SLR archaeologists carry out first survey at a former munitions manufacturing site.

SLR archaeologists have carried out the first full study of the Royal Ordnance Factories (ROFs) at Featherstone, Staffordshire, one of Britain's munitions manufacturing sites during the Second World War and Cold War.


SLR was commissioned to carry out surveying work by BAE (formally British Aerospace) who wanted to record the site prior to its demolition.

SLR archaeologist George Nash said: “It is the general principle of archaeology that the further one goes back in time, the more inaccessible the past becomes. However here is a site of less than 100 years old of which very little is known and shrouded in mystery because of its sensitive past.”

When surveying the site SLR archaeologists discovered what would have been the main manufacturing areas, administration block, welfare and health and safety and protection area. They also located what would have once been the infirmary littered with old field stretchers giving the appearance of a secure decontamination unit for use in the event of a gas attack.

George said: “Within the study area we recorded 40 buildings or structures that date from around 1942, with probable later buildings – based on two distinct styles of brickwork and brick type – dating to around 1950 that may be the result of the need for munitions for the Korean War.

“Every archaeology project is exciting as you never know what you will find. SLR can offer an integrated and comprehensive service and our team has over 20 years of experience in the discipline, project managing small and large scale jobs, in a single capacity or acting as part of a multi-disciplinary team.”

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe