Research in Industrial Archaeology:
Approaches, Sources and Opportunities
Mike Bone and Maggie Shapland
Books for sale
19 Feb 2011: One of our members has had to move to a smaller house and sell his books. They are mostly caving and bristol related.
List of books. Contact Maggie Shapland maggie.shapland@googlemail.com if you want to purchase any
of them.
Approaches
Four questions
- what type of project?
- is it worth doing?
- how does it relate to current knowledge?
- what is the easiest way to approach it?
Possible Sources
Your choice of project will influence sources to be consulted.
- fieldwork;
- published works - bibliographies and guides to sites and industries p
- maps and plans - OS maps, tithe maps, insurance plans, estate plans;
- printed sources - directories, guides, travel diaries, newspapers,
trade encyclopaedias and technical literature-
- pictorial sources - prints, photographs, drawings and archive film;
- documents/manuscript souroes - business records, letters,
work of record societies and recent IT projects;
- oral history - interviews and recollections
Opportunities for research in Bristol
- port and related activity;
- transport - railways roads, aviation-
- processing imports - sugar, tobacco cocoa, wines and spirits;
- processing local produce leather, corn, brewing;
- mining and quarrying;
- manufacturing -textiles, engineering, clothing and shoes,
transport equipment;
- chemicals, glass and pottery;
- paper, pnntsng and packaging;
- construction - the industry and its products;
- infrastructure - utilities and amenities.
Suggested Reading
Industrial Archaeology in General
- Industrial Archaeology
an Introduction Hudson, K (1963). The pioneering book,
reissued in subsequent editions
- Industrial Archaeology in BritainBuchanan, RA., (1973).
Comprehensive general study, reissued in subsequent editions .
- The BP Book of lndustrial Archaeology Cossons, N..(1975).
Comprehensive general study, reissued in subsequent editions .
- The Archaeology ofthe Industrial Revolution Bracegirdle, B.
(1973)
provides a superb visual introduction to the subject.
- English Heritage Book of Industrial England
Stratton, M. and Trinder, B.
(1996). Recently-published book provides a current view
- Twentieth Century Industrial Archaeology (2000)
Recently-published book provides a current view,
- Industrial Archaeology Principles and Practice
Palmer, M. and Neaverson, P. (1998).
Recently-published book provides a current view, has a full bibliogmphy.
- The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Industrial Archaeology
Trinder, B. (ed.)
(1992). Substantial reference book
- Dictionary ofindustrial Archaeology
and Jones, W. (1996). Substantial reference book
- Perspectives on Industrial Archaeology
Cossons, N. (ed.) (2000) is an interesting collection of essays
which takes stock of the progress of the subject to date.
The Bristol Area
- Subterranean Britain: Bath Stone Quarries
Derek Hawkins
Folly Books, Monkton Farleigh, BA15 2QP
www.follybooks.co.uk
£24.99
ISBN 9780956440549
216 pages. Many coloured photographs.
Dec 2011: This superbly presented book is a credit to Derek Hawkins. The reproduction of quarry scenes capture the atmosphere in astonishing detail and with excellent photographs. There are also many nineteenth century photographs of masons and quarrymen.
The text gives the reader an insight into the history of these unique sites, which are only accessible to experienced underground explorers or no longer enterable such as Combe Down which has been mostly infilled now..
There are also a richness of archaeological remains recorded for posterity as time takes its toll on metal artifacts and wonderful underground cranes and scenes ancient and modern. Often the downed tools look like men have just left for lunch and would return soon.
The unique cranes hauled and lifted the cut stone onto flat bed trucks, which in turn were pulled by horses to the surface store before the stone could be worked by skilled masons, to decorate the fine residences of Bath and elsewhere in the country. Ashlar is coming back into fashion and of course in great demand for restoration. This is keeping the traditions alive.
The maps add an extra dimension that gives the reader an insight into the use of these extensive and numerous underground working, that have left their mark on so many buildings around the world as a legacy for all these quarrymen who toiled with crude tools for hundreds of years.
