Former PYE's Warehouse, Lancaster- Building Survey Report

An archaeological building survey was undertaken in February 2002 of the proposed development site of the former Pye’s warehouse, Damside Street, Lancaster (NY 4702 2937 - Fig 1), by Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) on behalf of Persimmon Homes (Lancashire) Ltd.
The survey comprised an outline analysis of the form, function, age and development of the warehouse, consistent to RCHM(E) Level II standards, where Health and Safety constraints permitted. Unfortunately, it was not possible to gain safe access to the structure, and thus only the exterior was surveyed. The survey also included the production of a scaled drawing of the eastern elevation, showing the earliest fabric and architectural detail in outline.
The warehouse is Grade II Listed and comprises two nineteenth century wharf warehouses fronted onto the quayside, with twentieth century additions to the south and west. The two nineteenth century warehouses appear well preserved, retaining many original features. Both were slightly unusual in their construction, the northern warehouse being canted to the west, and the southern warehouse having an asymmetrical apex, suggesting it butted a building to the south. Although functional in their design, both nineteenth century warehouses showed several purely aesthetic architectural features, such as convex corbel stones and moulded timber hoist covers.