CENTRE FOR NORTH-WEST REGIONAL STUDIES ARCHAEOLOGY CONFERENCE - 7 MARCH 1992

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1 CENTRE FOR NORTH-WEST REGIONAL STUDIES ARCHAEOLOGY CONFERENCE - 7 MARCH 1992 North West Wetlands Survey - Bob Middleton & Colin Wells The North West Wetlands Survey was commissioned in 1987 by English Heritage to survey the surviving archaeological remains in the lowland peat of the North West, extending from the Solway Plain in the north to the Shropshire/Cheshire Plain in the south. The current phase of work started in 1989 aiming to locate all available archaeological sites in and around the peatlands allied to a palaeoenvironmental survey to place the archaeological information within its environmental context. The first two seasons fieldwork in Lancashire have concentrated on Lytham Moss and Pilling Moss, large areas of mainly reclaimed raised mire in the Fylde. Systematic fieldwalking has indicated evidence for substantial occupation of the moss edges in the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Recent work has also established a new date for the Kate's Pad wooden trackway in Stalmine Moss. Pollen and macrofossil analyses have provided detailed information about past environments and plant communities on both the bog surfaces and on the mire fringe. Allied to archaeological data, patterns of human occupation and land-use in the Fylde are becoming ever more distinct. Due to the importance of wetlands to archaeology, and the fragility of these environments, shown by this and other projects elsewhere in Britain, active management is the only effective means of preserving peatland landscapes. The end result of this project will be the identification and preservation of important and threatened sites and landscapes. The Langdale Axe Factories - A new look at an old industry - Jamie Quartermaine Around the summits of the Central Cumbrian Fells is an outcrop of fine grained volcanic tuff which was quarried and extensively worked into stone axes during the Neolithic period. The products of this industry were the most widely distributed type of neolithic stone axe (group VI), and have been found in all parts of Britain and even on the continent. A survey by the Lancaster University Archaeological Unit and the National Trust has recorded over 570 separate axe factory sites and also vast quantities of axe waste. The survey has confirmed that these are the remains of a sophisticated and very productive early industry which are of international importance. The remote locations of the axe factories around the highest mountains in England have until recently enabled a high level of preservation which is not matched by any other British stone axe factory. However, the dramatic expansion of tourism in the Lake District has altered the fragile ecological equilibrium on the upper fells and many of the axe factories are now under serious threat of destruction. Sites exposed by footpath erosion have been severely damaged by flash flooding and extensively disturbed by rough-out collecting and unrecorded excavations.

2 In response to this threat the Lancaster University Archaeological Unit and the National Trust are currently undertaking a conservation project to preserve the sites where possible and to excavate parts of working floors which can not be preserved. Wilderspool - David Mason The large Roman industrial settlement at Wilderspool, 1.5km south of the centre of modern Warrington, stood astride the main Roman road from Northwich to Wigan on the south bank of the Mersey at what may have been its lowest fordable point at that time. The earliest recorded discoveries were made in 1770 during the construction of the Bridgewater Canal with further chance discoveries occurring throughout the nineteenth century. The years saw extensive excavations conducted by Thomas May in the area west of the present A49 prior to the construction of extensions to the Greenall Whitley Brewery complex and also alongside sand extraction operations. These revealed widespread evidence of industrial activity including the remains of buildings, hearths and furnaces associated with iron-smelting, bronze-smithing and the manufacture of glassware. Further work by May to the south in Stockton Heath encountered the remains of pottery kilns. What was interpreted by May as the stone base for a rampart belonging to a military enclosure at Wilderspool was shown by further extensive excavations during the 1970s more probably to have been a substantial trackway. This work also refined knowledge of the structures present, many of which appear to have been open-sided sheds, as well as yielding new information on the range of industrial activity and its products. The complex apparently began production in the Flavian period, primarily for the military market, with occupation declining towards the end of the second century. The 1970s also saw investigation of a large area some distance to the east of the A49 and this too yielded evidence from Roman settlement but less intensive and far less industrial in character. This seems to have come into being slightly later than the western complex and to have continued in occupation far longer, at least to the beginning of the fourth century. There has been little opportunity for investigation of the zone intervening between the two known occupation areas but there are hints of more sophisticated structures in this part of the settlement. The internal reorganisation of the operations of the Greenall's Group, as it is now known, led to a decision to close down their brewing operations at the Wilderspool site in A redevelopment scheme is currently proceeding through the planning process and, respecting the scheduled status of part of the site and the provisions of Policy Planning Guidance note 16, this will take full account of the archaeological requirements which this will entail. A first step in this direction was the undertaking by the Archaeological Section of Gifford and Partners of a field evaluation of the accessible areas around the brewing complex west of the A49. The results showed that Roman settlement does not appear to have extended to the north bank of the Mersey while, despite the vast amount of modern industrial activity in the area, pockets of Roman deposits still survive. Redevelopment of the site in the near future will inevitably involve some degree of excavation the results of which should assist the interpretation of this extremely important and in many ways poorly understood complex, including perhaps the nature of the riverside structures associated with the transhipment of its products.

