CONTRACTORS working on the multi-million pound University technical College in the Weavers’ Triangle have unearthed evidence of the area’s Industrial revolution heritage. Experts from oxford archaeology north spent 10 days in the mill yard next to Victoria Mill, off Trafalgar street, recording and archiving finds.
Their work has been passed to Lancashire County Council to be kept on record so future generations have an important insight into Burnley’s industrial past.
Evidence of the industrial archaeology came to light when contractors working for developer Barnfield Construction, which is converting the £10.3m. Visions Learning Trust UTC carried out an exploratory dig in the old mill yard. on excavating an open area measuring 40ft and 3ft deep at the former Waterloo Iron Works, the dig uncovered evidence of industrial boilers and confirmed the site was used for a major textile loom making operation. Coun. Andy Tatchell, Burnley Council’s Executive member for regeneration and economic development, said: “This discovery of old industrial features shows what an important economic centre the Weavers’ Triangle was.
“The secret now is to regenerate the area and make it just as important in the 21st Century. The UTC is part of that work to make Burnley’s industrial heart beat again. It will play a key part in making the Weavers’ Triangle the focus for Burnley’s high-tech future.
“The discovery hasn’t effected the work on the UTC and we were happy to work with Barnfield and experts from Oxford Archaeology North so the find could be properly recorded for prosperity.”
Work began this month to transform the Grade II listed Victoria Mill into the home of Visions Learning Trust UTC. Waterloo Iron Works was built in the mid19th Century and was initially owned by John Bond, alocal loommaker, who sold the business in 1887.
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