ONE of the region's most important archaeological sites could be restored if a bid for almost £400,000 of lottery money is successful.
Gateshead Council is to submit bids to English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund for the cash to restore the eighteenth century Winlaton Ironworks dam complex near Winlaton Mill, on the banks of the River Derwent.
The remains form part of the former Crowley Ironworks, which were founded by Sir Ambrose Crowley in 1697, and developed into the first fully integrated iron foundry and iron goods manufacturing plant in Europe.
The site is widely recognised as an important example of early industrialisation and English Heritage believe the site to be of national archaeological importance.
The remains of the dam complex came to light during recent reclamation works at the former Derwenthaugh Cokeworks.
Excavations to reclaim the derelict site revealed much of the remains of the ironworks dam complex - and showed them to be substantially complete.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article