Archaeological Watching Brief
Former Site of Washington House, Central Salford: Plot B7 (New Bailey Prison)

Whittall, Kirsty

Abstract

The Centre for Applied Archaeology, University of Salford (CfAA) was commissioned by Phil Marsden (Muse Developments, acting on behalf of English Cities Fund) to undertake an archaeological watching brief on the former site of Washington House, New Bailey Street, Salford (centred on SJ 83237 98406). This was part of a scheme known as Central Salford Regeneration and a programme of archaeological works has already been carried out by the Centre on this area. The wider area was once home to New Bailey Prison and previous works have already revealed the well preserved remains of this site (e.g. Nash 2013; Reader 2014; Reader 2015).
In light of previous results of archaeological works, a watching brief was required to be maintained as part of the demolition works at Washington House. This included the removal of concrete foundation slabs and stanchions below the current ground surface, as well as observing a series of geological trial pits. The work took place over a four day period between 25th June and 1st July 2015.
The remains of New Bailey Prison were found to be in varying states of preservation across the site, with remains observed exceeding depths of 1.50m below the current ground surface. However due to the limited nature of the current programme of investigations, further archaeological work is recommended to ascertain the full extent of the remains prior to any further redevelopment of the site.

Citation

Former Site of Washington House, Central Salford: Plot B7 (New Bailey Prison)

• Other Type: Teaching Resource
• Deposit Date: Oct 5, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 5, 2017
• Additional Information: Data type : Technical Reports; Location of work : Salford, Manchester; Type of work : Excavation; Period : Post-Medieval