Digital Data from Archaeological Investigations at Clay Lane, Clay Cross, Derbyshire, 2021-2022

This collection comprises site records, images, and CAD data from archaeological investigations at Clay Lane, Clay Cross, Derbyshire, 2021-22.

The purpose of the works was to excavate an initial seven trial trenches to evaluate the nature of any archaeological remains that may have been preserved on site. The trial trenches were located to target the potential remains of an 18th/19th century farmstead, later taken on by the Stephenson Company, and areas not previously disturbed. In consultation with the Derbyshire County Council Archaeologist and based on the results of the trial trenching, it was decided that an additional phase of works comprising a small scale strip, map and record programme, was required in order to fully understand and record the significant archaeological remains present. This entailed the open excavation and identified the truncated remains of three buildings likely related to the nearby colliery and ironworks. Most of the walls survived only to their foundation courses. The main detached building on the eastern side of the site contained the remains of two cellars; one of which likely functioned as a large coal store. The buildings on the site were entirely demolished by the time of the 1970 OS map and the site appears to have remained unoccupied until the present development.