Old Oak Common (Crossrail XSU10)

Watching Brief and Evaluation - The archaeological works were carried out intermittently from March 2011 until April 2015 and comprised Trial Trenching, Targeted and General Watching Briefs. These took place during the demolition and remodelling of a former Motive Power Depot to create a maintenance depot and stabling facilities for Bombardier Rail who will be responsible for the maintenance and servicing of Crossrail traction and rolling stock. The depot, which was designed by the Great Western Railway's chief locomotive superintendent J. C. Churchward was an important component of, what was at the time, one of the country's most innovative railways. As the first of a number of new locomotive depots built by the Great Western Railway during the Churchward era, the layout of Old Oak Common served as the template for those that followed. The majority of which were closed and demolished in the late 1960s. Until its closure in 2009 the Old Oak Common Depot represented the last remaining 'factory' repair facility on the former GWR network. The below ground remains of a number of structures were uncovered and recorded during the project. These included parts of a large brick built turntable pit, sections of a brick built engine shed as well as a number of below ground brick built inspection pits and the remains of a Second World War Air raid shelter. Non-Listed Built Heritage Recording Report - During 2010 and 2011, Oxford Archaeology, in partnership with Ramboll (OA Ramboll, Crossrail contract C254) undertook a programme of non-listed built heritage recording (NLBH) at Old Oak Common Train Maintenance Depot in Acton, London, on behalf of Crossrail.