3 The Shell Pipeline - Adrian Olivier & Rachel Newman The Lancaster University Archaeological Unit has undertaken a phased programme of work on behalf of Shell UK, in advance of, and during the construction of, the English section a new Ethylene pipeline, running from Grangemouth in Scotland to Stanlow in Cheshire. Phase 1 of this work was initiated in 1988, with a desk-top study of Scheduled Ancient Monuments within a 2km wide corridor along the proposed route. Archaeologically sensitive areas were identified, and various policy options outlined. In 1989 an additional desk-top study of all known archaeological constraints within a 500m wide corridor was completed. The archaeological implications of the route were summarised, and a programme of further necessary archaeological work was defined. During 1990/1991 an archaeological field programme was carried out within a 40m wide corridor to identify hitherto unknown sites and features, and to provide practical and professional assessments of any features affected by the route. In addition, options for mitigating the effect of pipeline construction on archaeological features were also proposed. The results of this work were incorporated into the Environmental Statement by Shell UK as part of their submission to the Department of the Environment for permission to construct the pipeline. Phase 2 commenced after approval for the pipeline had been obtained. The preliminary archaeological field programme continued for those areas of the route where access had previously been denied. In addition a programme of geophysical survey and trial trenching was undertaken on a number of selected sites, in order to establish, where possible, their date and character, and their archaeological value. This programme of assessment and evaluation was essential to plan the final archaeological field programme to be carried out in advance of, and during construction. Phase 3 was carried out during 1991, and included two large `set-piece' excavations, immediately prior to construction, as well as 4 small excavations recording, in particular, linear features which would be sectioned by the pipe. These sites varied in date and importance, from Hadrian's Wall through the Stanegate and the main western Roman road near Orton, to charcoal pitsteads near Farleton, close to the Cumbria/Lancashire border. Powsons, at the northern end of the Tebay Gorge, lay on the steep western slope of Powsons Knott. It was identified by field survey and proved to comprise a landscape of considerable interest, with a trackway, possible quarrying, and a rectangular stone structure, all pre-dating the modern (i.e. 19th century) enclosures. Full recording was undertaken, which confirmed the nature of the features, although close dating remained elusive. The site at Fremington, to the east of the Roman fort at Brougham and close to the known Roman cemetery, lay in an area described by Professor Barri Jones as a `major nexus of native settlement in the prehistoric period' (Jones and Higham 1975, Frontiers, forts and farmers, Archaeological Journal, 132, 16-53). A beaker supposedly in association with a food vessel, had also been recovered from the vicinity in the late 19th century. Trial trenching revealed several features, in particular a pit containing crude hand-made pottery. Full excavation around this pit produced evidence, for the first time in the North-West, of five sunkenfeatured structures, associated with material dating from the later Roman

4 period to the 9/10th century. Post-excavation analysis is still in a preliminary stage, but this site is certain to add significantly to our understanding of that most difficult of periods: the Dark Ages. Provision was also made for a stand-by Rapid Response Team to undertake any emergency archaeological work necessitated by unexpected archaeological discoveries made during the pipeline construction programme. In addition, full-time archaeological Line Inspectors were assigned to each construction team, to monitor the works programme, and to carry out small scale watching briefs where necessary. The Rapid Response Team was deployed on a number of occasions, and also undertook major excavations outside the fort at Low Borrowbridge, where as predicted, construction activities in June 1991 revealed evidence of human occupation, in the form of burnt patches below the topsoil. Excavation commenced immediately, and it became clear that this was the site of the Roman cemetery associated with the fort and vicus. Work continued for seven weeks, and the remains of more than 50 cremations were recorded, including 18 damaged but complete cremation urns. The site also revealed at least ten small sub-circular or sub-rectangular enclosures associated with the cremations, defined by shallow ditches. The end of the excavation was marked by the discovery of a Roman tombstone, in almost perfect condition, of 3rd century date. The quantity of artefacts and recorded features from this site provide a wealth of material for the post-excavation analysis which is currently in progress. The long-term programme of archaeological work commissioned by Shell UK represents the most taxing and complex project undertaken by the Lancaster University Archaeological Unit. The academic success of the project is reflected in the large volume of new information added to the archaeological record of North West England; its practical success by the large number of reroutes instigated by Shell UK, in order to avoid damaging archaeologically sensitive areas. Documentary Evidence for the Textile Industry in Medieval Cumbria - Angus Winchester The aim is to provide a brief survey of the topographical and sitespecific information on the medieval textile industry which can be gleaned from documentary sources. Use will be made of hitherto unpublished evidence collected for Landscape and Society in Medieval Cumbria (John Donald, 1987). It is presented as an example of the problems and potential of relating documents to the landscape in the medieval period. The broad outlines of the medieval textile industry can be reconstructed using the evidence of place- and field-names, manorial surveys and accounts, and taxation records. This enables something of the distribution of linen and woollen cloth production to be recaptured as well as identifying periods of expansion and contraction in the industry. As seignorial monopolies, fulling mills are perhaps the most visible feature of the textile industry in estate records. The importance of the woollen industry in Cumbria is attested by the comparatively large number of fulling mills in the region in the thirteenth century and the documentary record enables us to chart a shift in the distribution of the industry towards the Kendal area in the later medieval centuries.

