The Swan Public House, Astley Gate, Blackburn, Lancashire. Rapid Desk-Based Assessment, Archaeological Building Investigation and Watching Brief.

A new development in Blackburn, Lancashire, known as Cathedral Village, which incorporates both Market Street Lane and Astley Gate, will affect a number of buildings in the area. All of the buildings within the proposed development area were subject to an archaeological building assessment in 2005 (OA North 2005), which identified buildings of archaeological significance. The Swan Public House on Astley Gate SD 681 280 (earmarked for demolition) was identified and recommendations were made to carry out a more detailed building investigation.
Subsequently, a scheme of archaeological investigations including an English Heritage Level II-type building survey, a rapid desk-based assessment and watching briefs were recommended by Lancashire County Archaeological Service. Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) were commissioned by Brighouse Construction to carry out the work in February 2007.
Demolition of the Swan Hotel was due to be carried out following the building investigation. Unfortunately, demolition of building was commenced early, which
resulted in the curtailment of the building survey after only two days. Instructions from the demolition contractors forbade all access to the building due to health and
safety restrictions. This resulted in a very limited building investigation record and the full extent of the required survey could not be carried out.