Information for record number MWA272:
Minions' Wharf, Atherstone, N Warwickshire

Summary The site of Minions Wharf, a canal wharf and basin where vessels would have loaded and unloaded goods. It was constructed during the Imperial period and was situated 50m west of Coleshill Road, Atherstone.
What Is It?  
Type: Canal, Canal Basin, Canal Wharf, Building
Period: Imperial - Industrial (1751 AD - 1913 AD)
Where Is It?  
Parish: Atherstone
District: North Warwickshire, Warwickshire
Grid Reference: SP 30 97
(Data represented on this map shows the current selected record as a single point, this is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an accurate or complete representation of archaeological sites or features)
Level of Protection National - Old SMR PrefRef (Grade: )
Listed Building (Grade: II)
Sites & Monuments Record
Picture(s) attached

  
Description

  
Source Number  

1 The original coal wharf for Atherstone was constructed around 1771. The basin, E stable block and large warehouse date from this time. This is the best surviving example in the county and is not easy to match elsewhere in the Midlands. Although the buildings are dilapidated and the basin filled in, the full working arrangement is potentially recoverable.
2 The basin has been filled in and is derelict land. The surrounding buildings are empty and falling into ruins. The site is presently occupied by a car repair firm.
3 Photographs taken in 1977.
4 Sketch map.
5 Most of the wharf has now been built over. The remaining lock and basin are listed.
 
Sources
Source No: 5
Source Type: Aerial Photograph
Title: Modern Aerial Photography (High Resolution)
Author/originator: Blue Sky/Warwickshire County Council
Date: 2007
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Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 5
Source Type: Aerial Photograph
Title: Modern Aerial Photography (High Resolution)
Author/originator: Warwickshire County Council
Date: 2000
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 1
Source Type: Correspondence
Title: Minion's Wharf, Atherstone
Author/originator: Lamb R G
Date: 1977
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Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 4
Source Type: Plan
Title: Minion's Wharf, Atherstone.
Author/originator:
Date:
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 3
Source Type: Record Card/Form
Title: SMR card: photograph
Author/originator:
Date: 2005
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 2
Source Type: Record Card/Form
Title: SMR card : text
Author/originator: JMG
Date:
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Images:  
Minion's Wharf, Atherstone
Copyright: Warwickshire County Council
Date: 1977
Click here for larger image  
 
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Glossary

 
Word or Phrase
Description  
designation Listed Building Buildings and structures, such as bridges, that are of architectural or historical importance are placed on a statutory list. These buildings are protected by planning and conservation acts that ensure that their special features of interest are considered before any alterations are made to them.

Depending on how important the buildings are they are classed as Grade I, Grade II* or Grade II. Grade I buildings are those of exceptional interest. Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest. Those listed as Grade II are those buildings that are regarded of special interest.
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source SMR Card Sites and Monuments Record Card. The Warwickshire Sites and Monuments Record began to be developed during the 1970s. The details of individual archaeological sites and findspots were written on record cards. These record cards were used until the 1990s, when their details were entered on to a computerised system. The record cards are still kept at the office of the Warwickshire Sites and Monuments Record. back
technique Aerial Photograph Aerial photographs are taken during an aerial survey, which involves looking at the ground from above. It is usually easier to see cropmarks and earthworks when they are viewed from above. Aerial photographs help archaeologists to record what they see and to identify new sites. There are two kinds of aerial photographs; oblique and vertical. back
period Modern The Modern Period, about 1915 AD to the present (the 20th and 21st centuries AD)

In recent years archaeologists have realised the importance of recording modern sites. They do this so that in the future people will be able to look at the remains to help them understand the events to which they are related.
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period Imperial 1751 AD to 1914 AD (end of the 18th century AD to the beginning of the 20th century AD)

This period comes after the Post Medieval period and before the modern period and starts with beginning of the Industrial Revolution in 1750. It includes the second part of the Hannoverian period (1714 – 1836) and the Victorian period (1837 – 1901). The Imperial period ends with the start of the First World War in 1914.
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period modern About 1915 AD to the present (the 20th and 21st centuries AD)

In recent years archaeologists have realised the importance of recording modern sites. They do this so that in the future people will be able to look at the remains to help them understand the events to which they are related.
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monument SITE * Unclassifiable site with minimal information. Specify site type wherever possible. back
monument BUILDING * A structure with a roof to provide shelter from the weather for occupants or contents. Use specific type where known. back
monument LOCK * A section of the water channel on a canal or river shut off above and below by lock gates provided with sluices to let the water out and in, and thus raise or lower boats from one level to another. Use more specific type where known. back
monument CANAL * An artificial navigable waterway used for the transportation of goods. Nowadays also used for recreational purposes. back
monument WAREHOUSE * A building or part of a building used for the storage of goods or merchandise. Use more specific type where known. back
monument ROAD * A way between different places, used by horses, travellers on foot and vehicles. back
monument INDUSTRIAL * This is the top term for the class. See INDUSTRIAL Class List for narrow terms. back
monument WHARF * A large wooden structure built alongside the water's edge where ships may lie for unloading. back
monument CANAL WHARF * A large wooden structure built alongside the edge of a canal where narrow boats may lie for the loading and unloading of goods. back
monument STABLE * A building in which horses are accommodated. back
monument CANAL BASIN * An open area of water, usually artificial and enclosed by dock gates or locks, lined with wharves and warehouses, where barges, narrow boats and other canal vessels can load and unload goods and supplies. back

* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)

English Heritage National Monuments Record