The History and Archaeology of Hendon Sidings Enterprise Zone, Adjacent to Prospect Row, Port of Sunderland

Abstract

ABSTRACT Developer-funded archaeological investigations were undertaken by Archaeological Research Services Ltd within Hendon Sidings Enterprise Zone at the Port of Sunderland in March 2021 and during the summer and autumn of 2022, prior to the commencement of engineering works including alterations to existing access routes and reprofiling of the area. The works were undertaken on behalf of Esh Construction. Evaluation trenching in 2021 identified the remains of the well-preserved roundhouse and a portion of the associated turntable, which was then fully exposed during subsequent open-area excavation. The work revealed the iron fittings associated with the mechanical structures of the turntable pit, in addition to inspection pits for engines and steam railcars, culverts, three well-preserved ‘straight’ engine sheds and associated structures. Unlike the roundhouse, thought to have been demolished in the 1960s, the engine sheds underwent reconstruction and refurbishment to accommodate the larger diesel engines in the mid- to late 20th century. Many of the structures associated with the western engine sheds similarly date to around this time, although some of the sandstone foundations and boundary walls appeared to be of a later date and had not been subjected to the same level of dieselisation as other areas of the sheds.