Early prehistoric remains, including a Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age post-built structure, we... more Early prehistoric remains, including a Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age post-built structure, were discovered during archaeological mitigation works carried out to the north of Townhead Road, Dalston, Cumbria (centred on NY 3677 5020). The groundworks also confirmed the presence of an early field system identified during a preceding magnetometer survey (CFA Archaeology 2013). Later remains associated with medieval ploughing and post-medieval field boundaries, including an earthwork that formed the north-eastern and eastern boundaries of the site, were also recorded.
Evidence of medieval activity and the remains of a Second World War air-raid shelter were discove... more Evidence of medieval activity and the remains of a Second World War air-raid shelter were discovered during archaeological investigations associated with the construction of a new 120 place primary school in Kirk Merrington.
Archaeological monitoring, undertaken as part of the upgrading of access tracks on Barningham Moo... more Archaeological monitoring, undertaken as part of the upgrading of access tracks on Barningham Moor, identified a concentration of lithics within a thin palaeosol close to the scheduled Badger Way Stoop cairnfield. Due to the extent of this soil remnant, and its association with the cairnfield, which lies immediately to the south, 11 1 m by 1 m test-pits were hand-excavated along the development route to obtain a sample of the artefacts. Twenty-three lithic artefacts were recovered, five of which could be assigned to the Late Mesolithic or Early Neolithic periods. As a result, the assemblage predates the presumed age of the cairnfield, which is suggested to date to the Bronze Age, suggesting that the area may have been a focus for an extended period of prehistoric activity. Full reference: Robinson, G. & Foulds F.W.F. 2017. A Late Mesolithic or Early Neolithic findspot on Barningham Moor, County Durham, UK. Lithics: the Journal of the Lithic Studies Society 38: 32–39. Keywords: cairn...
In 2015, excavations at Stainton Quarry, Furness, Cumbria, recovered remains that provide a uniqu... more In 2015, excavations at Stainton Quarry, Furness, Cumbria, recovered remains that provide a unique insight into Early Neolithic farming in the vicinity. Five pits, a post-hole, and deposits within a tree-throw and three crevices in a limestone outcrop were investigated. The latter deposits yielded potentially the largest assemblage of Carinated Bowl fragments yet recovered in Cumbria. Lipid analysis identified dairy fats within nine of these sherds. This was consistent with previous larger studies but represents the first evidence that dairying was an important component of Early Neolithic subsistence strategies in Cumbria. In addition, two deliberately broken polished stone axes, an Arran pitchstone core, a small number of flint tools and debitage, and a tuff flake were retrieved. The site also produced moderate amounts of charred grain, hazelnut shell, charcoal, and burnt bone. Most of the charred grain came from an Early Neolithic pit and potentially comprises the largest assembl...
In 2015, excavations at Stainton Quarry, Furness, Cumbria, recovered remains that provide a uniqu... more In 2015, excavations at Stainton Quarry, Furness, Cumbria, recovered remains that provide a unique insight into Early Neolithic farming in the vicinity. Five pits, a post-hole, and deposits within a tree-throw and three crevices in a limestone outcrop were investigated. The latter deposits yielded potentially the largest assemblage of Carinated Bowl fragments yet recovered in Cumbria. Lipid analysis identified dairy fats within nine of these sherds. This was consistent with previous larger studies but represents the first evidence that dairying was an important component of Early Neolithic subsistence strategies in Cumbria. In addition, two deliberately broken polished stone axes, an Arran pitchstone core, a small number of flint tools and debitage, and a tuff flake were retrieved. The site also produced moderate amounts of charred grain, hazelnut shell, charcoal, and burnt bone. Most of the charred grain came from an Early Neolithic pit and potentially comprises the largest assemblage of such material recovered from Cumbria to date. Radiocarbon dating indicated activity sometime during the 40th-35th centuries cal BC as well as an earlier presence during the 46th-45th centuries. Later activity during the Chalcolithic and the Early Bronze Age was also demonstrated. The dense concentration of material and the fragmentary and abraded nature of the pottery suggested redeposition from an above-ground midden. Furthermore, the data recovered during the investigation has wider implications regarding the nature and use of the surrounding landscape during the Early Neolithic and suggests higher levels of settlement permanence, greater reliance on domesticated resources, and a possible different topographical focus for settlement than currently proposed.
Over the winter of 2012/13, a team from NAA
worked on behalf of the Environment Agency during
gro... more Over the winter of 2012/13, a team from NAA worked on behalf of the Environment Agency during groundworks associated with the Tees Tidal Flood Risk Management Strategy. The project included construction of a new flood embankment and the creation of salt flat, freshwater and grassland habitats to the south-east of Greatham village, Hartlepool. Evidence of human activity along the fringe of the prehistoric and Roman salt marshes was recorded close to Marsh House Farm. This included previously unknown funerary and settlement evidence spanning several thousand years of activity (approximately 4000BC to AD410).