5 As is so often the case in medieval landscape history, relating a documentary reference to an industrial process (a fulling mill, for example) to a site on the ground proves to be more difficult. The talk will address the problems of dating and identifying fulling mills, using examples from the northern Lake District. Fulling Mills in South Cumbria - Michael Davies-Shiel There are, across Cumbria, and especially in South Lakeland a plethora of fulling mill sites. Some existed very early in medieval to post-dissolution times. The Westmorland mills are well-documented with the data available to many through the mammoth searches of Dr W Farrer. Some are poorly-documented in terms of inherited property or tax records, yet parish registers and especially fieldname records are so precise that fieldworkers have no difficulty in locating actual sites. Some have visible field assets of inventive gatherings of water for their wheels; of narrow stepped tenterbanks; of potash kilns and bracken stands, all in true CONSOCIATION sequence, which point to the straddled mill as having been a Fulling concern for some time, but no records of any kind are available. The fact that these latter mills about double the known fulling-mill totals; that their water supplies are so limited as to be too small for the power required for the fulling of cloths; and that consociation place-names have the ring rather of the modern than of Chaucerian English, all point to a recent period of working. Dr C B Phillips, in "The Transformation of English Provincial Towns", 1984, introduced to us a possible explanation of the `demise' of fulling mills. He stated that the introduction of the "new draperies", that is, LINSEY-WOOLSEYS, began c.1620 and these cloths were not fulled. However, as he also stated, "accounts reveal nothing" and "evidence is scarce" as to clear causes for the decline of fulling mills. Such statements need re-appraisal in the light of recent field finds in Southeast Cumbria by M. Davies-Shiel. Whalley Abbey, Lancashire - Nigel Neil Since 1987, the Lancaster University Archaeological Unit has conducted several building recording projects at Whalley Abbey utilising photogrammetry, rectified photography and hand-measured survey. In addition, a number of small excavations and watching briefs have been undertaken within and immediately outside the Scheduled area. The work to date has resulted from a series of different briefs undertaken for various reasons and with funding from a variety of sources, principally English Heritage. Analysis, interpretation, and documentary research has been limited to those areas of the Abbey actually recorded. Further repair and conservation work at the site is anticipated as part of a new pre-determined programme of work. It follows that more opportunities for archaeological recording and analysis will present themselves.

6 Stone-by-stone plan and elevation recording of the standing buildings has been completed for (a) the exterior of the West Range of the cloisters (1988) in advance of storm damage repairs, (b) the interior of the Courtyard North Range ( ) prior to its renovation for use as an exhibition centre, (c) the east elevation of the Conference Centre (1990), (d) the whole of the Abbot's Kitchen/Long Gallery Range (1991), and (e) the Abbey Church choir pits (1991) in advance of conservation. Excavation work has included (a) an evaluation (1989) and small excavation (1990) in the Abbey Corn Mill field in advance of a sheltered housing development, and (b) a watching brief (1990) during the construction of a new relief sewer along the north bank of the River Calder. The preliminary results of the building recording and excavation work will be presented and the opportunities for further research reviewed. Archaeology in a Conurbation: The Greater Manchester Experience - Philip Mayes The Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit was created in 1980 under the joint sponsorship of the Greater Manchester Council, Manchester City Council and the University of Manchester. Total financial responsibility had devolved to GMC by the dissolution of the Metropolitan Counties and since 1986 the ten constituent authorities, Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside, Stockport, Trafford, Salford and Manchester have shared the financial responsibility for the core staff of four, Director, Senior Field Archaeologist, Sites and Monuments Record Officer and Secretary/Administrator. The director reports to the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities Planning and Transportation Committee through the Chief Planning Officers Group. The Unit was established to act as a catalyst for archaeological activity in the public, private and voluntary sectors. During its involvement in the Community Programme it carried out a wide range of archaeological projects generally concerned with the excavation, conservation and presentation of the county's heritage. At the time of transfer from Community Programme to Employment Training it has over 500 grant supported staff. The transfer to ET was not a success and the Unit withdrew from the scheme in March The publication of Policy Planning Guidance 16 by the Department of the Environment repositioned archaeology in the planning process and gave increased legitimacy to recommendations for archaeological actions identified as essential by the Unit in the exercise of its core functions. The Unit assesses the archaeological implications of development against its SMR. The densely packed population of some 2.76 million produces in excess of 20,000 planning applications per year. Approximately 2.5% of these are called in for assessment and an archaeological response is requested on some.5%. This can vary from a full impact assessment, a full-scale excavation, a short evaluation or the production of a brief drawn and photographic record. The Unit could not operate without the fullest support and co-operation of local government members and officers and local and national bodies

7 with interest in and/or formal responsibility for the preservation and record of above and below ground features of the county's past. Major surveys which will be briefly discussed include preparation for the publication of the Unit's Mill Survey with RCHME, the archaeological survey of the Museum of Science and Industry's 1830 warehouse, excavations at Langley Hall and Norbury Mill and the current project at Staley Hall.