LANCASTER IMPRINTS
10 primary works
Book 15
From 1997 to 2001, works associated with Carlisle City Council's Gateway City (Millennium) Project on castle Way and Castle Gardens provided an important opportunity to conduct a programme of archaeological excavations on the site of the Roman fort at Carlisle, and to examine the development of part of the medieval castle, which occupies most of the fort site. Five main areas were investigated prior to the construction of the Castle Way (Irish Gate) footbridge and the Millennium Gallery and underpass, in what was the largest archaeological excavation undertaken in Carlisle since the early 1800s.
The results of the work will greatly enhance understanding of the development of the fort during the Roman period, and of Carlisle's role in the origins and development of the Tyne-Solway frontier system. Important evidence for occupation within the medieval castle's outer ward was also recovered, and the large ditch separating the castle from the city was investigated. Waterlogging of the lower levels resulted in exceptional preservation of organic materials, which rarely survive on archaeological sites in Britain. These included the remains of numerous wooden buildings and other structures within two superimposed timber forts of the late first- to mid-second century AD, a multiplicity of wooden and leather artefacts of Roman and medieval date, and a wealth of environmental information.
Volume 2 presents detailed evidence of the artefacts and ecofacts from the site. It draws together the many reports produced by specialist researchers into a synthesis and discussion. This sheds light on day-to-day activity in and about both the Roman forts and medieval outer ward of the castle and illustrates the lives of those who built and inhabited the buildings within them. Much of the detailed project data have been compiled into a third, digital, volume; this takes the form of a DVD accompanying this book.
The results of the work will greatly enhance understanding of the development of the fort during the Roman period, and of Carlisle's role in the origins and development of the Tyne-Solway frontier system. Important evidence for occupation within the medieval castle's outer ward was also recovered, and the large ditch separating the castle from the city was investigated. Waterlogging of the lower levels resulted in exceptional preservation of organic materials, which rarely survive on archaeological sites in Britain. These included the remains of numerous wooden buildings and other structures within two superimposed timber forts of the late first- to mid-second century AD, a multiplicity of wooden and leather artefacts of Roman and medieval date, and a wealth of environmental information.
Volume 2 presents detailed evidence of the artefacts and ecofacts from the site. It draws together the many reports produced by specialist researchers into a synthesis and discussion. This sheds light on day-to-day activity in and about both the Roman forts and medieval outer ward of the castle and illustrates the lives of those who built and inhabited the buildings within them. Much of the detailed project data have been compiled into a third, digital, volume; this takes the form of a DVD accompanying this book.
Book 16
The Priory of St Mary was moved from Runcorn to Norton in 1134 by William fitz William, third baron of Halton. Despite a major fire in 1236, Norton grew in size and stature to become an abbey in 1391, and its abbot was a senior and much respected member of the Augustinian Order. The abbey met its end in April 1536 under Henry VIII's dissolution of religious houses, and in 1545 the site was sold to the Brooke family, who adapted parts of the abbot's quarters, kitchens and west range to provide a comfortable family home. In the mid-eighteenth century, much of the house was demolished to make way for a fashionable classically inspired mansion, which was occupied until 1921 and finally demolished in 1928.
In 1966, the site was presented to Runcorn Development Corporation by Sir Richard Brooke. Ground-breaking excavations began in 1970, running until 1987, and exposing much of the site for investigation. The principal excavator, J Patrick Greene, published an excellent synthesis of the site in 1989, but the full stratigraphy and finds from the project remained unpublished.
This book, funded by English Heritage, and supported by the Norton Priory Museum Trust, seeks to redress this, with a full account of the results of the excavations. Its production by Oxford Archaeology North drew together a team of specialists from a wide range of disciplines.
In 1966, the site was presented to Runcorn Development Corporation by Sir Richard Brooke. Ground-breaking excavations began in 1970, running until 1987, and exposing much of the site for investigation. The principal excavator, J Patrick Greene, published an excellent synthesis of the site in 1989, but the full stratigraphy and finds from the project remained unpublished.
This book, funded by English Heritage, and supported by the Norton Priory Museum Trust, seeks to redress this, with a full account of the results of the excavations. Its production by Oxford Archaeology North drew together a team of specialists from a wide range of disciplines.