A previously unknown Romano-British settlement was discovered during archaeological monitoring of... more A previously unknown Romano-British settlement was discovered during archaeological monitoring of topsoil stripping along the 14km construction corridor of the Yorkshire Derwent Aqueduct water pipeline between Elvington and Riccall. The site was located close to Millfield Farm, Wheldrake, to the southeast of York (SE 668 443) and fieldwork was undertaken during the summer of 2002. The site comprised a concentration of settlement related features that extended for a length of 75m along the pipeline corridor. The area of excavation was dictated by the route of the pipeline and formed a narrow strip across a corner of the settlement. Due to heavy truncation and a limited area of excavation detailed phasing of the site was not possible. However, five broad phases of activity have been identified based on stratigraphic analysis of excavated features and assessment of datable finds. The pottery broadly dated to the 3rd to 4th century AD with some possibly from the late 2nd century AD. The general layout of the features suggested a small settlement existing on high ground that dominated a largely flat landscape. The earliest phase of activity comprised two inter-cut ring gullies that probably represented two phases of roundhouse construction. These were superseded in the second phase by a sequence of short linear gullies that may have been part of rectangular timber structures within a ditched enclosure. The settlement during Phase II included at least two enclosures and a small cemetery and possibly a trackway, presumably on the edge of the area of occupation. This area may have been built on during Phase III as the settlement expanded along the trackway. The full extent of the Romano-British phases of settlement is still unknown as only limited excavation within the pipeline corridor was undertaken. The features and artefact concentrations suggest that the main focus of activity was located on the summit of the ridge, immediately to the southeast of the excavation. Evidence that a stone walled Roman-style building may have been built within the vicinity of the excavated area existed in the form of tegula and imbrex roof tiles, box flue-tiles, concentrations of stone within a number of features and a lead wall plug. A number of iron and lead fragments were discovered along with nails, tools, part of a quern stone, a broken amber bead and a worn hollow-ware fragment of fine whiteware, moulded into the form of a female face. Limited evidence of metalworking, cultivation of cereals and animal husbandry at the site was recovered, though no specific features were identified as being associated with these activities. All of the Romano-British period features were truncated by a later phase of activity represented by in-filled plough furrows of medieval date. The furrows were on an
Evidence of medieval activity and the remains of a Second World War air-raid shelter were discove... more Evidence of medieval activity and the remains of a Second World War air-raid shelter were discovered during archaeological investigations associated with the construction of a new 120 place primary school in Kirk Merrington.
A community archaeology project developed as part of the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership ... more A community archaeology project developed as part of the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership scheme was carried out in the autumn of 2015 by Northern Archaeological Associates (NAA) and a small team of dedicated volunteers. The project investigated two rock art panels previously discovered near Hawkesley Hill Farm by Paul and Barbara Brown.
Lithics: the journal of the Lithic Studies Society, 2017
Archaeological monitoring, undertaken as part of the upgrading of access tracks on Barningham Moo... more Archaeological monitoring, undertaken as part of the upgrading of access tracks on Barningham Moor, identified a concentration of lithics within a thin palaeosol close to the scheduled Badger Way Stoop cairnfield. Due to the extent of this soil remnant, and its association with the cairnfield, which lies immediately to the south, 11 1 m by 1 m test-pits were hand-excavated along the development route to obtain a sample of the artefacts. Twenty-three lithic artefacts were recovered, five of which could be assigned to the Late Mesolithic or Early Neolithic periods. As a result, the assemblage predates the presumed age of the cairnfield, which is suggested to date to the Bronze Age, suggesting that the area may have been a focus for an extended period of prehistoric activity.
Archaeological monitoring, undertaken as part of the upgrading of access tracks on Barningham Moo... more Archaeological monitoring, undertaken as part of the upgrading of access tracks on Barningham Moor, identified a concentration of lithics within a thin palaeosol close to the scheduled Badger Way Stoop cairnfield. Due to the extent of this soil remnant, and its association with the cairnfield, which lies immediately to the south, 11 1 m by 1 m test-pits were hand-excavated along the development route to obtain a sample of the artefacts. Twenty-three lithic artefacts were recovered, five of which could be assigned to the Late Mesolithic or Early Neolithic periods. As a result, the assemblage predates the presumed age of the cairnfield, which is suggested to date to the Bronze Age, suggesting that the area may have been a focus for an extended period of prehistoric activity.
