Cradley Heath

Client: Keon Homes

Location: West Midlands

Services Provided:

• Desk Based Assessment including setting assessment

Rather unusually an archaeological desk-based assessment was required by condition for the residential development of a former chain and anchor works at Cradley Heath to identify whether any further archaeological works should be undertaken in advance of, or during, development of the site. The Stour Valley, within which Cradley Heath is located, became an important centre for the iron industry in the 17th century and by the 18th century manufacturing had grown considerably. In the 18th and 19th centuries there was a marked specialisation in the goods being produced from town to town and Cradley Heath became the centre of the chain and anchor making industry. GHC were able to demonstrate that the former chain and anchor works on the site were relatively late and other than being able to recover the plan form, which is largely provided by map evidence, it was unlikely that any below ground archaeological remains would survive that could make any meaningful contribution to the understanding of the development of the industry. No further archaeological works were required.