Book 17
Bewsey Old Hall, Warrington, Cheshire
by Jennifer Lewis, Richard Heawood, and Christine Howard-Davis
Published 31 December 2011
The origins of Bewsey Old Hall, in the Royal Forest of Burtonwood, probably lie in the late twelth or early thirteenth century, when it was held by the influential Butler family, barons of Warrington. Although much altered and diminished, Bewsey Old Hall still stands, beginning its existence as an aisled hall, surrounded by out-buildings. It is not clear when the site was moated, but a local watercourse was probably diverted at an early stage. Badly damaged by fire in the fourteenth century, the hall was substantially rebuilt, wholly or partially in stone. Parts of this complex of medieval buildings survived into the sixteenth or seventeenth century.
Having been owned by the Butlers until 1586, ownership passed briefly to the Earl of Leicester, but it was soon sold on to the Ireland family, later passing to their successors, the Athertons. In the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century, a fashionable new brick house was built on the site, incorporating or reusing elements of the medieval hall. It was much enhanced in the seventeenth century by the creation of a formal terraced garden furniture, although the terracing had been levelled by 1724.
Bewsey's remaining medieval structures were demolished during the eighteenth century, when the hall was extended, and landscaping works filled in parts of the moat and enlarged others as water features. In 1863, a 'New Hall' was built, and Bewsey Old Hall was left in the hands of tenants, until, in considerable disrepair, it was acquired by Warrington Development Corporation in 1974.
During the late 1970s and until the mid-1980s, the site's development was traced through examination of the building, extensive excavation, and documentary research. This volume paints a vivid picture of Bewsey's development, the trials and tribulations of its inhabitants, and their relationship with the world around them.
Having been owned by the Butlers until 1586, ownership passed briefly to the Earl of Leicester, but it was soon sold on to the Ireland family, later passing to their successors, the Athertons. In the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century, a fashionable new brick house was built on the site, incorporating or reusing elements of the medieval hall. It was much enhanced in the seventeenth century by the creation of a formal terraced garden furniture, although the terracing had been levelled by 1724.
Bewsey's remaining medieval structures were demolished during the eighteenth century, when the hall was extended, and landscaping works filled in parts of the moat and enlarged others as water features. In 1863, a 'New Hall' was built, and Bewsey Old Hall was left in the hands of tenants, until, in considerable disrepair, it was acquired by Warrington Development Corporation in 1974.
During the late 1970s and until the mid-1980s, the site's development was traced through examination of the building, extensive excavation, and documentary research. This volume paints a vivid picture of Bewsey's development, the trials and tribulations of its inhabitants, and their relationship with the world around them.
Book 18
The A66 has been a routeway of significance for at least 2000 years, linking the east and west of the country by the Stainmore Pass. Archaeological excavation ahead of the upgrading of the A66 to dual carriageway, between Greta Bridge and Scotch Corner, provided an important opportunity to investigate the development of the landscape. The archaeological remains discovered range in date from early prehistory to the nineteenth century, and particularly from the Iron Age and early Roman period (c 800 BC - AD 100).
One of the most significant results was the important new dating evidence for a section of the Scots Dyke, a substantial linear earthwork between the Rivers Tees and Swale. It has been dated to the early-middle Iron Age, which places it within the wider Iron Age and Roman landscape revealed by the road improvement scheme. This may indicate that it was related in some way to the Iron Age tribal centre at nearby Stanwick.
The volume arises from a multi-disciplinary approach to the archaeology, with the emphasis placed on interpreting the sites within their wider landscape context. It involved a multiplicity of authors, ranging from staff at Oxford Archaeology North, to external specialists, including staff at Lancaster University and University College, London.
One of the most significant results was the important new dating evidence for a section of the Scots Dyke, a substantial linear earthwork between the Rivers Tees and Swale. It has been dated to the early-middle Iron Age, which places it within the wider Iron Age and Roman landscape revealed by the road improvement scheme. This may indicate that it was related in some way to the Iron Age tribal centre at nearby Stanwick.
The volume arises from a multi-disciplinary approach to the archaeology, with the emphasis placed on interpreting the sites within their wider landscape context. It involved a multiplicity of authors, ranging from staff at Oxford Archaeology North, to external specialists, including staff at Lancaster University and University College, London.
Book 22
Shadows in the Sand
by Caroline Paterson, Adam J. Parsons, Rachel M. Newman, Nick Johnson, and Christine Howard-Davis
Published 10 March 2014
In 2004, a Cumbrian metal detectorist, Peter Adams, found a brooch in the ploughsoil, near Cumwhitton in the Eden Valley. This was identified as a rare Viking oval brooch of ninth- or tenth-century date. These are almost always found in pairs, and in a burial context, and a second brooch was subsequently found. Given their rarity, this was clearly of national importance, so an evaluation was undertaken and a furnished grave was located. Several more artefacts of the same date, including part of a sword, were found in the surrounding ploughsoil by metal detecting during the evaluation, suggesting that there was a cemetery. A major excavation was then funded by English Heritage, as the site was under immediate threat from plough damage.