A possible lead smelting bale was recorded during archaeological monitoring associated with a new... more A possible lead smelting bale was recorded during archaeological monitoring associated with a new potable water pipeline at Hawkswick, Littondale, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The monitoring was undertaken by Northern Archaeological Associates for Morrison Utility Services on behalf of Yorkshire Water Services Ltd in July and August 2011. The bale were located at the foot of High Wind Bank (SD 9705 6933), approximately 2m to the north-east of the modern road. The pipeline route avoided the majority of a mound which, based on its form and an assessment of the recovered slag by Dr Simon Timberlake, may have been associated with an early lead-smelting site. Charcoal fragments extracted from within the slag were radiocarbon dated, producing a date range of cal AD 1298 to cal AD 1420 (SUERC 38046) at a probability of 95.4%.
Early prehistoric remains, including a Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age post-built structure, we... more Early prehistoric remains, including a Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age post-built structure, were discovered during archaeological mitigation works carried out to the north of Townhead Road, Dalston, Cumbria (centred on NY 3677 5020). The groundworks also confirmed the presence of an early field system identified during a preceding magnetometer survey (CFA Archaeology 2013). Later remains associated with medieval ploughing and post-medieval field boundaries, including an earthwork that formed the north-eastern and eastern boundaries of the site, were also recorded.
Early prehistoric remains, including a Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age post-built structure, we... more Early prehistoric remains, including a Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age post-built structure, were discovered during archaeological mitigation works carried out to the north of Townhead Road, Dalston, Cumbria (centred on NY 3677 5020). The groundworks also confirmed the presence of an early field system identified during a preceding magnetometer survey (CFA Archaeology 2013). Later remains associated with medieval ploughing and post-medieval field boundaries, including an earthwork that formed the north-eastern and eastern boundaries of the site, were also recorded.
Evidence of medieval activity and the remains of a Second World War air-raid shelter were discove... more Evidence of medieval activity and the remains of a Second World War air-raid shelter were discovered during archaeological investigations associated with the construction of a new 120 place primary school in Kirk Merrington.
Archaeological monitoring, undertaken as part of the upgrading of access tracks on Barningham Moo... more Archaeological monitoring, undertaken as part of the upgrading of access tracks on Barningham Moor, identified a concentration of lithics within a thin palaeosol close to the scheduled Badger Way Stoop cairnfield. Due to the extent of this soil remnant, and its association with the cairnfield, which lies immediately to the south, 11 1 m by 1 m test-pits were hand-excavated along the development route to obtain a sample of the artefacts. Twenty-three lithic artefacts were recovered, five of which could be assigned to the Late Mesolithic or Early Neolithic periods. As a result, the assemblage predates the presumed age of the cairnfield, which is suggested to date to the Bronze Age, suggesting that the area may have been a focus for an extended period of prehistoric activity. Full reference: Robinson, G. & Foulds F.W.F. 2017. A Late Mesolithic or Early Neolithic findspot on Barningham Moor, County Durham, UK. Lithics: the Journal of the Lithic Studies Society 38: 32–39. Keywords: cairn...
In 2015, excavations at Stainton Quarry, Furness, Cumbria, recovered remains that provide a uniqu... more In 2015, excavations at Stainton Quarry, Furness, Cumbria, recovered remains that provide a unique insight into Early Neolithic farming in the vicinity. Five pits, a post-hole, and deposits within a tree-throw and three crevices in a limestone outcrop were investigated. The latter deposits yielded potentially the largest assemblage of Carinated Bowl fragments yet recovered in Cumbria. Lipid analysis identified dairy fats within nine of these sherds. This was consistent with previous larger studies but represents the first evidence that dairying was an important component of Early Neolithic subsistence strategies in Cumbria. In addition, two deliberately broken polished stone axes, an Arran pitchstone core, a small number of flint tools and debitage, and a tuff flake were retrieved. The site also produced moderate amounts of charred grain, hazelnut shell, charcoal, and burnt bone. Most of the charred grain came from an Early Neolithic pit and potentially comprises the largest assembl...
