MORECAMBE BAY PARTNERSHIP HEADLANDS TO HEADSPACE

THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF BIRKRIGG FELL: ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK-BASED ASSESSMENT AND SITE VISITS JUNE 2017

The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

CONTENTS SUMMARY ...... 5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 7 TRAINING, RESEARCH AND REPORT INFORMATION ...... 7 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 8 1.1 Circumstances of Project ...... 8 1.2 The Purpose of the Desk-Based Assessment ...... 9 2 METHODOLOGY ...... 9 2.1 Introduction ...... 9 2.2 Documentary Sources ...... 9 2.3 Site Visit ...... 10 3 BACKGROUND ...... 10 3.1 Location, Topography and Geology ...... 10 3.2 Archaeological and Historical Background ...... 12 4 Previous archaeological Works ...... 17 5 CARTOGRAPHIC AND PICTORIAL SOURCES ...... 20 5.1 Mapping ...... 20 5.2 Aerial Images ...... 25 6 SITE VISIT ...... 28 7 CONCLUSIONS ...... 36 7.1 Summary and recommendations ...... 36 8 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 39 8.1 Primary Sources ...... 39 8.2 Secondary Sources ...... 39 8.3 Websites ...... 41 APPENDIX 1: HERITAGE ASSET GAZETTEER ...... 42 APPENDIX 2: FIGURES ...... 56

The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

ILLUSTRATIONS

FIGURES Figure 1: Site location Figure 2: Detailed site location Figure 3: Location of heritage assets Figure 4: Location of walkover surveys

PLATES Plate 1: Image from Google Earth showing limestone pavement Plate 2: Extract from Speed’s Map of Lancashire, 1610 Plate 3: Extract from Yate’s Plan of Lancashire, 1786 Plate 4: Extract from Greenwood’s Plan of Lancashire, 1818 Plate 5: Extract from Hennet’s Plan of 1829 Plate 6: First Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 6inch to 1 mile scale, 1850 Plate 7: Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1890-1, 25inch to 1 mile scale Plate 8: Third Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1913, 25inch to mile scale Plate 9: Google Earth imagery, 2003 Plate 10: Google Earth imagery, 2014 Plate 11: Bing Maps imagery, nd Plate 12: Dr Richard Newman and volunteers at the site of the Stone Circle (5) on Birkrigg Common, looking north-east Plate 13: Volunteers examining the ditch/trackway (79) to the north of the stone circle, looking south-east Plate 14: Inspecting the site of a possible ring cairn (60) discovered by Brian Hardwick, looking north-east Plate 15: Volunteers standing on the bank of the north-eastern enclosure (1A) to the north- west of Appleby Slack, inspecting the cleared interior, looking north-east Plate 16: Volunteers standing on the cleared barrow mound (1C) Plate 17: Volunteers braving the weather during survey training/walkover survey at the site of the stone circle (5), looking south-east Plate 18: Volunteers inspecting the site of a former quarry and the remains of a limekiln (34), looking north Plate 19: Volunteers identifying the stone bank of the larger (south-western) enclosure at Appleby Slack (1B), looking south-west The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

Plate 20: Stone recorded at St Michaels Stirrup (49), located and submitted by Mervyn Cooper Plate 21: Volunteer recording the large depression noted within the enclosure (1B) at Appleby Slack

The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

SUMMARY

This report provides a summary of a research project, undertaken by Morecambe Bay Partnership and volunteers, focusing on the archaeology of Birkrigg Fell. The project was run as part of the Heritage Lottery funded Headlands to Headspace scheme, an initiative motivated by a community desire to protect and celebrate Morecambe Bay’s rich heritage. A key aim of the scheme is to improve our understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of the Bay significantly and help conserve this heritage for future generations. This report is an outcome of this project, to record and promote the rich heritage of the Bay.

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“From the top of Birkrigg the view of Furness, and of the surrounding coast, is singularly beautiful. Lancaster, with its castle, appears to great advantage, set off by the high mountains that seem to hang over it. From south to east a coast presents itself to the view, in many places bold and steep, in others sloping and cultivated, or flat and woody; distinguished and adorned with a contrast of woods, villages, towns, castles, rocks, cultivated fields and rich meadows, stocked with herds and flocks, and yellow harvest in the autumnal months. From the east to the north-west, the scene is alpine. Furness-fells appear as descending from the clouds in all the wild magnificence of nature”. (Thomas West in 1774, quoted in West 1805, 25)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Morecambe Bay Partnership and Wardell Armstrong Archaeology would like to thank the staff at Cumbria Record Offices, particularly to Susan Benson at Barrow, for assistance during the research phase, as well as Mark Brennand at Cumbria County Council for providing information from the Historic Environment Record. Thanks are also extended to South Lakeland District Council and the Crown Estates as managers and owners of the Common.

Special thanks is given to all the volunteers who attended the training, contributed to the research and participated in subsequent walkover surveys including Claire Asplin, Marnine Calvert, Mervyn Cooper, Astrid Hardwick, Brian Hardwick, Lynsdey Harrison, Annette Hoover, Collette Lawlor, Sue Lydon, Roger Kingston, Liz Kingston Andy Pringle and Ian Boyle.

The funding received from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Headlands to Headspace Landscape Partnership Scheme has enabled the volunteer training and this research to be undertaken and is gratefully acknowledged.

TRAINING, RESEARCH AND REPORT INFORMATION

The training was led by Richard Newman and Cat Peters of Wardell Armstrong Archaeology, and the overall project managed by Louise Martin of Morecambe Bay Partnership.

The initial site visit was guided by Richard Newman and Cat Peters of Wardell Armstrong Archaeology, with subsequent focused walkover survey led by Richard Newman. The documentary research and an additional walkover survey was undertaken by Morecambe Bay Partnership and volunteers following the initial desk-based training sessions.

The report was produced by Louise Martin, with contribution by Cat Peters and Richard Newman, who also co-ordinated the reporting phase. The figures were produced by Adrian Bailey of Wardell Armstrong Archaeology. All photographs images were taken by Louise Martin, apart from where specifically stated in the captions.

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Circumstances of Project

1.1.1 This report provides a summary of a research project assisted by volunteers, though professionally-led training, focusing on the archaeology of Birkrigg Fell. The project was run by the Morecambe Bay Partnership as part of the Heritage Lottery funded Headlands to Headspace scheme (H2H), an initiative motivated by a community desire to protect and celebrate Morecambe Bay’s rich heritage. A key aim of this scheme is to improve the understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of the Bay significantly, and help to conserve this heritage for future generations.

1.1.2 An initial phase of the Headlands to Headspace documentary research project was undertaken in Spring/Summer 2015, delivered by Louise Martin and Louise Parkinson. Wardell Armstrong was subsequently appointed to continue this training to other communities in the Bay. The aim of these training sessions was to ensure that “community participants acquire the necessary skills and knowledge required to undertake documentary research of cultural heritage sites, produce reports and disseminate the results” (Morecambe Bay Partnership 2015, 1).

1.1.3 The initial volunteer training sessions relating to the Birkrigg Fell project were undertaken on Saturday 30th April and Saturday 7th May 2016 at Ford Park in Ulverston. Training was delivered following the Morecambe Bay Partnership guidance (Martin et al 2016). The aim was to furnish volunteers with the requisite tools in order for them to convert their enthusiasm for the heritage of their locality into an archaeological study of a specified area of interest. The specified area of interest summarised by this report was Birkrigg Fell, and the second training session included a study tour of the fell. Further walkover surveys were undertaken on 25th February as part of an advanced training workshop and 22nd April 2017, locating sites listed in the Historic Environment and assessing the landscape for current condition of sites as well as recording new possible features.

1.1.4 Thus, this desk-based assessment comprises the report-production and dissemination phase of the H2H project, one of six archaeological reports produced as a result of the Heritage Lottery funded H2H Cultural Heritage Documentary Research project.

1.1.5 This desk-based assessment focuses on a study area at Birkrigg Common. The term ‘study area’ refers to the area shown in Figure 2, centred on, and targeting the

8 The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

known Stone Circle on Birkrigg Common at Birkrigg Fell. The immediate surrounding area is included to provide a heritage context to the study area.

1.2 The Purpose of the Desk-Based Assessment

1.2.1 This desk-based assessment seeks to improve our understanding of the archaeology at Birkrigg Fell through research, and assess the significance of the remains found during site visits. This report has been produced to enable the dissemination of the data produced by the project to a wide audience, making the results of the study publicly accessible for future generations. Given the nature of this project (training partially dependent on volunteer contributions), it is appreciated that there may be some omissions in the data collected. Recommendations for expanding on the research presented in this report are outlined in Section 7.

2 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 All work undertaken was consistent with the relevant standards and procedures of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, as set out in Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment (CIfA 2014).

2.1.2 More specifically, this work followed methodologies outlined in the ‘Guide to Undertaking Documentary Research and Desk-based Assessments for Volunteers’, produced by Louise Martin, Wardell Armstrong Archaeology and Louise Parkinson for the Morecambe Bay Partnership, in association with Mark Brennand, Peter Iles, Ken Davies and Eleanor Kingston (Martin et al 2016).

2.1.3 The data underlying the desk-based assessment was gathered through desk- based study of documentary sources and via a site visit, undertaken by volunteers under the supervision of Louise Martin of the Morecambe Bay Partnership, and Richard Newman and Cat Peters of Wardell Armstrong Archaeology.

2.2 Documentary Sources

2.2.1 The primary and secondary sources used were mainly derived from online sources, including The Archaeology Data Service (http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/ifp/wiki.pdf), the National Heritage List (https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/) and PastScape (http://www.pastscape.org.uk/). The historic maps were consulted through online websites including Old-Maps (https://www.old-maps.co.uk/#/), the

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National Library of Scotland (http://maps.nls.uk/geo/find/#) and Mario (http://mario.lancashire.gov.uk/agsmario/). These sources consulted between May 2016 and April 2017.

2.3 Site Visit

2.3.1 The site and its environs were visited on the 7th May 2016, and 25th February and 22nd April 2017.

2.3.2 The study area was inspected to:

• Identify any previously unknown archaeological features

• assess the previously known archaeological features and compare the current state of the feature with of the known record, in order to assess the accuracy of the known record.

2.4 Glossary 2.4.1 The following standard terms for compiling the assessment are used throughout the report:

• Heritage Asset – a building, monument, site, place, area or defined landscape positively identified as having a degree of heritage significance that merits consideration in planning decisions.

• Historic Environment Record (HER) – an information service, usually utilizing a database, which provides public access to up-to-date and dynamic resources relating to the historic environment of a defined geographic area.

• Significance – the value of a heritage asset to present and future generations attributable of its heritage interest. That interest may be archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic (including historical associations).