Six burials were found, dating to the early tenth century, but almost no skeletal material survived. The burials were richly furnished, with a wide range of artefacts, including swords, spearheads, spurs, knives, and numerous other objects. These were poorly preserved, but the careful excavation, conservation, and analysis has produced a wealth of information about their original appearance, manufacture, and use. A rare decorated drinking horn, seax with a silver-inlaid horn handle, a locking wooden box, and a unique group of copper alloy buckles and strap ends were especially notable.
This rare opportunity has allowed the study of a closely linked group of Viking burials, probably of a single family and seemingly of not more than two generations. It has highlighted both the similarities and differences between the graves, which might point to some individuality in the burial rites, and the diversity of the cultural origins of the objects that furnished them. Most importantly, this site has provided a tantalising glimpse of the cultural origins, beliefs, and status of these people and how they may have fitted in the volatile political landscape of tenth-century Cumbria.
Six burials were found, dating to the early tenth century, but almost no skeletal material survived. The burials were richly furnished, with a wide range of artefacts, including swords, spearheads, spurs, knives, and numerous other objects. These were poorly preserved, but the careful excavation, conservation, and analysis has produced a wealth of information about their original appearance, manufacture, and use. A rare decorated drinking horn, seax with a silver-inlaid horn handle, a locking wooden box, and a unique group of copper alloy buckles and strap ends were especially notable.
This rare opportunity has allowed the study of a closely linked group of Viking burials, probably of a single family and seemingly of not more than two generations. It has highlighted both the similarities and differences between the graves, which might point to some individuality in the burial rites, and the diversity of the cultural origins of the objects that furnished them. Most importantly, this site has provided a tantalising glimpse of the cultural origins, beliefs, and status of these people and how they may have fitted in the volatile political landscape of tenth-century Cumbria.
Book 23
Archaeology at the Waterfront vol 1
by Richard A Gregory, Caroline Raynor, Mark H. Adams, Robert Philpott, Christine Howard-Davis, Nick Johnson, Vix Hughes, and David A Higgins
Published 31 December 2014
This volume presents the findings of the largest campaign of archaeological investigation yet undertaken along Liverpool’s historic waterfront, by Oxford Archaeology North and the National Museums Liverpool Field Archaeology Unit. This work centred on the areas of Mann Island, Pier Head, and the Central Docks, all places that either fall within, or are directly adjacent to, the Liverpool - Maritime Mercantile City World Heritage Site, and it formed a prelude to the construction of a commercial development and the Museum of Liverpool, and also the extension of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The investigations uncovered numerous remains relating to eighteenth- and nineteenth-century dock building and land reclamation, as well as concomitant evidence for the use and occupation of the waterfront, and the wider town, during these periods.
The archaeological evidence has been complemented by detailed historical research, which together provide significant insights into the dynamic and evolving system of dock and quayside development, occurring between the early eighteenth and early twentieth centuries. This development was integral to Liverpool’s wider history, and the archaeological remains reflect the port’s nascent post-medieval growth, commercial zenith during the nineteenth century, and eventual twentieth-century decline, prior to the extensive schemes of urban regeneration which now characterise the present-day waterfront. Moreover, this extensive campaign of investigation indicates how archaeology along the waterfront represents an important technique for uncovering the nuances of an area that was integral to the rise and success of Liverpool, and which also continues to exert a significant sway on Liverpool’s cultural and economic identity.
The archaeological evidence has been complemented by detailed historical research, which together provide significant insights into the dynamic and evolving system of dock and quayside development, occurring between the early eighteenth and early twentieth centuries. This development was integral to Liverpool’s wider history, and the archaeological remains reflect the port’s nascent post-medieval growth, commercial zenith during the nineteenth century, and eventual twentieth-century decline, prior to the extensive schemes of urban regeneration which now characterise the present-day waterfront. Moreover, this extensive campaign of investigation indicates how archaeology along the waterfront represents an important technique for uncovering the nuances of an area that was integral to the rise and success of Liverpool, and which also continues to exert a significant sway on Liverpool’s cultural and economic identity.
Book 24
From Mesolithic Encampment to Medieval Estate
by Jeremy Bradley and Christine Howard-Davis
Published 6 August 2018
The Bay Gateway, opened in 2016, is a new road linking the M6 motorway, north of Lancaster, to the port of Heysham. Its construction has provided an important opportunity to investigate the little-studied early landscape of Lancashire’s rural lower Lune Valley.