In 2015, excavations at Stainton Quarry, Furness, Cumbria, recovered remains that provide a uniqu... more In 2015, excavations at Stainton Quarry, Furness, Cumbria, recovered remains that provide a unique insight into Early Neolithic farming in the vicinity. Five pits, a post-hole, and deposits within a tree-throw and three crevices in a limestone outcrop were investigated. The latter deposits yielded potentially the largest assemblage of Carinated Bowl fragments yet recovered in Cumbria. Lipid analysis identified dairy fats within nine of these sherds. This was consistent with previous larger studies but represents the first evidence that dairying was an important component of Early Neolithic subsistence strategies in Cumbria. In addition, two deliberately broken polished stone axes, an Arran pitchstone core, a small number of flint tools and debitage, and a tuff flake were retrieved. The site also produced moderate amounts of charred grain, hazelnut shell, charcoal, and burnt bone. Most of the charred grain came from an Early Neolithic pit and potentially comprises the largest assemblage of such material recovered from Cumbria to date. Radiocarbon dating indicated activity sometime during the 40th-35th centuries cal BC as well as an earlier presence during the 46th-45th centuries. Later activity during the Chalcolithic and the Early Bronze Age was also demonstrated. The dense concentration of material and the fragmentary and abraded nature of the pottery suggested redeposition from an above-ground midden. Furthermore, the data recovered during the investigation has wider implications regarding the nature and use of the surrounding landscape during the Early Neolithic and suggests higher levels of settlement permanence, greater reliance on domesticated resources, and a possible different topographical focus for settlement than currently proposed.
Over the winter of 2012/13, a team from NAA
worked on behalf of the Environment Agency during
gro... more Over the winter of 2012/13, a team from NAA worked on behalf of the Environment Agency during groundworks associated with the Tees Tidal Flood Risk Management Strategy. The project included construction of a new flood embankment and the creation of salt flat, freshwater and grassland habitats to the south-east of Greatham village, Hartlepool. Evidence of human activity along the fringe of the prehistoric and Roman salt marshes was recorded close to Marsh House Farm. This included previously unknown funerary and settlement evidence spanning several thousand years of activity (approximately 4000BC to AD410).
A previously unknown Romano-British settlement was discovered during archaeological monitoring of... more A previously unknown Romano-British settlement was discovered during archaeological monitoring of topsoil stripping along the 14km construction corridor of the Yorkshire Derwent Aqueduct water pipeline between Elvington and Riccall. The site was located close to Millfield Farm, Wheldrake, to the southeast of York (SE 668 443) and fieldwork was undertaken during the summer of 2002. The site comprised a concentration of settlement related features that extended for a length of 75m along the pipeline corridor. The area of excavation was dictated by the route of the pipeline and formed a narrow strip across a corner of the settlement. Due to heavy truncation and a limited area of excavation detailed phasing of the site was not possible. However, five broad phases of activity have been identified based on stratigraphic analysis of excavated features and assessment of datable finds. The pottery broadly dated to the 3rd to 4th century AD with some possibly from the late 2nd century AD. The general layout of the features suggested a small settlement existing on high ground that dominated a largely flat landscape. The earliest phase of activity comprised two inter-cut ring gullies that probably represented two phases of roundhouse construction. These were superseded in the second phase by a sequence of short linear gullies that may have been part of rectangular timber structures within a ditched enclosure. The settlement during Phase II included at least two enclosures and a small cemetery and possibly a trackway, presumably on the edge of the area of occupation. This area may have been built on during Phase III as the settlement expanded along the trackway. The full extent of the Romano-British phases of settlement is still unknown as only limited excavation within the pipeline corridor was undertaken. The features and artefact concentrations suggest that the main focus of activity was located on the summit of the ridge, immediately to the southeast of the excavation. Evidence that a stone walled Roman-style building may have been built within the vicinity of the excavated area existed in the form of tegula and imbrex roof tiles, box flue-tiles, concentrations of stone within a number of features and a lead wall plug. A number of iron and lead fragments were discovered along with nails, tools, part of a quern stone, a broken amber bead and a worn hollow-ware fragment of fine whiteware, moulded into the form of a female face. Limited evidence of metalworking, cultivation of cereals and animal husbandry at the site was recovered, though no specific features were identified as being associated with these activities. All of the Romano-British period features were truncated by a later phase of activity represented by in-filled plough furrows of medieval date. The furrows were on an
Evidence of medieval activity and the remains of a Second World War air-raid shelter were discove... more Evidence of medieval activity and the remains of a Second World War air-raid shelter were discovered during archaeological investigations associated with the construction of a new 120 place primary school in Kirk Merrington.
A community archaeology project developed as part of the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership ... more A community archaeology project developed as part of the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership scheme was carried out in the autumn of 2015 by Northern Archaeological Associates (NAA) and a small team of dedicated volunteers. The project investigated two rock art panels previously discovered near Hawkesley Hill Farm by Paul and Barbara Brown.
