplings, and ferns.


Photograph Ref: 1220043, 1220044

Local

54 412651

438091

Pit Circular stone extraction pit measuring c.4.0m diameter, 0.50m deep.

Post-medieval

Feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes honeysuckle and ash saplings with holly on South side.


Photograph Ref: 1220045

Local

55 412653

438093

Pit Stone extraction pit measuring 3.50m (east-west) by 2.20m (north-south) and 0.20m deep.

Post-medieval

Feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes mature oak, sapling beech and holly.



Local



56 412645

438100

Pit Hollow circle measuring 3.9 m in length at the North-South side and 3.3 m in width on the East-West side. Depth of hollow goes to presence of leaf mould at about 0.75 m. No vegetation in hollow outside of 3 beech trees and an oak circling the hollow. A few rocks circle the hollow as well. Photo shows feature looking North.

Post-medieval

Feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation includes young beech



Local

57 412411

438248

Sandstone Quarry

Quarry Large sandstone quarry running East-West, facing North, measuring at least 9-10 m tall and 13 m wide. This feature can be seen on the 1893 First County Series Survey right along the canal. Coordinates taken at the centre of feature. The quarry today is a modern recreation area with seating, a place for fires, as well as graffiti and mirrors upon the feature itself. Photos show the feature facing South at ground level.

Post-medieval

Quarry is in a fair condition. Vegetation consists of ferns, grass and brambles. Mature and sapling sycamore, beech, oak alder and holly. Some collapse of the exposed bedrock face was noted.


Map Ref: 1893 1:2500 First County Series Survey; Photograph Ref: IMG_7932, IMG_7933

Local



58 412367

438225


Possible site of a charcoal burning platform located c.20m west of a substantial sandstone quarry. The platform is cut into the south-facing slope just off the summit of the glacial till. The oval platform measures 9.10m (east-west) by 13.0m (north-south).

Post-medieval

The condition of the feature is good. Vegetation includes ferns, grass, moss, mature trees and saplings including oak, beech, and ash. 0% erosion.



Local

59 412362

438206

Boundary

Irregular Drystone Wall

Irregular dry stone wall orientated east-west. The feature stands as a south-facing retaining wall marking the northern edge of a well established track. The wall stands 0.30m wide 0.70m tall, and can be traced for c.20.0m. The boundary includes a collapsed gritstone gatepost towards its eastern end. The gatepost measures c.2.0m long, 0.60m wide, and 0.20m deep.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a poor condition. Vegetation includes sapling and mature sycamore as well as brambles and ivy. The site is in a gradual state of decline due to natural root action and windthrow damage.

The feature should continue to be monitored and maintained as a relict boundary. Scrub and sapling tree vegetation should be monitored and where necessary reduced upon the feature to prevent erosion. Young and mature trees upon or within the immediate vicinity should be coppiced/pollarded or felled in order to


Local



prevent windthrow damage.

60 412411

438140

New Hirst Mill

Structure

Mill Site Standing remains of New Hirst Mill established on the site of an earlier iron workings site in 1745 by Samuel Denison. Very little of the structure remains following its demolition in the 1920's. Aspects of the mill survive in the form of sections of retaining wall along the south-facing slope as well as the standing, or the foundations of walls which supported the mill house. In addition the leat, sluice and weir survive along with areas of cobbled surface. Much of the site has become silted due to annual flooding. Where upstanding walls survive, they consists of dressed stone bonded with mortar.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a poor condition. Vegetation includes ivy, grass, fern, bramble, mature and sapling sycamore, beech, ash, alder. The feature is susceptible to root, soil and water erosion.

The site should be monitored and maintained. Scrub and sapling tree vegetation should be monitored and where necessary reduced upon the feature to prevent erosion to upstanding and below ground archaeological features and deposits. Young and mature trees upon or within the immediate vicinity should be coppiced/pollarded or felled in order to prevent windthrow damage. Any works at the

Photograph Ref: IMG_7937, IMG_7939, IMG_7940, P1050962, P1050963

Local



site will likely require archaeological intervention.