The archaeological investigation was focused on seven areas that had been defined by almost a decade of preliminary works. The earliest remains included evidence of prehistoric settlement, at a location that had seen repeated activity in the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, and during the Bronze Age. The findings make a significant contribution to the understanding of several millennia of human activity that are otherwise poorly understood in Lancashire.
The most extensive remains, dating from the twelfth to the mid-fifteenth century AD, were found on either side of the Howgill Brook. Several buildings, in both timber and stone, as well as kilns and channels, are thought to represent the remains of one or more water mills associated with Beaumont Grange, an estate belonging to Furness Abbey.
This volume arises from the multi-disciplinary approach to the archaeological sites, with the emphasis placed on the integration of a wide range of data. It comprises the work of several authors from Oxford Archaeology, as well as external specialists.
The archaeological investigation was focused on seven areas that had been defined by almost a decade of preliminary works. The earliest remains included evidence of prehistoric settlement, at a location that had seen repeated activity in the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, and during the Bronze Age. The findings make a significant contribution to the understanding of several millennia of human activity that are otherwise poorly understood in Lancashire.
The most extensive remains, dating from the twelfth to the mid-fifteenth century AD, were found on either side of the Howgill Brook. Several buildings, in both timber and stone, as well as kilns and channels, are thought to represent the remains of one or more water mills associated with Beaumont Grange, an estate belonging to Furness Abbey.
This volume arises from the multi-disciplinary approach to the archaeological sites, with the emphasis placed on the integration of a wide range of data. It comprises the work of several authors from Oxford Archaeology, as well as external specialists.
Book 25
Roman and Medieval Carlisle: the Northen Lanes, Excavations 1978-82
by John M. Zant and Christine Howard-Davis
Published 31 August 2019
In the mid-1970s, Carlisle City Council finalised proposals for the redevelopment of the Lanes, a densely built-up area in the north-east corner of the city’s historic core, which, at the time, was crossed by 19 narrow lanes or vennels. These were to be swept away, and the area cleared, for the construction of the Lanes shopping centre. Previous archaeological work had confirmed the existence of complex Roman and medieval deposits in this part of the city, most of which would be destroyed by the new development. Consequently, a programme of archaeological and historical investigation, funded by Carlisle City Council, the Department of the Environment (now Historic England), the Manpower Services Commission, the Marc Fitch Fund and the Society of Antiquaries of London, was undertaken between 1978 and 1982. Historic England also provided substantial funding for post-excavation analysis and publication of the project’s results. To this day, the Lanes retains its position as one of the largest and most significant urban archaeological projects ever undertaken in northern England.
For post-excavation purposes, the project was split into two parts, the northern and southern Lanes, the results of the latter being published in 2000. The current volume presents the evidence for Roman occupation within the northern Lanes, from the construction of a probable military camp and a series of large timber buildings, possibly mansiones, in the early Roman period, to the expansion of civilian settlement across this area during the mid-late second century AD, which saw the emergence of a distinct pattern of building plots. Good preservation of waterlogged organic materials was a feature of the earlier levels, which yielded a wealth of environmental information and many artefacts of wood and leather. The post-Roman evidence from the northern Lanes will be presented in a companion volume.
For post-excavation purposes, the project was split into two parts, the northern and southern Lanes, the results of the latter being published in 2000. The current volume presents the evidence for Roman occupation within the northern Lanes, from the construction of a probable military camp and a series of large timber buildings, possibly mansiones, in the early Roman period, to the expansion of civilian settlement across this area during the mid-late second century AD, which saw the emergence of a distinct pattern of building plots. Good preservation of waterlogged organic materials was a feature of the earlier levels, which yielded a wealth of environmental information and many artefacts of wood and leather. The post-Roman evidence from the northern Lanes will be presented in a companion volume.
Book 26
In September 1994, the parish church of St Michael, Workington, was badly damaged by fire, reducing the interior to a shell. The church’s history extends back to at least the twelfth century, and an existing collection of eighth- to eleventh-century sculpture hinted at more ancient origins. Therefore, before reconstruction began, a programme of archaeological works was undertaken, yielding further, highly significant, evidence for an early medieval Christian presence on the site, including fragments of sculpture and a large number of burials, as well as information on the later medieval and post-medieval churches, and their associated cemetery.
