2008 PROJECT SELECTION

77-79 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness. Cumbria: Building Recording (Level 2)

Following a planning application by Barrow Borough Council for the renovation of two Grade II Listed derelict shops on Duke Street in Barrow-in-Furness, Greenlane Archaeology were commissioned to undertake an archaeological building recording. While the physical recording of the building proved useful in highlighting certain cosmetic changes to the interior of the properties, it was historical documentary sources that were most helpful in elucidating the shop’s physical development as well as the architects and businesses that were linked to the buildings.

An early photograph of the premises dated c1900

Modern view of the front elevations

Ordnance Survey map that illustrates the planned street pattern (c1873)

The documentary sources consulted included deposited plans, maps, census information, trade directories and books by local historians. These sources revealed that the shops had been built around 1865, and were an early part of the planned commercial streets of the rapidly expanding town whose grid pattern of streets was proposed by James Ramsden as early as 1856. The buildings were at the centre of the town and had a commercial as well as residential function. It seems likely that they were constructed by William Gradwell who was responsible for the construction of much of Duke Street. Gradwell was a local builder who had close ties with a ‘syndicate’ of local businessmen who were largely responsible for the town’s early growth. Pre-1880 bricks produced by Gradwell were evident in the building’s early repairs; this indicates the extensive business portfolio of the man who later became the town’s mayor.

Advert dated 1871 for the occupier of No. 79

Advert dated 1871 for the occupier of No. 77

The businesses known to have been conducted at these properties include a printer, a hatter, a watch and clockmaker, a jeweller, a grocer, a draper, and a pram shop. It would appear that the first resident of 79 Duke Street, Joseph Richardson the printer, fell out of favour with the town’s syndicate. He used the power of the press to attack James Ramsden by accusing him of stealing his ideas for the town’s development from his first newspaper the Barrow Times!