Lithics: the journal of the Lithic Studies Society, 2017
Archaeological monitoring, undertaken as part of the upgrading of access tracks on Barningham Moo... more Archaeological monitoring, undertaken as part of the upgrading of access tracks on Barningham Moor, identified a concentration of lithics within a thin palaeosol close to the scheduled Badger Way Stoop cairnfield. Due to the extent of this soil remnant, and its association with the cairnfield, which lies immediately to the south, 11 1 m by 1 m test-pits were hand-excavated along the development route to obtain a sample of the artefacts. Twenty-three lithic artefacts were recovered, five of which could be assigned to the Late Mesolithic or Early Neolithic periods. As a result, the assemblage predates the presumed age of the cairnfield, which is suggested to date to the Bronze Age, suggesting that the area may have been a focus for an extended period of prehistoric activity.
Archaeological monitoring, undertaken as part of the upgrading of access tracks on Barningham Moo... more Archaeological monitoring, undertaken as part of the upgrading of access tracks on Barningham Moor, identified a concentration of lithics within a thin palaeosol close to the scheduled Badger Way Stoop cairnfield. Due to the extent of this soil remnant, and its association with the cairnfield, which lies immediately to the south, 11 1 m by 1 m test-pits were hand-excavated along the development route to obtain a sample of the artefacts. Twenty-three lithic artefacts were recovered, five of which could be assigned to the Late Mesolithic or Early Neolithic periods. As a result, the assemblage predates the presumed age of the cairnfield, which is suggested to date to the Bronze Age, suggesting that the area may have been a focus for an extended period of prehistoric activity.
A possible lead smelting bale was recorded during archaeological monitoring associated with a new... more A possible lead smelting bale was recorded during archaeological monitoring associated with a new potable water pipeline at Hawkswick, Littondale, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The monitoring was undertaken by Northern Archaeological Associates for Morrison Utility Services on behalf of Yorkshire Water Services Ltd in July and August 2011. The bale were located at the foot of High Wind Bank (SD 9705 6933), approximately 2m to the north-east of the modern road. The pipeline route avoided the majority of a mound which, based on its form and an assessment of the recovered slag by Dr Simon Timberlake, may have been associated with an early lead-smelting site. Charcoal fragments extracted from within the slag were radiocarbon dated, producing a date range of cal AD 1298 to cal AD 1420 (SUERC 38046) at a probability of 95.4%.
Early prehistoric remains, including a Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age post-built structure, we... more Early prehistoric remains, including a Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age post-built structure, were discovered during archaeological mitigation works carried out to the north of Townhead Road, Dalston, Cumbria (centred on NY 3677 5020). The groundworks also confirmed the presence of an early field system identified during a preceding magnetometer survey (CFA Archaeology 2013). Later remains associated with medieval ploughing and post-medieval field boundaries, including an earthwork that formed the north-eastern and eastern boundaries of the site, were also recorded.
Uploads
Papers by Gav Robinson
worked on behalf of the Environment Agency during
groundworks associated with the Tees Tidal Flood
Risk Management Strategy. The project included
construction of a new flood embankment and the
creation of salt flat, freshwater and grassland habitats
to the south-east of Greatham village, Hartlepool.
Evidence of human activity along the fringe of the
prehistoric and Roman salt marshes was recorded
close to Marsh House Farm. This included previously
unknown funerary and settlement evidence spanning
several thousand years of activity (approximately
4000BC to AD410).
The bale were located at the foot of High Wind Bank (SD 9705 6933), approximately 2m to the north-east of the modern road. The pipeline route avoided the majority of a mound which, based on its form and an assessment of the recovered slag by Dr Simon Timberlake, may have been associated with an early lead-smelting site. Charcoal fragments extracted from within the slag were radiocarbon dated, producing a date range of cal AD 1298 to cal AD 1420 (SUERC 38046) at a probability of 95.4%.
worked on behalf of the Environment Agency during
groundworks associated with the Tees Tidal Flood
Risk Management Strategy. The project included
construction of a new flood embankment and the
creation of salt flat, freshwater and grassland habitats
to the south-east of Greatham village, Hartlepool.
Evidence of human activity along the fringe of the
prehistoric and Roman salt marshes was recorded
close to Marsh House Farm. This included previously
unknown funerary and settlement evidence spanning
several thousand years of activity (approximately
4000BC to AD410).
The bale were located at the foot of High Wind Bank (SD 9705 6933), approximately 2m to the north-east of the modern road. The pipeline route avoided the majority of a mound which, based on its form and an assessment of the recovered slag by Dr Simon Timberlake, may have been associated with an early lead-smelting site. Charcoal fragments extracted from within the slag were radiocarbon dated, producing a date range of cal AD 1298 to cal AD 1420 (SUERC 38046) at a probability of 95.4%.