3 BACKGROUND

3.1 Location, Topography and Geology

3.1.1 Birkrigg Common is situated 3.8km to the south of the town of Ulverston and 5.8km to the east of Dalton in Furness, on the Furness Peninsula, South Cumbria (site centred SD 28717, 74303, Figure 1). The village of Great Urswick is situated 1.2km to the west, whilst Bardsea is located 1.6km to the north-east. The Common comprises an irregular shaped parcel of land covering 1.1km2 bounded

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by agricultural fields on all sites. White Gill Lane extends through the northern edge of the site with Sea Wood and the hamlet of Sunbrick located on southern boundary. The western boundary is defined by a track, which leads down to Scales, with the hamlet of Birkrigg to the north-west (Figure 2). A trig point located on the central southern section of the Common (SD 28342,74220) is recorded at 136.495m AOD (http://trigpointing.uk/trig/1387). From this point the land slopes relatively gently down towards the north and the enclosure site at Appleby Hill is located on the 100m contour, where is slopes more steeply down to around the 80m contour. To the east the land slopes down slightly following the limestone pavement before rising again on Appleby Hill c. 110m aOD, where it then falls down towards the stone circle situated just below the 80m contour. From the stone circle the land sloping down to the south-west to 10m aOD at the cattle grid located on the access road to Sunbrick. The north-western and western boundary of the Common sits on the 80m AOD contour line, whilst the southern section towards Sunbrick is on the 100m contour.

3.1.2 The solid geology for the majority of Birkrigg Common comprises Urswick Limestone Formation- Calcarenite. This is a sedimentary Bedrock formed c.331- 225 million years ago. An outcropping of limestone pavement towards the west of the Common (Plate 1) presents the line delineating the Urswick Formation from the Park Limestone Formation, which covers much of the western side of the Common. Park Limestone is again a Calcarenite, sedimentary Bedrock formed c. 335 to 339 million years ago. Both deposits were formed in the Carboniferous Period, in an environment dominated by warm shallow carbonate seas. No superficial/drift geology is mapped. All information regarding the geology has been acquired from (http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html).

Plate 1: Image from Google Earth showing limestone pavement

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3.2 Archaeological and Historical Background

3.2.1 This historical and archaeological background is largely a summary of known sites within the study area. It is intended only as a summary of historical developments on Birkrigg Fell and given the nature of this project there may be some omissions in the data collected. The locations of known heritage assets within the study area are illustrated in Figure 3 and summarised in Appendix 1. Where heritage assets presented in the Appendix are referred to in the text they are presented as a bold number e.g. (5 or Site 5).

3.2.2 Prehistoric (up to c. AD 72): Birkrigg Fell is rich in prehistoric archaeology, with six known sites of national importance contained across the study area (1-5 and 11). These sites are recorded as being of Bronze Age date, however, the dating is based on typological grounds, with the only excavated evidence (see below) being recovered in the early 20th century.

3.2.3 There is some tentative evidence for earlier activity in the vicinity of the study area with a number of Neolithic finds being recovered, including a stone celt (7), a lance head (10) and a polished axe head (51). At Skelmore Heads (6), located c. 1.6km to the north-west of Appleby Hill and c. 1.5km to the north-west of the enclosures at Site 1, limited excavation in the late 1950s and 60s yielded evidence to suggest Neolithic activity/occupation. This included an earlier phase of the enclosure, represented by a palisade entrance, which may be of Neolithic date. A number of roughed-out stone axes, including four which had been hidden in a stone crevice adjacent to the north-west corner of the site, led to the interpretation that it was situated on one of the major transition routes for Cumbrian axes from the Langdale axe factories during the Neolithic (Historic England listing 2017b). Pottery and six-socketed bronze axes attest to continued activity at this site into the Bronze Age.

3.2.4 The majority of known sites located on the Common attributed to the Bronze Age are of a ritual nature, the most well-known being the stone circle (5), also sometimes referred to as ‘Druids Temple’ or ‘Druids Circle’ (Eadie 2011, 186). The site is a rare type of this form of monument, comprising more than one circle- otherwise known as a concentric stone circle. Only 15 of the 250 or so stone circles in England are of this form (Historic England 2017a). The inner circle is c.8.5m in diameter and consists of 12 stones, whilst the outer ring comprises 20 stones and forms an incomplete circle with a diameter of c.24m. The site was excavated in 1911 (Gelderd and Dobson 1912) and 1921 (North Lonsdale Field

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Club 1922), which revealed pavements of cobbles, five cremation burials and associated artefacts. A summary of the results of these excavations are presented below (confer 4.1.1). A reference to an arrangement of stones (80), noted by Dan Elsworth (Elsworth 2006, 219-221) from an 1839 document, may be related to the stone circle, however, further work is required to establish if these stones are of natural or anthropogenic origin.

3.2.5 A bowl barrow (1C) and four round cairns (2, 3, 4 and 12) provide further evidence of ceremonial use of the Common, with human/cremated remains being recovered from some of these site (see below) indicating deposition and use in the Bronze Age. A number of mounds/cairns have been identified during recent walkover surveys (e.g. 57, 58, 60, 62, 63) and further work is required to determine if these features form part of the Bronze Age use of the Common. A group of hut circles (8) have also been attributed to the Bronze Age, however, the recent walkover surveys found no evidence of these features. Three of the four mounds (11) were excavated in 1912 although no finds were retrieved and it is unclear whether they represent tumuli. The enclosures recorded to the north- east of Appleby Slack (1 A and B) are interpreted as a stock enclosure (1A) and enclosed hut settlement (1B) of Bronze Age date (Historic England 2017c). The smaller (north-western enclosure) is described in the Historic England listing as a pear-shaped feature with a south-eastern facing entrance and containing traces of three hut circles. Given that these sites have never been subject to any recorded excavation, and no dating evidence has been presented to support the attributed date, the Bronze Age date is purely based on site form and association with the bowl barrow (1C). There is, therefore, the possibility that they may be of earlier and/or later date. Enclosure 1A may be the ‘small camp’ referred to in a 1936 article in Cumberland and Westmorland Archaeological and Antiquarian Transactions (CWAAS) transactions (Erskine and Wood, 1936, 150), which describes ‘On the western slope of the northern end of the central valley is a small camp, irregularly oval, 40 yards across and surrounded by a low bank of earth and stone. This bank, containing roughly 150 cubic yards of material……..although it shows no definite remains, can have only held one large house or a group of smaller ones. Two hundred and fifty yards south-south-east up the slope a group of circles, slightly sunken, suggests an unfortified village’. This ‘unfortified village’ may reflect the hut circles recorded on the HER (HER 2357, Site 8) which are recorded by Erskine and Wood as a symmetrical rubble

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wall 7 yards (6.4m) in diameter. The valley near these hut circles is described in by Erskine and Wood as ‘divided by transverse banks, like broad terracing, perhaps the lynchetting [sic] of hoe-cultivated gardens. Near the camp and in the bottom of the largest valley there is what seems to be the base of a wall of an enclosure, not certainly cultivated, and some deeply worn pack-trails, with no obvious relation to modern settlements, pass near the camp’ (1936, 150-1).

3.2.6 There is no recorded evidence of Iron Age activity on the Common, however, the nearby site of Skelmore Heads (6) is listed as a slight univallate hillfort, a site type which dates to the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age (see Site 6 for further information).

3.2.7 Roman Period (c. AD 45 to c. 410): no evidence of Roman activity has been discovered within the study area.

3.2.8 Early Medieval (c. 410 to 1066): there are no sites of early medieval origin recorded in the study area. The name Birkrigg, however, derives from the Norse “Birk” meaning Birch and “Hyrggr” meaning bumpy fell or ridge whilst Sunbrick was originally known as Sunbreak from the Norse “brekka’ which means slope (Wilde 2014, 3 and 4), suggesting Norse settlement in the early Medieval period). Further research undertaken by Peter Wilde (http://www.cumbria- wildlife.org.uk/Birkrigg_S_Doomsday.htm) into the Domesday Survey and land holdings in Furness has identified two vills (Borch and Suntun) that have been difficult to identify in the modern landscape but may relate to the area of study. Wilde has proposed that Borch would have been located in the area between Ulverston and Birkrigg and he has suggested that the name may be a corruption/misspelling of Old English beorc and Old Norse birk. Furthemore, he has proposed that Suntun may be the area between Bardsea and Aldingham.

3.2.9 Medieval (1066-1540): The study area is partly in the parish of Aldingham (including Sunbrick) but mainly in the parish of Urswick. Urswick is not mentioned in the Domesday Book but it is probable that Earl Tostig and Turulf of Ulverston held it at this time. In 1066 Aldingham comprised a number of manors (Aldingham, Dendron, Hart, Leece, Leece and Gleaston). These manors, along with Urswick later became part of the Manor of Aldingham, within the lordship of Muchland, held by Michael le Fleming. (Farrer and Brownbill 1914, Urswick and Aldingham parishes). It remained as part of the Manor of Muchland until 1554 when it became the property of the Crown (Wilde 2014, 3). This followed the beheading of the then manorial lord, the Duke of Suffolk when his estates were

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forfeited (West 1805, 96). The only site listed in the study area of possible medieval date is the site of a deerpark (53) in the vicinity of Sea Wood, which is documented as late as 1770, but was in existence by 1418 (Farrer and Brownbill 1914, 321; Newman 2014, 256). To the north of the Common, field walking undertaken by Dan Elsworth recovered a mixed assemblage of finds (52), including some medieval pottery.

3.2.10 Post Medieval (1540-1900): The Common was in the ownership of the Crown in 1544 and rights to pasturage was granted to the commoners (Wilde 2014, 3). The commons would have had medieval origins and Birkrigg would have been part of the common wastes of the manor. The most significant site of Post-Medieval date within the study area is the Society of Friends burial ground (13). Located to the west of Sunbrick, the land for the cemetery was in use between 1648-1767 and 227 people are recorded to be buried within the grounds. There are no grave markers but one of those buried within this enclosure is Margaret Fox, the wife of George Fox the founder of the Quaker movement (Historic England 2017d). Dating to a similar period is the cottage at Sunbrick (82) and farmhouse and associated features (83), suggesting the burial ground and a small settlement developed at a similar time.

3.2.11 Post-medieval use of the Common is particularly evident relating to limestone extraction and the production of lime. Sixteen quarries (24, 27, 33, 34, 36, 42, 44- 46, 48, 61, 67, 69, 72, 73 and 77) are listed on or within the immediate vicinity of the Common, and the vestiges of these sites is evident on historic mapping (Plates 6-8), aerial photography (Plate 9-11) and as extant features (e.g. 34, 36, 61, 67, 69, 72, 73 and 77). They are concentrated across the central and south- eastern extent of the Common. Ten limekilns (25, 26, 32, 35, 37, 39-41, 43 and 76) have been recorded, both from historic mapping and as extant features, many positioned close to the quarries listed above. These kilns would have produced lime for improvement of the nearby agricultural land. In 1836 it was stated that on Birkrigg, “excellent materials for fence-walls are found in the stone quarries” (Baines 1836, 655).