61 412360

438159

Leat The site of the leat which fed New Hirst Mill and the earlier iron industry in Hirst Wood survives. The remains of the sluice survive to the east where it was fed from the River Aire, along with site of a turbine. To the west of the mill site, the leat curves to the north, traversing the foot of the hill on which Hirst Wood is located. To the north the leat runs under the Dowley Gap Aqueduct before reconnecting with the River Aire. The leat is largely silted and overgrown although continues to carry water. The feature measures up to 3.0m wide and 1.50m deep.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a poor condition. Vegetation includes ivy, fern, Himalayan balsam, brambles, sycamore, beech, ash and alder.

The feature should continue to be monitored and managed. Scrub and sapling tree vegetation should be monitored and where necessary reduced.

Local

62 412868

438307

Marker Stone

Located on the northern edge of the woodland on the bank of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The marker stone stands c.0.60m tall, 0.40m wide and 0.10m deep.

Post-medieval




Local



63 412862

438240

Trackway

Terraced Track

East-west oriented terraced track extending east from an early holloway within the woodland. The track follows the ridge within the woodland and appears to link with a possible sand pit to the east. The feature measures c.3.0m wide and can be traced for c.250.0m.

Post-medieval



Local

64 413011

438214

Sand Pit Possible site of a sand pit. The feature is located within the east of the woodland and consists of a c.50.0m diameter hollow up to 5.0m deep. The hollow is surrounded by what may represent spoil heaps.

Post-medieval

The feature is in a fair condition. Vegetation consists of young and mature holly, beech, oak and sycamore.


Local



Appendix 2: Distribution Map



Appendix 3: Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)

Figure 10:



Figure 11:



Figure 12:



Appendix 4: Digital Archive

Included in this report is a CD-Rom which contains a digital archive for use by the

landowner and regional Historic Environment Record.

The digital archive includes:

PDF digital copy of this report – PP10-280717 BMDC Hirst Wood Report

Excel survey database – PP10-280717 Archaeological Survey Database

Digital photographic archive – PP10-280717 Archaeological Survey

Photographs

GIS Shapefiles of historic mapping data – PP10-280717 Archaeological

Survey Shapefiles



Appendix 5: About the Author and Pennine Prospects

At the time of this reports production, the author Christopher Atkinson was in

employment with Pennine Prospects as part of the Celebrating Our Woodland

Heritage Project. As Woodland Heritage Officer, Chris was tasked with carrying out

a programme of archaeological woodland surveys across the South Pennines. Chris

has been in full time employment as an archaeologist since 2006, during which time

he has been employed by Herefordshire Council’s archaeology service as

Community Archaeologist (2006-2013); Project Officer for the National Trust (2015)

and self-employed (2013-2016). He is experienced in landscape survey, site

excavation, geophysical survey, desk-based assessment, use of GIS techniques

(including MapInfo Professional; ArcGIS and QGIS) and the production of

management plans for clients such as Natural England and Historic England.

He holds an undergraduate degree in Archaeology from the University of Wales

Lampeter (2004) and a Masters with distinction in Landscape Archaeology from the

University of Sheffield (2015).

Pennine Prospects is a unique rural regeneration company created in 2005 as a

champion for the South Pennines, the dramatic upland landscape that stands

prominently above the urban centres of Greater Manchester, the Lancashire valleys

and West Yorkshire. It is an award-winning partnership organisation that has

attracted over £5 million of national and European funding to deliver a wide range of

projects aimed at promoting, protecting and enhancing the built, natural and cultural

heritage of the South Pennines.

Pennine Prospects lies at the heart of a well-established partnership bringing

together six local authorities, two water companies, government agencies and the

voluntary sector. The company is strongly committed to sustainable development

and enables partner organisations, local residents and businesses to maximise the

benefit of the area’s rich natural, cultural and heritage assets.

Through its activities, Pennine Prospects supports the economy of the South

Pennines by uncovering, highlighting and promoting all that is special about the area.

In addition, the company develops community projects, promotes access to the

uplands and waterways and connects people with their landscape.

celebrating our woodland heritage hirst wood, shipley: an ... · site geological and soil data was...

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