The book is split up into chapters on the areas of Combe Down (3 sites), the Avon Valley (12 sites), Box and Corsham (14 sites).
Also evident are many place names and farms which will help the inquisitive identify the quarry sites easily. Some have footpaths, some are on private land and others which are not in active production have been put to other uses, such as the secret seat of Government, when Nuclear war was possible. Most were requisitioned by the government during the Second World War and have wartime equipment still in place. As the climate is very stable, one quarry is now a high security document store, and another which can be visited by appointment, is now fascinating wine vaults.
One area not previously covered by such publications is Derek's insight into how the stone was taken to market. There are some really good pictures of the canal system.
It must be said that whilst the book deals with the historical aspect of the surface and underground quarries. Derek also brings you up to date with the current methods of production. The change in products can be quite dramatically seen. Remarkably an old Sampson coal cutter is still doing sterling service.
Derek's unique experience has allowed him to give you a comprehensive experience without getting your boots dirty. A truly superb publication and worth every penny.
- A Century of Sand Dredging in the Bristol Channel. Volume One: The English Coast and A Century of Sand Dredging in the Bristol Channel.
Volume Two: The Welsh Coast.
June 2011. Historic books by Peter Gosson: Published by Amberley Publishing Volume 1 £16.99, Volume II £14.99 . An engineer by trade, Peter Gosson is a much respected maritime historian who has focused on coastal trade
and ships in the Bristol Channel. His father was the master of the Bristol sand dredgers. He has written a number of maritime articles in both local and national magazines as
well as given talks all over the South West and South Wales. He will be giving BIAS a talk in September.
These volumes are a fantastic history of human endeavour with some personal and wonderful stories.
The pictures and illustrations more than adequately augment the text to make the books an interesting read in their own right.
Peter has to be admired for accumulating so much information over 30 years. I really enjoyed the read as there is so much historical information - not to be expected from dredging.
This includes the war, coal, engineering. There are some brilliant pictures of Charles Hill and Bristol Docks, a look at the ships, then a look at their backgrounds.
The books have been written for the anniversary of sand dredging in the Bristol Channel on 13 June 2012.
It is amazing how much has changed in so short a time from their inception in 1912.
The books fill in a void of the history of a busy port, dictated to by one of the highest tidal differentials in the world. A must for all Bristol historians as well as shiplovers.
It can be purchased from Amberley Publishing, Cirencester Road, Chalford, Gloucestershire GL6 8PE tel: 01453 847800 .
Thoroughly recomended for a Christmas present.
- The Avon Navigation
April 2011: BIAS histories Number 1 by Dr. Brenda Buchanan. Published by Bristol Industrial Archaeological Society. It can be purchased for £4 (£4.60 p&p)
from Stewart Burroughs, Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road, Bath BA1 2RH. 01225 318348
This article was originally published in Bath History in 1996. Dr Buchanan recounts the efforts of the Corporation of Bath to prepare plans to improve the navigability of the
River Avon between Bath and Bristol culminating in an Act of Parliament in 1712. By 1724 these powers were transferred to a group of local entrepreneurs who set about the task of
making the river suitable for traffic from the Pulteney Weir to Bristol. The author fully describes the various works that were undertaken to achieve this aim.
Clearly written and nicely illustrated this BIAS histories will be of interest to all readers,
but particularly those who wish to understand this vital trade link between Bristol and Bath and the canals beyond Bath.
It is hoped that there will be many more BIAS histories to come. BIAS histories
- Queen of Waters
1 December 2010: A beautiful book by Kirsten Elliott published by Akeman Press at £20. 204 pages with many colour
photographs- incuding many historic ones, to celebrate 200 years since the opening of the Kennet and Avon Canal
which goes from Reading to Avonmouth. Both technical and a glorious journey from start to end of the Canal.
A true journey in time. It can be purchased from Akeman Press.