3.2.12 A number of mine shafts (18, 28 and 29) are located to the south of the Common on the edge of Sea Wood. Site 18 is known to have been associated with a failed attempt at copper mining. Copper mining had proved unsuccessful on Birkrigg by 1836 (Baines 1836, 655). Of interest is a large, stone filled depression (64) located within the centre of the Common and recorded during the recent walkover

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surveys. It is possible that this depression represents a collapsed mine shaft and further work is recommended to assess the full extent and form of this feature, to possibly assist with interpretation.

3.2.13 During the mid 19th century Peter Wilde has found evidence that the Common was being over-grazed by the commoners and an agreement was established that “sheep or cattle of each occupier of the land shall be in proportion to the rateable value of the land’ (Wilde, 2014, 4).

3.2.14 More documentary evidence of farming and extraction on the Common is likely to survive in archive collections and would be a good extension to the research already undertaken.

3.2.15 Modern (1900-present): during the walkover survey on 22nd April 2017, two groups of small slit trenches (68 and 71, Plate 22) were observed on the north- eastern flank, and to the south of Appleby Hill. These features have been interpreted as military practice slit trenches and many included a berm of spoil, which would have provided cover to the user. They have tentatively been interpreted as of WW2 origin, possibly used by the Home Guard, however, further research and recording is required to enhance the records for these features.

3.2.16 Ridge and furrow (20 and 65) recorded in the study area may be of post-medieval date and the features recorded as Site 65 suggests cultivation of the Common.

3.2.17 The Common is currently grazed by a number of commoners (at least three), who undertake some management of the bracken to expose areas of grassland. South Lakeland District Council manage the site on behalf of the Crown Estate (managing agent Smiths Gore). The site is well used by the local community for recreation, including cycling and walking, and nationally important sites such as the stone circle (5) draw many visitors and tourists to the site.

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3.2.18 Unknown: there are many sites that are listed in Appendix 2 which are listed with an unknown date, including a burial (9, which may be Bronze Age), earthworks/possible enclosures/boundaries (14-17, 19, 21, 23, 54-56 and 81), trackways (59, 74 and 79) and circular features and depressions (22, 66 and 75). All these features would benefit from further examination to explore whether their date, and in some instance their form and function, may be determined.

4 PREVIOUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORKS

4.1.1 The site of the stone circle has seen two archaeological excavations, the first in 1911, with the site revisited in 1921 by the North Lonsdale Field Club (North Lonsdale Field Club, 1922). Both excavations were reported in the CWAAS transactions. Initial excavations in 1911, focused on the inner circle, however, some limited excavation was undertaken in the area between the inner and outer circles. Both the inner and outer circles were found to be paved, with up to two layers of large “blue rag” cobble pavement being observed within the inner circle with only a single layer of cobbles forming the outer circle. Interestingly, the excavation report mentions that around the stones forming the inner circle the cobbles of the pavement were upright and tightly packed, whilst holes had been dug into the pavement prior to the insertion of the boulders forming outer circle (Gelderd and Dobson, 1912, 265). Full excavation of the pavement within the inner circle revealed a burial to the south-eastern side of the circle, whilst to the west of the centre at least three cremations were uncovered beneath the lower pavement, one contained within an urn. The excavations in 1921 concentrated on the ground between the inner and outer circles and revealed a further cobbled surface, and a number of artefacts including a stone tools, a stone pestle and red ochre which the authors of the excavation report postulated may have been used for tattooing (North Lonsdale Field Club, 1922).

4.1.2 The site of the stone circle has been subject to a number of more recent surveys including Burl’s publication on stone circles (Burl 1976, 5 and Burl 2005,69 in Eadie 2012, 186), as part of the North West Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment (NWRCZA) Johnson 2009, 130 and Eadie 2012, 186-7, and during the development stage of the Headlands to Headspace Scheme (Greenlane Archaeology 2013). This recent work has identified risks to the site, including bracken growth and vandalism and has led to the site being placed on the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register.

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4.1.3 The North Lonsdale Field Club also undertook comprehensive excavations on possible barrows (Sites 1c, 4 and 11 ) located across the common, during 1912.. This work was reported in the CWAAS (Gelderd et. al. 1914, 466-479) and is summarised below. Three ‘small barrows’ (11) aligned north-north-east to south- south-west were the first to be excavated. Some detail is included about the central feature in this group, described as having ‘every appearance of a typical barrow’ with excavation revealing a mound of stone (erratics) and soil, with the recorded measurements of 26ft (c.7.93m) by 24ft (c.7.32m) and up to 24 inches (c. 0.6m) in height (ibid, 468). No artefacts were recovered from these possible barrows.

4.1.4 On the northern end of Appleby Hill a barrow measuring 42ft (c.12.8m) by 36ft (c.11m) and up to 2ft in height (0.61m) was the next site to be reported (Site 4). Only limited excavations, in the form of a trench extending from east to west across the mound and measuring up to 0.9m in wide, was undertaken at this site. The investigations revealed that the mound was constructed of large pieces of limestone, with a slight depression at the summit. The excavations recovered fragments of pottery, scattered human teeth, fragments of a human skull and a small bronze implement (fusiform pin), which was associated with human remains. The bronze implement was identified as a tattooing awl of Early Bronze Age date (ibid, 71). A number of circular deposits of black earth, in some cases similar to ‘broken-down prehistoric pottery in constitution’, were found during the excavations. All the black earth deposits were covered with large stones or slabs and the area that contained these deposits of dark earth was surrounded a circle of stones 12-13 ft (3.65-3.96m) in diameter, positioned within the eastern section of the barrow (ibid, 468-71). The excavators concluded that at least three human inhumation internments had been made into the barrow (of an elderly person, a young person and a child), with the black deposits in the eastern side of the barrow interpreted as partial interments or the remains of degraded pots/bone (ibid, 472.)

4.1.5 The barrow to the north-east end of Appleby Slack (Site 1C) was investigated in 1913 (ibid, 472-479) described as situated ‘between the two ‘Camps’ at the north-east end of Appleby Slack and abutting on the eastern boundary of the larger and less distinct enclosure where the latter comes into contact with the outcrop of weathered limestone rock on its northern and north-western sides. Under its thick covering of whin and bracken, this barrow appeared little more

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than a low flat mound, containing but a few cartloads of earth and stones, overgrown by a tough moorland turf’.

4.1.6 Trenches were excavated across the entirety of the barrow, which revealed that the north-eastern/south-western elements were possibly better preserved, being more densely packed with stones. The south-eastern side was found to measure only 10 inches (0.25m) in depth and comprised ‘loose earth with a fair sprinkling on stones’.

4.1.7 Within the north-eastern/central area of the barrow, three burial urns (1-3) and a number of burnt/charcoal rich/black earth deposits, some of which were associated with burnt/unburnt bone (a-i) were discovered, their locations illustrated in plan within the excavation report (ibid, 474).

4.1.8 Towards the centre the barrow a burial pit (d, see ibid 474) was discovered and its location led the excavators to interpret this feature as the primary internment, albeit disturbed. It comprised a ‘basin-shaped hollow’ 15 to 18 inches in diameter (0.38-0.45m) by 8 to 10 inches deep (0.2-0.25m). This hollow had been burnt red and contained charcoal and cremated bone, with a couple of fragments of pottery described as ‘a pretty large vessel’. This deposit had been sealed by burnt earth and a large flat stone.

4.1.9 To the south-east of pit d, two burial urns containing cremated bone and charcoal (Nos. 1 and 2, see ibid 473-4) were uncovered. In close vicinity to the urns a patch of charcoal was noted (a), whilst slightly to the south-east a heat reddened depression (b) filled with charcoal and a possible flint scraper, and ‘a mass of charcoal and burnt earth’ beneath a large flat stone (c) were revealed.

4.1.10 A further heat-reddened pit (e) which measured 18 inches (0.45m) in diameter was found to the north-east of pit d and towards the edge of the barrow. It contained ‘much charcoal and dark earthy matter’ alongside a small fragment of burnt bone (e, see ibid, 474).

4.1.11 In the north-eastern section of the barrow a cluster of features were discovered (f-I and 3, see ibid, 474 and 476-9) and comprised the third inverted urn (3) and deposits of charcoal/black earth with associated evidence of burning and unburnt bone (f, g, h and i).

4.1.12 The urn (3) was inverted and has been positioned beneath a limestone cover. It contained fragments of bone, including some possible bird bones, charcoal, black

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earth and ten flakes, which may be spear/arrowheads. A further seven flakes surrounded the urn within a deposit of ‘black earth’.

4.1.13 Feature f was represented by a mass of black earth and charcoal, including a small piece of burnt bone, which was sealed with a stone, with feature h related to a deposit of charcoal beneath a stone. Pits g and i were bowl shaped, the former was burnt red and was covered with a flattish stone, whilst pit g displayed no evidence of burning but was filled with black earth/charcoal. Following excavation, the mound of this barrow was restored (ibid, 479).

4.1.14 In 1935, human and animal remains were noted by a Mr John Ervine, in a disturbed area (Site 9). The site was revisited, along with J. Wood four months later to re-open the hole and recover any further bones. Excavation of the site revealed a lanceolate cavity measuring six feet (1.8m) long by 3 feet (0.9m) wide, which contained numerous fragments of animal and human bones, along with a grey-black charcoal rich deposit, possibly the remains of a hearth. The excavation report (Erskine and Wood 1936, 150-157) was produced by the excavators who concluded that the burnt material at the base of the pit indicated that it had been a crematorium, with at least two phases of cremations (however no creamated bone is mention and/or analysed) and the unburnt human bones represented the burial of one individual.

5 CARTOGRAPHIC AND PICTORIAL SOURCES

5.1 Mapping

5.1.1 The earliest mapping illustrated as part of this report is Speed’s 1610 map (Plate 2). Whilst this mapping is at a small scale with little detail, Sunbrick is illustrated clearly to the east of Urswick. Yates’ map of 1786 (Plate 3) is at a larger scale, showing roads and smaller settlements and includes ‘Birchrigg’ defined as shaded area between Much Urswick and Bardsea. The area of Birchrigg is shown clearly as a green-shaded, irregular-shaped parcel of land, which appears to have been extended down towards scales (in comparison to Yates’ 1786 mapping). The plan of the Common is shown similarly on Hennet’s 1829 map (Plate 5), although appears to encroach further into Bardsea than shown on the 1818 map (Plate 4). On the 1829 (Plate 5) mapping the Common is labelled as Birch Rigg and Sunbrick as Sunbrook, where a number of buildings are set around the north and south- east of a square enclosure.

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Plate 2: Extract from Speed’s Map of Lancashire, showing Sunbrick, Bardsea and Urswick

Plate 3: Extract from Yate’s Plan of Lancashire, 1786. ‘Birchrigg’ is annotated towards the top right corner of the picture

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Plate 4: Extract from Greenwood’s Plan of Lancashire, 1818. ‘Birchrigg’ is labelled

Plate 5: Extract from Hennet’s Plan of 1829. Annotated ‘Birch Rigg’

5.1.2 The First Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1850, 6 inch to 1 mile scale (Plate 6) is the earliest encountered during the research to show the area in detail. The map illustrated is focused on the Common and shows that since 1818 the names of key locations have changed with ‘Birkrigg Common’ replacing ‘Birch Rigg’, annotated between Great Urswick (formerly Much Urswick) to the west, and Bardsea to the east (not illustrated). Sunbrick (formerly Sunbrook) appears to consist of a small cluster of buildings by this date. An old graveyard (13) is shown

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to the north-west of Sunbrick. The number of trackways depicted across the common, with St Michaels Stirrup (49) noted at the convergence of three of these tracks to the west of the Common, Limekilns, old limekilns, quarries and old quarries attest to the wide use of the area for small-scale extraction. Several of these features were not listed in the Historic Environment Record, and therefore have been added into the gazetteer in the Appendix (e.g. 76 and 77). Earlier use of the common is shown by ‘Camps’ (1) annotated towards the northern part, in historical style font, and Druid’s Temple (5) to the east of Sunbrick, which is shown as two complete double rings of stones and is likely to be schematic rather than an actual representation of the monument. A beacon (78) is marked to the north-west of Sunbrick in the area now occupied by the trig point. Of interest is that none of the burial cairns are shown on this mapping.

Plate 6: First Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1850, 6inch to 1 mile scale.

Reproduced with Permission of the National Library of Scotland 5.1.3 The Second Edition 25 inch to 1 mile Ordnance survey mapping for the area (Plate 7) shows that little has changed in the 40 years since the first edition mapping. Some of the quarries/limekilns illustrated on the earlier map are no longer shown or labelled (e.g. 32, 33, 37, 41, 44). The Camps (1) are clearly shown with Druids Circle now named as ‘Stone Circles’ which shows the inner circle slightly offset to the south of the outer circle, which appears as a complete circle.

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Plate 7: Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1890-1, 25inch to 1 mile scale

Reproduced with Permission of the National Library of Scotland 5.1.4 The limestone pavement is clearly mapped by the 1913 Ordnance Survey 25 inch to 1 mile map (Plate 8), however, there remains little change on the Common apart from two tumuli (2 and 3) now being illustrated on the mapping.

Plate 8: Third Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1913, 25inch to mile scale

Reproduced with Permission of the National Library of Scotland 5.1.5 Analysis of subsequent maps through online mapping service Old-Maps (https://www.old-maps.co.uk) shows that the area changed little in subsequent years. Despite being excavated in the early 20th century a number of the tumuli/barrows are not mapped until the 1969 25 inch to 1 mile OS mapping (not illustrated) e.g. the bowl barrow at Site 2 and the round cairn of Appleby Hill (4).

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5.2 Aerial Images

5.2.1 The only aerial images collected as part of this research includes online images from Google Earth and Bing maps. No other aerial photography or LiDAR imagery have been examined as part of this project, and further work in the area could focus on Environment Agency LiDAR data, which is known to have been collected at least for the southern area of the Common. The online mapping provided through HousePrice.io indicates that the northern area of the Common, beyond Appleby Slack and where dense gorse covers the area, has not currently been LiDAR surveyed (https://houseprices.io/lab/lidar/map).

5.2.2 The Google data for 2003 (Plate 9) shows the trackways across the Common have clearly increased, with a concentration converging from all directions to the formerly labelled ‘Druids Circle’ (5) towards the south-east. Vague traces of the formerly annotated ‘Camps’ (1) can still be seen towards the north-west. The limestone pavement is clearly visible as is the area of dense gorse to the north- west of the Common. The vestiges of the limestone quarries, recorded in the HER and mapped as part of the site visit can also be clearly seen on this image, however, the bracken/vegetation cover, appear to be masking the smaller archaeological features such as the cairns/barrows.

Area of Gorse

Site 1 Limestone Pavement

Site 5

Plate 9: Google Earth imagery, 2003

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5.2.3 The 2014 Google Earth image is shown in grey-scale (Plate 10), which helps define monuments such as the north-west enclosure at Site 1, however, the trackways and stone circle are not so easy to identify. There are other possible features visible on this image, which require comparison with historic mapping, other aerial images, the sites listed in Appendix 2 and possible site visits to determine if they represent features of archaeological interest.

Site 1

Site 5

Plate 10: Google Earth imagery, 2014

5.2.4 The Bing aerial image (Plate 11) shows the area possibly in the winter months as the green foliage of the bracken is shown as parched/brown areas. The date of this image is unknown but it is likely to pre-date 2015 as the vegetation clearance at the stone circle does not appear to have commenced. The bank of the north- east enclosure at Site 1 is clearly shown, as are a number of intriguing lines of Site 5 circular features noted to the north-west of the stone circle (5). At least eight lines are visible and correspond to an area known to have been cleared of bracken. Green grass, rather than the brown tinge (of dying bracken noted over the majority of the Common), is visible in this area. As a result they have been interpreted as modern sheep feeders.

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Site 1

Site 5

Lines of Circular Features

Plate 11: Bing Maps imagery, nd

Site 1

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6 SITE VISIT

6.1.1 A number of site visits/survey days have been undertaken on Birkrigg Common during this project (Plates 12-14). The initial site visit linked to the documentary research training was lead by Dr Richard Newman on 7th March 2016. Subsequent visits were made to the site by Brian Hardwick in March 2016 to make a full record of the possible ring cairn (60) identified and on 9th March 2017 by Mervyn Cooper to locate and record St Michaels Stirupp (49). Two walkover surveys were undertaken on 25th February and 22nd April 2107 and the preliminary results of this work have been included below and in Appendix 2. The walkover surveys are currently being written up in detail through the H2H project.

6.1.2 The site visits were all undertaken prior to the annual growth of the bracken across the Common and hence the site visibility was fair to good; fair where the dense dead bracken stem may be obscuring archaeological features. In recent years three sites on the Heritage at Risk Register (1, 4 and 5) have been subject to targeted vegetation clearance through the H2H Scheme and hence visibility of these sites is currently good.

Plate 12: Dr Richard Newman and volunteers at the site of the Stone Circle (5) on Birkrigg Common, looking north-east

6.1.3 The site visit undertaken on 7th March 2016 focused on three key sites (1, 4 and 5), also visiting a possible new feature found by Brian Hardwick (60). At the stone

28 The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

circle (5), the vegetation clearance undertaken in recent years was evident at all sites and appeared to be well maintained. Molehills were apparent all around the monument and within the centre of the inner stone circle evidence of a fire was observed. The ditch (79) to the immediate north of the outer stone circle was discussed and noted as a well-defined feature of unknown function and date. There is a possibility that is represents a linear geologically created solution hollow or may be the vestiges of a former track-way/hollow-way. The relationship with the stone circle is unclear and the feature is not visible containing in the field to the east (towards Wellhouse Farm). This feature would benefit from further study, possibly tracking its extent via aerial photographs/LiDAR.

6.1.4 The group then walked up along the footpaths along the eastern limit of the Common heading to the north-east and Appleby Slack. At c. SD 29101, 74340 Brian Hardwick pointed out an annular feature (60) located on the footpath. This feature may be a ring cairn, which is bisected by the footpath and like most of the features on the Common, is covered by a layer of brown bracken stems, suggesting in the summer months that it is covered by bracken.

Plate 13: Volunteers examining the ditch/trackway (79) to the north of the stone circle, looking south-east

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6.1.5 A subsequent site visit by Brian Hardwick following the site visit on 7th April recorded the site of the possible ring cairn (60) in more detail. The description of the heritage asset is recorded in Appendix 2.

Plate 14: Inspecting the site of a possible ring cairn (60) discovered by Brian Hardwick, looking north-east

6.1.6 At Appleby Slack, the bank of the smaller north-eastern enclosure (1A) was outlined by Louise Martin (Plate 15) and the vegetation management work, which cleared a significant amount of the bracken coverage/debris was explained. The volunteers noted and walked around the outer bank of the enclosure, which appeared to be c. 1m in height and grass covered. An entranceway was clearly visible at the south-eastern extent of the enclosure. The bank of the enclosure is well-defined and whilst there was evidence of cut bracken stems, the grass appeared to be growing well. Within the interior of the enclosure there is more dead bracken debris and less grass evident, which is consistent with dense bracken cover. There was clear evidence that the bracken was being managed and cleared (stubble remains of stems and piles of bracken), with further work to do to improve this part of the site. A number of large mounds within the enclosure are believed to be ant mounds and no clear evidence was found of the three hut-circles described on the listing.

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Plate 15: Volunteers standing on the bank of the north-eastern enclosure (1A) to the north-west of Appleby Slack, inspecting the cleared interior, looking north- east

6.1.7 To the northern-west of the small enclosure a circular mound that is listed as part of the scheduling was observed. This is listed as a barrow (1C, Plate 16) and is situated directly north-west of the enclosure ditch. The eastern and southern sides of the barrow are clear, whilst at the northern edge the mound is less easy to define/pronounced. There is evidence for vegetation clearance on this mound.

6.1.8 Louise Martin explained that the larger (south-western) enclosure (1B) was more difficult to locate and that it had only been partially cleared of vegetation. The group walked along the cleared north-eastern bank which is much smaller in height. This site requires further clearance/investigation to establish its full form and extent.

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Plate 16: Volunteers standing on the cleared barrow mound (1C)

6.1.9 From Site 1B the group walked up onto Appleby Hill to investigate a further barrow (4). The mound of the barrow was clearly visible and there is evidence that the site has been managed of bracken/vegetation. As a result, this site appears to be in good condition. The group then returned to the meeting point.

6.1.10 Following on from the initial training in April 2016, an advanced survey training day was held on 25th February, where sites identified in the Historic Environment Record were examined as well as undertaking partial walkover surveys of sections of the Common (Figure 4). Despite very poor weather, six volunteers assisted Dr Richard Newman and Louise Martin and it was possible to visit/survey a significant proportion of the heritage assets, as well as identify some potential new sites (Plates 17-23). A list of the results of this survey day is presented in Appendix 2. To build on this survey, a further walkover survey was led by Mervyn Cooper on 22nd April (Figure 4) with seven volunteers. The results of this survey work are included in the Appendix and will be reported on in more detail in due course.

