Greenesfield Railway Works, smith's shop paving

Wooden block paving recorded under tarmac surfacing 10m west of the NE corner of the Engine Works. The paving may belong to the Smith's Shops erected between 1856-1871. The surface would have been an internal surface to the shops. Wood block paving was once commonly used as a shock-absorbing surface. The surface was recorded during the stripping of the tarmac in 2003. The blocks appeared to be of oak commonly c.200mm x 60mm x 100mm. They are closely set on a bitumen base over sand. The upper surfaces were worn and affected by damp. The block paving respects trackways of narrow gauge iron rails and a wooden 'rail' - the function of which is unclear.