Thoroughly recomended for a Christmas present.
- The Bristol Dock Company 1803 to 1848 by Peter Malpass
published by AVON LOCAL HISTORY and ARCHAEOLOGY July 2010
Volume 5 of our well respected series of books is just about to be published
The Bristol Dock Company was set up in 1803 to finance, carry out and operate the improved harbour which had long been urged.
But the Company structure and capital reflected the local politics and tension which had delayed actions hitherto, and which continued to
handicap its operations over its 45 year life. It was never popular (see the front cover illustration, rejoicing at its demise) and was much
criticised in its lifetime and subsequently, but this detailed and fully documented account sets out to show that most if not all its weaknesses
arose from the compromises and constraints built into its very foundations.
Order (using the form below)
and send it, together with a cheque for £3.50 (made payable to “Avon Local History and Archaeology”) to:
Mike Leigh, Business Manager ALHA Books,
43 Long Eaton Drive, Whitchurch Park, Bristol. BS14 9AW
Your Name:....................................................................................................................................
Your Address:................................................................................................................................
And who wrote it? Peter Malpass.
Peter Malpass is professor of housing and urban studies at the University of the West of England. He has written extensively on housing and housing policy, and organised an exhibition in 2005 marking 100 years of council housing in Bristol. He is now working on a long term study of the urban history of Bristol, which has already led to the book ‘Bristol’s Floating Harbour: the first 200 years’ (with Andy King, published by Redcliffe Press in 2009)
So, to be sure to receive your copy, complete this form and send it, together with a cheque for £3.50 (made payable to “Avon Local History and Archaeology”) to:
Mike Leigh, Business Manager ALHA Books,
43 Long Eaton Drive, Whitchurch Park, Bristol. BS14 9AW
Your Name:....................................................................................................................................
Your Address:................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
- Bristol's Floating Harbour: The first 200 years.
Peter Malpass and Andy King. Redcliffe Press May 2009. £14.99. 160 pages, profusely illustrated.
A superb comprehensive history with lots of photographs.
Much has been written about the history of Bristol and refer to the Floating Harbour especially upto the end of the nineteenth century. This book was written in time to celebrate the harbour's 200th birthday. It brings the story up to date, and also offers a different interpretation which questions and challenges aspects of the course of events during its history.
It is structured around four transformation and covers the planning and building of the harbour; the arrival of Brunel and development in response to economic and technological changes from 1860; in war and peace and the end as a commercial port; and regeneration including the controversial Councils planning history from 1969.
- Frog Lane Colliery: sixty years on. South Gloucester shire Mines Research Group and Yate and District Heritage Centre. SGMRG May 2009. £12.00. 104 pages, profusely illustrated with photographs from Burrows, Dorothy Hewitt and English Heritage.
This book was put together to commemorate the closure of Frog Lane Colliery- the last deep pit in the Bristol Coalfield. Frog Lane (Coal Pit Heath) has been briefly covered in other books, but this book not only covers the colliery details, but oral history of the surviving miners and their families. The colliery started to be sunk round about 1853, was taken over by NCB in 1947 and finally closed in 1949 due to limited reserves in the two workable seams coupled with increased pumping load following the closure of Parkfield in 1936. Again a very readable book and puts everything into context.
- The Knife and Fork Man (The life and work of Charles Benjamin Redrup)
Bill Fairney (2007)
- The Industrial Archaeology ofthe Bristol Region
Buchanan, R. A. and Cossons, N.
(1969). The pioneering book
- The Batsford Guide to the I.A. of Central Southern England
Buchanan, C. A. and Buchanan, R. A. (1980).
Lists of sites are provided
- Guide to the Industrial Heritage of Avon
Day, J. A. (1987). Lists of sites are provided
- The Making of Modern Bristol
Dresser, M. and Ollerenshaw, P. (1996).