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Plate 17: Volunteers braving the weather during survey training/walkover survey at the site of the stone circle (5), looking south-east

Plate 18: Volunteers inspecting the site of a former quarry and the remains of a limekiln (34), looking north

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Plate 19: Volunteers identifying the stone bank of the larger (south-western) enclosure at Appleby Slack (1B), looking south-west

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Plate 20: Stone recorded at St Michaels Stirrup (49), Plate 21: Volunteer recording the large depression located and submitted by Mervyn Cooper noted within the enclosure (1B) at Appleby Slack

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Plate 22: Remains of one of the slit trenches (68) noted during the walkover survey on Appleby Hill 7 CONCLUSIONS

7.1 Summary and recommendations

7.1.1 This archaeological study has brought together readily available archaeological information relating to Birkrigg fell, which demonstrates that it has been a focus for activity at least since the Bronze Age. Nationally important monuments such the stone circle and burial cairns attest to a ceremonial and ritual use of the landscape and the position of Birkrigg provides a vantage and viewpoint across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District Fells, probably the primary reason why this location was chosen to celebrate and bury the dead. The stone circle (5) may have been used as a ceremonial/meeting place/gathering place and the stone pavements revealed through excavation in the early 20th century within the stone circle suggest that during the Bronze Age must have been a striking and highly visible feature in the landscape. Ritual use of the stone circle is represented by cremations uncovered during excavation. Further work on the inter-visibility of the sites of the Common, and those further afield is recommended to explore how the Bronze Age sites fit into the wider prehistoric landscape.

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7.1.2 Whilst the majority of Bronze Age sites on the Common have a ritual focus, occupation during this period is possibly attested by the hut circle settlement (1A), contained within a pear-shaped enclosure and a larger stock enclosure (1B). As vegetation clearance is continuing at these sites, their form is becoming clearer, as well as a number of circular depressions, which require further investigation. A least two depressions have been noted during the walkover survey to the south of the pear-shaped enclosure, and may represent the location of hut circles, which are recorded in the scheduling for the site. Examination of LiDAR data (if available) and aerial photographs, especially following bracken clearance, may help clarify the location of all three hut circles. Use of LiDAR may also be able to determine if an unenclosed hut circle settlement (8), which was recorded in the mid-20th century to the south-south-east of the enclosures but could not be located in the 1960’s survives in this area. If this site does exist, it may indicate that the settlement either moved, possibly to a more defended site within an enclosure and/or the settlement was larger in size.

7.1.3 The Bronze Age landscape has been incredibly well persevered, given that there has been little/no agricultural activity or development on the fell. Whilst the majority of the barrows were excavated in the early 20th century, they survive as extant, well- defined mounds, all of which appear to be in good condition. Some of these monuments have visible structural elements, such as stone cists/chambers as seen at Site 2. Many of these features are now, however, being encroached by bracken, which is placing the features at risk, and they may require management into the future.

7.1.4 Little evidence to has been found to suggest use during the Iron Age through to the Post-Medieval period, although the Common was almost certainly used during the Medieval period as common grazing/pasturage serving the parishes of Urswick and Aldingham. Given the unobtrusive nature of grazing, such use is invisible in the physical archaeological record, but may survive in documentary sources.

7.1.5 Some of the more intrusive activity witness on the Common is dated to the Post- Medieval period, when the fell is being used for extraction of limestone and exploration for copper. A large number of quarries and limekiln sites are listed in the gazetteer and appear on 19th century maps. Many of these site, in particular the quarries, survive as extant features, with associated piles of stones representing discarded/rejected material excavated from the sites. The research undertaken as

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part of this project has recorded a number of sites in the gazetteer, not previously listed in the Historic Environment Record.

7.1.6 Use of the landscape in the 20th century for military/defence training has also been uncovered during the recent walkover surveys, surviving a small/shallow slit trenches on the top of and to the south of Appleby Hill (68 and 71). Local residents have memories of these trenches as well as other sites that may have been used for military training (P Clarke, pers. comm) and is an avenue of research that could be explored through oral histories/examination of military records.

7.1.7 Recent use of the landscape by the commoners for grazing may be reflected in aerial images, which appear to show lines of circular sheep feeders (Plate 11).

7.1.8 This project has been an opportunity to teach archaeological research skills to the local communities in Morecambe bay, and reconnect them with their past. In doing so, they have contributed to an improved knowledge of the historic use of Birkrigg Fell, and proved that areas thought to be well-known retain potential for new sites to be encountered through a combination of research and landscape studies.

7.1.9 The report reflects initial research undertaken by Morecambe Bay Partnership and volunteers, brining together archaeological evidence for Birkrigg fell. There are a number of strands of research which could be undertaken to build/expand on this work including:

• Examination of other historical mapping such as Tithe maps

• Analysis and interpretation of aerial photographs and LiDAR data, which may reveal sites hidden by the bracken/vegetation cover. This could initially focus on sites that have been recorded in the past but are not visible on the ground (such as Site 8) and to investigate the extent and direction of trackways/holloways (17, 59, 67, and 79).

• Examination of archives for primary documentary resources, including possibly the excavation archives relating to the early 20th century excavations

• Further research of secondary publications to expand the archaeological and historical background

• Expansion of the walkover survey areas

• Discussions with local residents/commoners, possibly recording oral histories relating to the more recent use of the Common

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8 BIBLIOGRAPHY

8.1 Primary Sources

Speed’s Map of Lancashire, 1610 (http://www3.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/oldmap/speed/speed.jpg)

Yate’s Plan of Lancashire, 1786 (http://www3.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/oldmap/Yates/images/b1.gif)

Greenwood’s Plan of Lancashire, 1818 (http://ww3.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/oldmap/greenwood/G1SW.jpg)

Hennet’s Plan of Lancashire, 1829 (http://ww3.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/oldmap/hennet/imahges/bw.gif)

First Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1850, 6inch to 1 mile scale

Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1890 and 1891, 25inch to 1 mile scale

8.2 Secondary Sources

Baines E 1838, History of the County Palatine and Duchy of Lancaster, Vol. IV, London: Fisher, Son & Co

CIfA 2014, Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment, Institute for Archaeologists: Reading

Eadie, G, 2011, North West Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment: Phase 2 Project Report. Archaeological Research Services

Elsworth, D., 2006, in in Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Archaeological and Antiquarian Society, Series 3. Vol. 6 p.219-221. Available at: http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-2055- 1/dissemination/pdf/Article_Level_Pdf/tcwaas/003/2006/vol6/tcwaas_003_2006_vo l6_0017.pdf. Accessed 1st June 2017.

Erskine, J.S., and Wood, J., 1936, ‘A Birkrigg Burial’ in Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Archaeological and Antiquarian Society, Series 2. Vol. 36 p.150- 157. Available at http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-2055- 1/dissemination/pdf/Article_Level_Pdf/tcwaas/002/1936/vol36/tcwaas_002_1936_v ol36_0020.pdf. Accessed 1st June 2017

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Farrer, W. and Brownbill, J. Ed. 1914, A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 8, London. Available at British History Online http://www.british- history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol8 Accessed 30 May 2017

Gelderd, C., and Dobson, J. 1912, ‘Report on the excavations carried out at the “Druids’ Circle” on Birkrigg in the Parish of Urswick, September 1911 ’ in Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Archaeological and Antiquarian Society, Series 2. Vol. 12 p.262-275. Available at http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-2055- 1/dissemination/pdf/Article_Level_Pdf/tcwaas/002/1912/vol12/tcwaas_002_1912_v ol12_0025.pdf. Accessed 1st June 2017.

Gelderd, C., Randall, J., and Dobson, J. 1914, ‘Some Birkrigg Barrows’, Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Archaeological and Antiquarian Society, Series 2. Vol. 14 p. 466-479. Available at: http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-2055- 1/dissemination/pdf/Article_Level_Pdf/tcwaas/002/1914/vol14/tcwaas_002_1914_v ol14_0027.pdf. Accessed 1st June 2017

Greenlane Archaeology 2013, Conservation of Built Heritage, Feasibility Study and Delivery Plan for Headlands to Headspace: Phase 1 report

Martin, L., Parkinson, L. and Wardell Armstrong Archaeology, 2016, ‘A Guide to Undertaking Documentary Research and Desk-based Assessments for Volunteers’, unpublished guide produced by the Morecambe Bay Partnership

Morecambe Bay Partnership 2015, ‘Contractors Brief for Delivering Volunteer Training in and Undertaking Documentary Research for H2H Cultural Heritage Projects 1, 7 and 17’, unpublished project brief by the Morecambe Bay Partnership

North Lonsdale Field Club, 1922, ‘Report on the further excavations carried out at the “Druid’s Circles” on Birkrigg in the parish of Urswick’, Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Archaeological and Antiquarian Society, Series 2. Vol. 22 p.346-353. Available at: http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-2055- 1/dissemination/pdf/Article_Level_Pdf/tcwaas/002/1922/vol22/tcwaas_002_1922_v ol22_0028.pdf. Accessed 1st June 2017.

West T, 1805, The Antiquities of Furness, Ulverston: George Ashburner

Wilde, P, 2014, Birkrigg Common: Ulverston’s Playground- History Geology and

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Wildlife

8.3 Websites

British Geological Survey, http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html, [accessed 11th July 2016]

Historic England listing 2017a, Concentric Stone Circle at Birkrigg Common https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1013501

Historic England listing 2017b, Palisaded hilltop enclosure, a slight univallate hillfort, and a dewpond at Skelmore Heads, https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the- list/list-entry/1014875

Historic England 2017c Prehistoric enclosed hut circle, an associated barrow and a bowl barrow NNE of Appleby Slack, https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the- list/list-entry/1013818

Historic England 2017d Friends burial ground to north of High Sunbrick Farm, https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1086848. Accessed 20th May 2017)

'The parish of Aldingham', in A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 8, ed. William Farrer and J Brownbill (London, 1914), pp. 320-328. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol8/pp320-328. Accessed 30 May 2017.

'The parish of Urswick', in A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 8, ed. William Farrer and J Brownbill (London, 1914), pp. 328-338. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol8/pp328-338 Accessed 30 May 2017.

http://www.cumbria-wildlife.org.uk/index_Birkrigg.htm

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

APPENDIX 1: HERITAGE ASSET GAZETTEER

Asset Reference Site Name Description Grid Ref. Period Significance No. 1 HER 2324 Scheduled Includes a pear-shaped enclosure (A) which measures 40m N-S by 35m E-W, defined by a turf covered bank of limestone rubble up 328840, Prehistoric National Monument to 4m wide and 1m high. There is an entrance to the eastern side of the enclosure and internally there are traces of 3 hut circles. A 474520 NHL 1013818 large enclosure (B), interpreted as a stock enclosure is located to the immediate SW It measures 105m by 75m and is defined by a Prehistoric turf covered bank of limestone rubble which is preserved best on the northern side where it measures 5m wide by 0.4m high. Enclosures 1A and 1B enclosed hut Between the enclosures to the north is a flat-topped bowl barrow (C). This measures c.12m in diameter by 1.1m in height on its Monument No. 38004, circle southern side (down slope) and 0.2m on its western (upslope). Excavations in 1912 recovered 3 urns containing cremated bone and NMR SD 27 SE 16 settlement, an charcoal. One was inverted and packed with sharp stone flacks and containing stone tools. A further5 burial pits were discovered, associated containing cremated bone and charcoal. This site is on the Heritage at Risk register and is subject to vegetation clearance. Barrow 1C Monument enclosure and Notes from site visit 25th Feb. 2017- Small D-shaped enclosure with SE entrance. Images taken both of entrance and from associated No.37999, NMR SD27 bowl barrow burial cairn. Clear evidence of management of this structure- bracken stem stubble and waste noted. Requires more management SE 15 NNE of Appleby to prevent regrowth. Bowl barrow is more notable to the north-west which is less well-defined to the north. Dead bracken could be Slack seen covering the mound but appears to be managed. The larger enclosure is more difficult to define and clearance was obvious at MBP 11 (A) the north-eastern side, where bracken stubble and piles of bracken were apparent. The bank of the north-western side is just visible, however, the group identified a line of stones extending to the south-east of the pathway which may be a continuation of MBP 12 (C) this feature. Further work is required to determine the full extent and nature of this feature. A large unexplained hole was noted at the central-south-eastern edge of this enclosure. Photograph taken. MBP 13 (B) Notes from 22 March 2017- smaller NE enclosure recorded as MBP 11. GPS location 328840, 474520. A well-defined as south east entrance. Circular depression noted in interior of enclosure at 328873 474593. May represent a dew pond or hut circle. Bowl barrow, recorded as MBP 12, as a well-defined monument which would benefit from further vegetation management. GPS location 328847, 474572. MBP 13 was a larger enclosure to the south-west of MBP 11. The bank is clear and well-defined on north-east side. South-west side is less clear. A number of GPS co-ordinates were captured around the perimeter of the enclosure (see below). A large circular hollow, 2m in diameter, 0.35m in depth was noted in central south-eastern corner at GPS 328863, 474528. GPS co-ordinates collected from around the perimeter of the banked enclosure (MBP 13): 1. SD 28868, 74541, 2. 28853, 74560, 3. 28835, 745570, 4. 28816, 74559, 5. 28790, 74544, 6. 28798, 74510, 7. 28807, 74487, 8. 28836, 74475, 9. 28864, 74464, 10. 28885, 74486, 11. 28881, 74518, 12. 28878, 74530, 13. 28869, 74541 Features 1A and 1B (Enclosures) http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=38004 http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=38004&resourceID=2 Feature 1C (Barrow) http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=37999, http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=37999&resourceID=2

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

Asset Reference Site Name Description Grid Ref. Period Significance No. 2 HER 2370 Scheduled Round cairn located on a small hillside plateau on Birkrigg Common, 600m north-west of High Sunbrick Farm. It includes a turf 328530, Prehistoric National Monument covered slightly oval shaped mound of limestone rubble 15m by 14m and up to 0.8m in height. The site was excavated by the North 474450 NHL 1013964 Lonsdale Field Club (Geldard et. al. 1914), no finds apart from evidence of decayed sods was recovered. Birkrigg Within the centre of the cairn there are two upright limestone slabs, which appear to represent a cist or stone chamber and a large Monument No. 38009 Common Round slanting stone which may represent a cover stone. The HER records a small disturbed area indicating the position of an unrecorded Cairn; Bronze investigation. NMR No. SD27 SE 17 Age Round What appeared to be a burial cairn was observed during the walkover survey on 22/04/17 and recorded as MBP 28. Observed as a Cairn circular flat topped mound with flat capstone in the centre which may suggest a possible burial/cremation. Mound is clearly visible MBP 28 especially on north/north-eastern side.

http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=38009, http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=38009&resourceID=2 https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1013964

3 HER 2372 Scheduled The monument includes a round cairn located on the summit plateau of the highest point on Birkrigg Common lying 350m west of 328350, Prehistoric National Monument Appleby Slack. It includes a turf covered slightly oval-shaped mound of limestone rubble measuring 11.5m east-west by 11m north- 474320 NHL 1013965 south and up to 0.8m high. A small outcrop of limestone bedrock has been used to form a kerb around the north eastern side of the Birkrigg cairn. At the center of the mound there is an irregular-shaped small hollow indicating the position of an unrecorded investigation of Monument No. 38014 Common Round the monument. Cairn On the HER the site recorded at this location is described as a mound 9m in diameter and 0.6m in height excavated by North MNR No. SD 27 SE 18 Lonsdale Field Club. Nothing was found.

http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=38014 http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=38014&resourceID=2 https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1013965

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

Asset Reference Site Name Description Grid Ref. Period Significance No. 4 HER 2371 Scheduled A round cairn located towards the northern end of a ridge known as Appleby Hill. It includes a turf and bracken covered oval- 328915, Prehistoric National Monument shaped mound of limestone rubble measuring 13.5m north west - south east by 12m north east - south west and up to 1m high. 474345 NHL. 1013963 Limited investigation of the cairn undertaken in 1912 found a circle of standing stones measuring approximately 3.7m in diameter Round Cairn of arranged upon the old land surface. Within this circle were upwards of 30 small deposits of black earth each covered by a large Monument No. 38019 Appleby Hill stone or a stone slab. Some of these black earth deposits were mixed with charcoal and some contained fragments of pottery; in practically every case red, green or quartz pebbles were found with the black earth. To the east, and outside the stone circle, NMR SD 27 SE 19 human teeth and fragments of pot tempered with pyrites were found on the old land surface. Within the body of the cairn fragments of bones from three human interments; an adult, a young person and a child, were found together with a bronze pin MBP 29 interpreted as a tattooing awl. Feature noted on site visits 25/02/17 and 22/04/17. Well-defined mound with some bracken infestation but being managed as part of the Headlands to Headspace Scheme. http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=38019&resourceID=2 http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=38019 https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1013963 5 HER 2376 Scheduled A concentric stone circle, known locally as the Druid's Circle. The inner ring of stones has a diameter of 8.5m and consists of 12 329230, Prehistoric National Monument stones of Carboniferous limestone with heights of between 0.3m and 0.9m. The outer ring has a diameter of about 24m and 473960 NHL 1013501 consists of 20 stones. Excavation within the inner circle in 1911 found an upper and lower pavement of cobbles. Below the lower, 5 Concentric cremations were discovered; 3 of which lay in shallow pits, 1 of which lay on a third layer of cobbles, and 1 of which was covered by Monument No. 38039 Stone Circle on an inverted urn. Further excavation ten years later between the inner and outer circles, found 3objects: a pear-shaped piece of Birkrigg stone, an oyster-shaped stone with a handle on one side and a central depression and a piece of red ochre. Currently on the NMR No. SD 27 SE 23 Common Heritage at Risk register and the vegetation currently being reduced through the Headlands to Headspace Scheme.

http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=38039&resourceID=2 http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=38039 https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1013501

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

Asset Reference Site Name Description Grid Ref. Period Significance No. 6 HER 2248 Scheduled The scheduling records this site as a palisaded hilltop enclosure, which was later developed into a slight univallate hillfort. It is 327420, Prehistoric National Monument located on a low flat-topped hill, known locally as Skelmore Heads, from where there are extensive views in all directions. The 475170 monument also includes a small dewpond, which is thought to have been in use during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Palisaded earthwork remains of the monument include a low bank and partly infilled ditch, which formed the northern edge of the hillfort. hilltop On the east, south and west sides the hillfort appears to have been unprotected by any bank and ditch but the flat top of the hill enclosure, a drops sharply to the east and west providing a natural defense with many large outcrops of limestone and boulders. A line of slight univallate limestone outcrop and large boulders running across the less steeply sloped southern edge limits the extent of the hillfort on this hillfort, and a side and gives the hillfort approximate internal measurements of 144m north-south by 106m east-west. Limited excavation during dewpond at the late 1950s and early 1960s found that the northern defenses of the hillfort consisted of a bank composed of earth and heaped Skelmore stones approximately 3.7m wide and a ditch up to 3.4m wide and 1.2m deep. A causeway across the ditch led to an entrance 2.1m Heads, 280m wide through the bank. Near this entrance a number of post holes were found indicating that a timber revetment was used to east of secure the bank. A row of hollows running between the bank and ditch, and interpreted as a timber palisade trench, were found at Woodside Farm various points along the northern side of the monument and also at the south-east corner, where excavation found this trench to be rectangular in section and measure c.0.5m wide by 0.2m deep. The presence of this trench indicates that a palisaded hilltop enclosure marks the earliest recognisable attempt to defend the hilltop. Limited excavation of a small circular feature on the eastern side of the monument, originally assumed to have been a hut circle associated with the occupation of the site, found that this feature was a disused dewpond. A flint arrowhead and a flint scraper were found together with modern pottery. Elsewhere within the monument two fragments of possible Bronze Age pottery were found. Other finds included 6 socketed bronze axes, a saddle quern, and a number of roughed-out stone axes including 4 hidden in a limestone crevice adjacent to the north west corner of the hillfort. The combination of excavation and analogy with other similar sites in the north indicates that the hilltop was enclosed by a timber palisade by the beginning of the first millennium, and that it continued to be occupied, or was reoccupied, in the middle of the millennium. There is no evidence for occupation beyond the 5th century AD. The artefactual evidence, however, indicates that human activity at this site and in the vicinity pre-dates the fortification of the hilltop; Skelmore Heads is interpreted as lying on one of the major transmission routes for Cumbrian axes south from the Langdale axe factories during the Neolithic period (c.3400-1800 BC). Similarly, the socketed bronze axes found nearby attest to the importance of this area during the Bronze Age (c.1800-700 BC); one of these axes was straight from the mould and two were `seconds', suggesting that this represents the stock of a smith and that here, clearly, was a high status site where the services of a smith were in demand. 7 HER 2228 Celt find, White A highly polished mudstone celt found in 1923 during turf stripping associated with quarrying. In Barrow Museum. Accession No. 329410, Prehistoric Negligible Gill Quarry 5039 495070 Urswick

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

Asset Reference Site Name Description Grid Ref. Period Significance No. 8 HER 2357; Appleby Slack The HER cites a number of hut circles supposedly traced south of the settlement sites at Appleby Slack (SMR 2324, No. 1). Only one 328890, Prehistoric Local Hut Circle hut circle was identified by an OS inspector in 1958 and subsequent site visits and inspection of aerial images has not identified any 474370 Monument No. 38165 evidence of hut circles. Not covered by LiDAR. Not visible during walkover survey on 22nd April 2017- heavy bracken cover.

NMR No. SD 27 SE 59 Pastscape presents references dating to the mid-20th century that record hut circles/pit dwellings in this location, located 250 yards from the enclosures (1 A and B). They are recorded as measuring 7m in diameter, with a rubble wall. Inspection of the site in the 1960s did not reveal any traces of these features. http://www.pastscape.org/hob.aspx?hob_id=38165

9 HER 2359 Birkrigg Burial, The remains of a middle-aged male skeleton was found scattered throughout a lanceolate cavity, which also contained animal bone 328680, Unknown Local Bardsea and possible cremated material. The cavity measured 6ft by 3ft and was up to 5ft in depth. No pottery/finds were covered to date 474300 Monument No. 38175 the site.

NMR SD 27 SE 61 http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=38158 http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=38175&resourceID=2

10 HER 2360 Lance Find A stone lance head found near Birkrigg. Actual findspot unknown. In Barrow Museum. Acc. No. 5120. 328000, Prehistoric Negligible Birkrigg 474000 11 HER 2373 Birkrigg Mound Three small mounds were excavated and reported in 1912. No finds were recovered. 328600, Prehistoric Local In 1958 and 1967 the OS inspector located four tumuli varying from 4-7m in diameter, 3 of which showed evidence of excavation. 474200 Monument No. 38036 In 1972 only 2 mounds were located.

NMR SD 27 SE 22 http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=38036&resourceID=2 http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=38036 12 HER 2375 Birkrigg Ring The site comprises a circular platform with a raised rim c17m in diameter by 4m wide. Excavations in 1925 by North Lonsdale Field 328150, Prehistoric Local Cairn; Sunbrick Club discovered that the rim was constructed from limestone slabs, with the central platform formed of soil, cobbles and 474020 Monument No. 38024 Platform limestone. Patches of ‘black earth’ were found containing bones, a boar’s tusk, and a piece of ornamental bone. The HER suggests a Barrow further 12 burials were found, in addition to flint scrapers, human bones and oyster shells. The internments appeared to be MNR SD 27 SE 20 intercutting. The mound appears to have been fully excavated and restored. The PastScape references up to 20 inhumations, a small bronze ornament and two small flint scrapers. The mound still survives well in the north-west corner of a field.

http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=38024&resourceID=2 http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=38024

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

Asset Reference Site Name Description Grid Ref. Period Significance No. 13 HER 4380 Grade II Listed A burial ground in use between 1648-1767. During this time 223 people are recorded to be buried there including Margaret Fox, 328620, Post Local Society of the wife of George Fox. An inscription from 1874 describes the origin of the enclosure. 473910 Medieval Monument No. 38029 Friends Cemetery http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=38029&resourceID=2 NMR SD 27 SE 21 http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=38029 https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1086848 14 HER 4806 Hagg End Possible enclosure/settlement site located to the north-west of Birkrigg Common 327500 Unknown Local Settlement , 474700 15 HER 4839 Urswick Rectilinear enclosure and Dyke shown on 1st edition mapping. In 2002, the enclosure and dyke were still obvious. 327906, Unknown Local Enclosure and 474108 Dyke 16 HER 4840 Urswick Dyke, Circular enclosure and dyke, initially identified through aerial photographs. In 2002 the enclosure was not east to define although 327790, Unknown Local Enclosure the dyke, formed by a low limestone wall, was more obvious. 474160 17 HER 5552 Birkrigg Field A redundant field boundary, with associated ridge and furrow and a possible trackway. 327700, Unknown Local Boundary 474500 18 HER 5580 Bardsea Mine A 19th century copper mine worked by the Bradylls of Conishead. It was an unsuccessful venture. 329442, Post Local Shaft 473706 Medieval Probably the same as monument No. 38185, NMR. SD 27 SE 67 although grid reference slightly different: http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=38185 http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=38185&resourceID=2 19 HER 5626 Baycliff Square Square enclosure appearing as a cropmark 328700, Unknown Local Enclosure 473200 20 HER 5640 Birkrigg Old field boundaries, now abandoned, with some ridge and furrow. Part of the boundaries form a parish boundary. 327800, Unknown Local Common Ridge Located to the south-west of the Common. 473800 and Furrow Probably the same as Monument No. 1487756, NMR SD 27 SE 91 however grid reference slightly different. http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=1487756 http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1487756&resourceID=2 21 HER 13534 Woodside Farm Possible enclosure. 327700, Unknown Local Earthworks 475500

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

Asset Reference Site Name Description Grid Ref. Period Significance No. 22 HER 13848 Ringworks/bank A small circular bank measuring 1.5m in width by 0.25m in height enclosing c.4m in diameter. Possibly a small banked fancy barrow 327900, Unknown Local at Birkrigg or a pond for stock watering. 474700 Common 23 HER 13978 Willington A possible enclosure observed as a cropmark reported by Tom Clare. 329150, Unknown Local Wood 475260 Enclosure 24 HER 18075 Sunbrick Lane Site of a limestone quarry recorded on the HER from the 1850 OS map 328760, Post Local Limestone 473150 Medieval Quarry 25 HER 18076 Seawood Lime Site of a limekilm marked on the OS mapping and inspected in 1985 when it was described as a moderate sized field kiln in 328820, Post Local Kiln reasonable condition. 473140 Medieval 26 HER 18077 Green Stacks Site of a lime kiln. Only quarry workings marked in the location on 1987 map. 328460, Post Local Lime Kiln 473140 Medieval 27 HER 18078 Rakes Brow Site of a limestone quarry recorded on the HER from the 1850/1895 OS maps 329350, Post Local Limestone 473760 Medieval Quarries 28 HER 18079 Rake Brow Site of a disused mine shaft recorded on the HER from the 1971 OS map 329370, Post Local Mine Shaft 473710 Medieval 29 HER 18080 Sea Wood Mine Site of a disused mine shaft recorded on the HER from the 1971 OS map 329580, Post Local Shaft 473710 Medieval 30 HER 18084 Bardsea Corn Location of Bardsea Corn Mill. Mill and pond on modern OS map 329920, Unknown Local Mill 474050 31 HER 18093 Wellhouse Site of a summer house shown on 1850 OS mapping. 329850, Unknown Local Summer House 474160 32 HER 18094 Appleby Lime Site of a lime kiln shown on 1850 OS mapping. No longer mapped 329280, Unknown Local Kiln 474290 33 HER 18095 Bardsea Green Site of a limestone quarry shown on 1850 OS mapping. 329540, Unknown Local Limestone 474530 Quarry

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

Asset Reference Site Name Description Grid Ref. Period Significance No. 34 HER 18096 Appleby Hill Site of limestone quarries shown on 1850/1895 OS mapping. Site of large limestone quarry and associated limekiln. Noted during 329070, Post Local Limestone walkover survey on 25/02/17 where it was rapidly recorded. As a limestone quarry and associated flare kiln 18th/early 19th century 474430 Medieval Monument Quarries in date. Only recorded on HER through OS mapping so requires more extensive survey. Quarry paced at a distance of at least 85m No.1487777 in length. Further rapid recording was undertaken on 22/04/17, which recorded the position of the limekiln at 329070, 447430. Limekiln measures c. 5.2m in length by 2.3m in width by 1.0m in height. A least eight courses of limestone were noted with the NMR SD 27 SE 95 entrance aligned north to south. Further work is required. http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1487777&resourceID=2 MBP 20 http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=1487777 35 HER 18097 White Gill Lime Site of a lime kiln shown on 1850 OS mapping. No longer mapped 329390, Unknown Local Kiln 474990 36 HER 18098; Appleby Slack Site of a lime kiln shown on 1850 OS mapping. Noted during walkover survey on 22/04/17. Measured by tape 35.5m in length by 328820, Unknown Local Limestone 22m in width and c.2m in depth. 474190 MBP 26 Quarry 37 HER 18100 Birkrigg Site of a lime kiln shown on 1850 OS mapping. No longer mapped 328320, Unknown Local Common 474070 Limekiln 38 HER 18103 Birkrigg Site of a limestone quarry shown on 1850 OS mapping. 328310, Unknown Local Common 474120 Limestone Quarry 39 HER 18106 St Michaels Site of a limestone quarry shown on 1850 OS mapping. No longer mapped. 328090, Unknown Local Limestone 474190 Quarry 40 HER 18107 Holme Bank Site of a limestone quarry shown on 1850 OS mapping. 327990, Unknown Local Limestone 474020 Quarry 41 HER 18108 Holme Bank Site of a limestone quarry shown on 1850 OS mapping. Only quarry earthworks are marked on 1987 mapping 327950, Unknown Local Lime Kiln 473990 42 HER 18109 Birkrigg Site of four limestone quarries shown on 1851 OS mapping. 328150, Unknown Local Limestone 474560 Quarries

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

Asset Reference Site Name Description Grid Ref. Period Significance No. 43 HER 18110 Briar Deane Site of a limestone quarry shown on 1851 OS mapping. No longer mapped. 328030, Unknown Local Limekiln 474630 44 HER 18111 Briar Dene Site of a limestone quarry shown on 1850 OS mapping. 328480, Unknown Local Limestone 474680 Quarry 45 HER 18112 Foula Site of a limestone quarry shown on 1851 OS mapping. 327530 Unknown Local Limestone 473890 Quarry 46 HER 18286 Hen Parrock Site of a limestone quarry shown on 1850 OS mapping. No longer mapped. 327880, Unknown Local Limestone 475330 Quarry 47 HER 18296; Bardsea A Grade II listed monument dated to 1792. Built for W. Braddyll. Constructed of limestone rubble with some ashlar 329740, Post Local Monument and brick. Triangular plan structure on round base has diagonal buttresses. Corbelled parapet with flat coping and 475130 Medieval finials, cupola with lantern. Each face has 4-centred relieving arch of ashlar and brick with round-headed niche NHL 1311389 containing urn, that to north-west missing, base inscribed: "POSUIT WB". Urns to other sides record Christopher Wilson and Sarah, John and Jane Gale, relations of William Braddyll; that to north-east also records erection of monument. A prominent landmark on the Furness peninsula. 48 HER 18297 White Gill Site of a limestone quarry shown on 1850 OS mapping 329430, Unknown Local Limestone 475130 Quarry 49 HER 19062 St Michaels A small earthfast stone. This feature was located by Mervyn Copper beneath bracken cover at the location listed on the HER. A 328030, Unknown Local Stirrup Standing photograph was taken of this stone (Plate 20). 474330 Stone 50 HER 19976 Bardsea Malt Malt House shown on 2nd edition map, which is shown as a malt kiln of modern maps. Now used as the village hall. 329930, Post Local Kiln 474520 Medieval 51 HER 41895 Axe find A polished axehead found on the edge of a rabbit hole. Approximate grid reference reported by Dan Elsworth in 2006. 329030, Prehistoric Local Willington 475450 Wood 52 HER 43698 Fieldwalking Fieldwalking centred on 328671, 475245 recovered a mixed assemblage of finds from Prehistoric Flints to Medieval Pottery. 328671, Mixed Local finds 475245 53 HER 43969 Bardsea Park Site of a deerpark documented in 1770. Now largely under Ulverston Golf Course. 329600, Medieval/ Local 475400 Post Medieval