The project has provided a rare opportunity to study the origins of one of the earliest, and long-lived, early medieval Christian cemeteries in North-west England. The work focused upon the evidence for pre-Norman ecclesiastical activity and the earliest phases of the medieval parish church, together with the skeletal remains, and artefacts. It also provided an opportunity to conduct a series of scientific investigations on the material, since bone rarely survives in Cumbria, This included radiocarbon dating, isotope analysis, and osteological analysis, providing the earliest radiocarbon dates from such a cemetery in Cumbria, indeed in the North, and two clear phases of burial, the second, closely dated to the eleventh century, containing evidence of a particularly gruesome end for one of the interred. The large collection of mid-tenth- to early eleventh-century sculpture, decorated with Scandinavian-derived motifs and interlace, and items of personal dress and jewellery, indicated the evolving tastes of the patrons.
This has allowed a better understanding of the lives of this community, and their changing burial traditions. Perhaps most importantly, the site provided an opportunity to marry the patchy historical framework of the region with archaeological evidence, providing information for how people responded to the changing tastes, politics, and events within the landscape of the North West in the early medieval period.
The project has provided a rare opportunity to study the origins of one of the earliest, and long-lived, early medieval Christian cemeteries in North-west England. The work focused upon the evidence for pre-Norman ecclesiastical activity and the earliest phases of the medieval parish church, together with the skeletal remains, and artefacts. It also provided an opportunity to conduct a series of scientific investigations on the material, since bone rarely survives in Cumbria, This included radiocarbon dating, isotope analysis, and osteological analysis, providing the earliest radiocarbon dates from such a cemetery in Cumbria, indeed in the North, and two clear phases of burial, the second, closely dated to the eleventh century, containing evidence of a particularly gruesome end for one of the interred. The large collection of mid-tenth- to early eleventh-century sculpture, decorated with Scandinavian-derived motifs and interlace, and items of personal dress and jewellery, indicated the evolving tastes of the patrons.
This has allowed a better understanding of the lives of this community, and their changing burial traditions. Perhaps most importantly, the site provided an opportunity to marry the patchy historical framework of the region with archaeological evidence, providing information for how people responded to the changing tastes, politics, and events within the landscape of the North West in the early medieval period.
Book 27
A research and community-training excavation took place over two summer seasons in 2013-14 within the Roman extramural settlement at Maryport, including the backplot. The primary aim of the project, which attracted around 125 volunteers, was to enhance understanding of the settlement through the excavation of a single building plot, the first time this had been undertaken at Maryport in modern times. Using geophysical survey evidence, a plot located 150 m north-east of the fort, adjacent to the main Roman road, was selected for investigation.
The earliest feature was a small ditch, possibly part of a late pre-Roman or early Roman field system, but there was little evidence for activity before the late Hadrianic period (c AD 130+), when a timber ‘strip building’ was constructed on the street frontage. This went out of use in the mid-second century, but was immediately replaced by a similar structure. Following the demolition of this building around the end of the century, the plot was seemingly abandoned for a time, after which a stone-footed strip building was erected, probably c AD 220-30. Although direct evidence was sparse, all three buildings may have been multifunctional, possibly combining residential and commercial functions. To the rear was a palimpsest of features, including plot-boundary ditches and a group of wells and/or water cisterns.
The Roman properties on either side of this also contained stone-footed strip buildings during the third century, one separated by a minor road, extending north-west from the main road. The stone-footed building, and probably also those in the adjacent plots, had been demolished by c AD 270. Subsequent activity was extremely limited, but included the cutting, in the late third/early fourth century, of a ditch along the north-eastern boundary of the targeted plot. Thereafter, the site seems to have been abandoned completely, and no evidence of post-Roman activity was identified
The earliest feature was a small ditch, possibly part of a late pre-Roman or early Roman field system, but there was little evidence for activity before the late Hadrianic period (c AD 130+), when a timber ‘strip building’ was constructed on the street frontage. This went out of use in the mid-second century, but was immediately replaced by a similar structure. Following the demolition of this building around the end of the century, the plot was seemingly abandoned for a time, after which a stone-footed strip building was erected, probably c AD 220-30. Although direct evidence was sparse, all three buildings may have been multifunctional, possibly combining residential and commercial functions. To the rear was a palimpsest of features, including plot-boundary ditches and a group of wells and/or water cisterns.
The Roman properties on either side of this also contained stone-footed strip buildings during the third century, one separated by a minor road, extending north-west from the main road. The stone-footed building, and probably also those in the adjacent plots, had been demolished by c AD 270. Subsequent activity was extremely limited, but included the cutting, in the late third/early fourth century, of a ditch along the north-eastern boundary of the targeted plot. Thereafter, the site seems to have been abandoned completely, and no evidence of post-Roman activity was identified