Useful book on related economic and business
development
- Bristol & Co: the story of
Bristol's long-running businesses 1710 to the present day
Reid, H. (1987). Useful book on related economic and business
development
- Somerset IAS has re-issued “Men and Mining on the Quantocks” by John Hamilton.
The book, originally published in the 1970’s has been unavailable for many years.
It describes the somewhat ill-fated attempts to mine copper in the late eighteenth/ early nineteenth centuries in the
region of Dodington near Nether Stowey. The original author has continued to research the subject and the new edition
is much enlarged, and includes other mining ventures in the region.
The book will be available at BIAS meetings from Geoff Fitton at £10. It can be ordered from Geoff at Giles Cottage,
Hill Lane, Brent Knoll TA9 4DF with a cheque to SIAS for £12.50 to cover postage
- Kingswood Coal - new book
10 April 2008: 40 pages of information about coalfields in Bristol and South Gloucestershire
produced by South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group.
http://www.sgmrg.co.uk/kingswoodcoal
for more details, Kingswood Coal flyer to order
- "The History of the Somerset Coalfield" by C. G. Down and A. J. Warrington. Originally published in 1971,
this book is considered by many to be the definitive history of coal mining in Somerset. Containing many
photographs, maps and
diagrams, this 288 page hardback book costs £25 plus £2.75 for delivery. Reprinted by the Bristol Industrial Museum
- "My life as a Somerset Miner" by A. J. Parfitt.(Price £4.50), while "Somerset Mining Memories" is available on
DVD or video at £15.99. Reprinted by the Bristol Industrial Museum
- The annual issues of BIAS Journal
contain reports on local research
and reviews of most IA books published in recent years.
- Avon Local History Handbook
Moore, J. S. (ed.) (1979)
includes guidance to sources on transport, industry and other features of
modern urban life, as do references in articles in BIAS Journal.
- The Industrial Archaeology and Industrial History of South Western
England a Bibliography
Greenwood, J. (1999) provides a comprehensive list of publications
on all aspects of IA in the region.
- The Newcomen Society
http://www.newcomen.com/.
world's oldest learned society devoted to the study of the history of engineering and technology.
Concerned with all branches of engineering: civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, aeronautical,
marine, chemical and manufacturing.Transactions form an extensive archive with a strong academic foundation. This archive is now available
on line
Useful websites:
- Know your place
Explore historic maps of Bristol (1840s tithe maps, 19th, 20th century ordnance survey maps, Ashmead's plans of the central area
from 1828, 1855, 1874
- BBC
- University of
Bristol library catalogue
-
Bristol City Council Record Officein a
former bonded warehouse in Cumberland Basin,
has searchable computerised archives (open Monday to Thursday)
-
LibrariesWest is a partnership between Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset and South Gloucestershire public library services.
Search the catalogue and reserve online.
- The Central Reference Library in College Green (open every day) has
all its archives in card trays
still.
It has a complete set of Matthews Guides to Bristol, electoral rolls, as
well as newspapers on microfilm.
- National Archives of the United Kingdom
-
Transactions of the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society.
Access to the General Index (1876-1993), the Contents Pages (1876-2002) and the full contents of eleven volumes (Vols. 95-105).
- http://www.old-maps.co.uk gives access
to old OS maps of end of 19th century
-
New website to promote cultural delights of English heritage cities.
Click on Bristol
- History of Clifton Rocks Railway" includes pictures of the tunnel today
- Clifton Suspension
Bridge website
- Pigot's Directory for 1830
With Clifton, Bedminster, Ashton, Brislington, Pill, Stapleton, etc.
This transcription contains 6,501 names, occupations and addresses of the residents of Bristol England that have been extracted from the micro-fiche of Pigot's Directory of Gloucestershire for 1830. It is divided into four sections. Useful for genealogists.
- Newcomen Society.
The Society, thanks to a generous bequest, has developed an on-line archive of its Transactions dating back to 1920.
These are now available on line in Acrobat (PDF) format, to search, browse through, download and print out.