2017:033 - Forrmer Ulster Weavers Factory, Annesborough, Down

Archaeological trenching was carried out at the site of the former Ulster Weavers Factory, Annesborough, Co Down. No areas of archaeological significance or artefacts were recovered from the trenching. While there was a chance of prehistoric or early historic remains surviving at subsoil surface level, the most likely remains would have related to the industrial complex here which from the 1830s into the 20th century related to linen bleach works. It should be noted that the OS maps indicate that for much of the 19th century the site featured no buildings or major ponds, etc., these were located to the north. The site would appear to have simply been part of the bleach green area which is essentially non-structural.

An exception to this was a possible part of a chain of millponds in the north of the site and an uncertain relationship to various sluices, etc., nearby to the north. It is only at some point in the late 19th or early 20th century that the new Greenvale bleach works building, which replaced the old bleach mill to the north, was placed within the current proposed development site. We understand that the structures of that period were added to as the 20th century progressed. The fact they were not classified as ‘Listed’ and have since been cleared reflects the fact that these remains were not an early part of the huge linen-related complex in Annsborough.

NAC, Farset Enterprise Park, 638 Springfield Road, Belfast, BT12 7DY