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

Asset Reference Site Name Description Grid Ref. Period Significance No. 54 HER 43969 Embanked A banked circular enclosure visible following bracken removal in 2009. 329100, Unknown Local Circular 473908 Enclosure 55 MBP 1 Alignment of 5 Linear arrangement of 5 stones measuring 4.5m in length- possible feature? Further work required. Noted during site visit 25/02/17 329025 Unknown Local stones Recorded as MBP 1 at an elevation of 89m 474032, 56 MBP 2 Possible East to west feature. 21m in extent noted. NE of cairn 8m to south of convergences of pathways and c. 140m to south-west of trig 328269, Unknown Local Boundary point. Noted during site visit on 25/02/17. Recorded as MBP 2 474339 to 328260, 474317 57 MBP 3 Possible cairn Possible cairn? 4m by 4m. Noted during walkover survey 25/02/17 as part of site visit. Recorded as MBP 3 328359, Unknown Local 474358 58 MBP 4 Possible cairn Possible cairn at trig point. 5.5m in diameter by 1m in height. Graffiti to stone noted to the south west which was photographed. 328342, Unknown Local Noted during walkover survey 25/02/17 as part of site visit. Recorded as MBP 4. 474223 59 MBP 5 and MBP 17 Trackway A number of grid references were taken at various points along the trackway, however, the full extent was not recorded. 328781, Unknown Local The trackway was c. 1.5m in width and covered in a dense layer of dead bracken. Further work required to establish its 474202 extent/route etc. Noted during walkover survey 25/02/17 as part of site visit. GPS co-ordinates 1. 328781, 474202, 2. 328773, to 474223, 3. 328779, 474273, 4. 328780, 474287, 5. 328781, 474320, 6. 328788, 474336, 7. 328797, 474364 102m elevation 328797, Recorded as MBP 5 on 25/02/17 and MBP 17 on 22/04/17. Continuation of a trackway noted to the south, located to the east of 474364 modern track. Measures 1.15m in width. Requires further work to record its full extent. (recorde GPS co-ordinates captures on 22/03/17. 1. 2871, 74202, 2. 28773, 74223, 3. 28779, 74273, 4. 28780, 74287, 5. 28781, 74320, 6. d) 28788, 74336, 7. 28797, 74364, 8. 28816, 74132, 9. 28798, 74161, 10. 28780, 74194, 11. 28771, 74243, 12. 28771, 74322 60 MBP 6 and MBP 21 Possible Ring Possible ring cairn, previously reported and recorded by Brian Hardwick. Noted 25/02/17 as part of site visit and recorded as MBP 329101, Unknown Local Cairn 6. Record from Brian Hardwick: A roughly circular annular mound on the east flank of Birkrigg 7.5m from the enclosure wall (GPS 474345 3.29110, 4.74345) Located in the parish of Urswick. Outside Dimensions 18.7m N to S, 21m E to W. Internal diameter 14m. Height typically 0.5m above the surrounding common. On a site sloping down to the east with an open aspect. Very thin poor soil covering the Carboniferous limestone bedrock. The monument is bisected by a well-used footpath, shown as a track on the 1846 OS map and, with the exception of the path, is covered in bracken. There is a relic wall alongside the monument immediately to the north between the mound and the enclosure wall. Assumed to be Bronze Age. Condition vulnerable. The site was recorded in more detail on 22/03/17. Measured c.15m in diameter and cobbles were noted forming the mound of this possible ring cairn. Vehicle ruts were noted to the southern end of this feature. In summer covered in bracken and may benefit from management.

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

Asset Reference Site Name Description Grid Ref. Period Significance No. 61 MBP 7 Quarry Quarry pit to north-west of HER 18096. Noted as part of site visit on 25/02/17. Recorded as MBP 7 329019, Unknown Local 474404 62 MBP 8 Possible cairn Possible small cairn. Further work required. In vicinity of Site Nos. 3, 57 and 63 Noted as part of site visit on 25/02/17 328286 Unknowns Local 474321 63 MBP 9 Possible cairn Possible cairn measuring 7m by 7m located c. SW-110m from trig point. In vicinity of Site Nos. 3, 57 and 63. Noted as part of site 328353 Unknown Local visit on 25/02/17 474326 64 MBP 10A Stone filled Possible mine noted- characterised by limestone rubble within a depression. First observed on 25th Feb 2017 and recorded as MBP 328764 Unknown Local depression- 10A. Observed again on 22/04/17 and appears to be a large excavated hollow (21m in length by 4m in width) which is filled with 474294 MBP 27A possible mine quarry/stone waste. Volunteer JIB informed the group that c.5-10 years ago that the water was level so has either collapsed into a hole or is being excavated/removed. A depression of a similar size is noted 10m north-east. 65 MBP 10B Ridge and Very clear ridge and furrow, width of ridge 2.5m furrows 2m, at least 7 furrows noted. Grid reference is centred. Requires further 328766, Medieval/ Local Furrow recording of extent etc. Noted during walkover survey 22/04/17 474736 Post Medieval 66 MBP 14, Circular A series of circular depressions noted to the south-west of Appleby Slack enclosures (Site 1, MBP 11-13). They are of a similar size MBP 14 Unknown Local MBP 15 depressions to a circular hollow noted within the larger enclosure recorded as MBP 13. MBP 14 2m diameter by 0.3m in depth, MBP 15 3.20m 328749, noted to the in diameter by 0.4m in depth Unclear of date, form and function. 474503; south-west of Could these represent the hut circle settlement recorded as Site No. 8, HER 2357? They are some distance away from recorded MBP 15 Site 1 location, which is located to the south on Appleby Hill. 328981, Noted during walkover survey 22/04/17 474479 67 MBP 16 Limestone Evidence of limestone quarrying noted during walkover survey, along the north-western edge of an outcropping of limestone 328788, Post Local Quarrying pavement. Survives as a series of hollows and evidence of removal by hand driven drill. There is also evidence of a shallow linear 474445 Medieval trackway 1m in width located on the south-eastern side of the limestone pavement. Trackway appears to run north-east to south- west and possibly association with transportation of quarried material? Noted during walkover survey 22/04/17 68 MBP 18 Appleby Hill Slit A series of at least six rectilinear ‘slit trenches’ noted on the top of Appleby Hill. The berm (mound of soil) is observed at various 328901, Post Local Trenches positions for the majority of these features. All trenches are of similar size 1.50m by 0.9m by 0.4m and appear to be military 474436 Medieval/ practice slit trenches. Further work required to map all the features within this group. Noted during walkover survey 22/04/17 (norther Modern n trench) 69 MBP 19 Limestone A series of quarry pits observed along the north-eastern side of Appleby Hill. Requires further work. 328957, Post Local Quarrying on GPS 1. 328957, 474380, 2. 328965, 474392, 3. 329025, 474439 74380 to Medieval Appleby Hill Noted during walkover survey 22/04/17 329025, 474439

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

Asset Reference Site Name Description Grid Ref. Period Significance No. 70 MBP 22A Limestone Three depressions observed around 329092, 474228 (33m by 17m), quarrying visible on historic mapping. More recording required. 329092, Post Local Quarry Noted during walkover survey 22/04/17 474228 Medieval 71 MBP 22B Military Slit Slit trenches, similar in form to Site No. 68, MBP 18. Group of at least 2 trenches noted but more anticipated. Area would benefit 329079, Post Local trenches from more detailed walkover. Trench measured 1.8m by 0.9m by 0.4m. Noted during walkover survey 22/04/17 474239 Medieval/ Modern 72 MBP 23 Limestone Limestone quarry observed as a large quarry pit of irregular shape. In south-east corner of pit a pile of cobbles/stone fragments 329139, Post Local Quarry were noted-appears to be waste material rejected from quarrying operations. Quarry measurements paced/estimated at 33m by 474166 Medieval 22m by 1.5m in depth. Noted during walkover survey 22/04/17 73 MBP 24 Limestone Limestone quarry measuring c.16m in length by 15m (paced) in width noted during walkover survey on 22/04/17. Small quarry and 329186, Post- Local Quarry like MBP 24 discarded waste was noted to the north of this feature. A small amount of cobble waste was also observed to the 474052 Medieval north-east end of this quarry. 74 MBP 25 Trackway Linear feature extending in a north-east to south west direction. Line of track defined by nettles. Recorded GPS points at this 329032, Unknown Local location 1. SD 29046, 74004, 2. SD 29039, 74047, 3. SD 29035, 74109. Noted during walkover survey 22/04/17 474076 75 MBP 27B Circular Circular depression which measures 0.9m in diameter by 0.35m in depth. Unknown function and date. Noted during walkover 328829, Unknown Local depression survey 22/04/17 474286 76 Old Limekiln to ‘Old Limekiln’ depicted on the 1850 OS map of the area. Identified by LM (328702.8411, 474027.2926). 328703, Unknown Local the NW of 474027 Sunbrick 77 Monument No. Limestone Limestone quarries to the north of Sea wood and east of Sunbrick. Depicted on the 1850 OS map of the area. (329351.8605, 329352, Post- Local 1487781 quarries to 473820.7670) 473821 Medieval north of Sea NMR SD 27 SE 96 Wood http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=1487781 http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1487781&resourceID=2

78 Beacon A beacon shown on the 1850 OS mapping of the area. Located near the trig point which currently occupies this area. Identified by 328375, Unknown Local LM (328375.1011, 474215.9151). 474216

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

Asset Reference Site Name Description Grid Ref. Period Significance No. 79 Ditch/track way Ditch/trackway to the immediate north-west of the Stone Circle (Site 5). This feature could possibly be a hollow way extending to At the Unknown? Local the north-east towards Wellhouse Farm and to the south-west? No evidence of the track can, however, be seen in the field to the circle- Post- north-east. Further work is required to trace the extent of this feature on the ground and possibly examine the feature through 329215, Medieval LiDAR. 473971

Maybe associated with a number of ditches of unknown date seen on aerial photographs extending in a south west to north east alignment recorded as Monument No. 1487837, NMR No. SD 27 SE 104 http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1487837&resourceID=2 http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=1487837

This features was mentioned in the 1922 excavation report associated with work on the stone circle where it is described as a well- defined trench, the origins of which are unknown (Gelderd and Dobson, 1912, 262). 80 Arrangement of An arrangement of stones, located to the south of the stone circle and marked on plan of the township of Bardsea dating to 1839. c. Unknown ? stones to south- Plan discovered by Dan Elsworth and reported in the CWAAS in 2006. May just be natural features/outcropping. Further work 329284, east of the required. 473896 stone circle 81 Monument No. Former The grass covered bank of a former ?field boundary and a number of possible alignments of stones was observed in this area during c. Unknown ? 1487828 boundary and the field walking undertaken on 22nd April 2017. Possible associations with a ‘hollow way’ mentioned in the PastScape database. centred possible stone Further work required recording the boundary and assessing the potential/significant of the alignment of stones, primarily to 329051, NMR SD 27 SE 103 alignments determine if they are of anthropogenic origin. 474519

http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1487781&resourceID=2 http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=1487828 82 NMR No. Grade II Listed Cottage at Sunbrick, built 1655-72. Inscription of ‘C.S.I. 1672’ on wall and ‘I.K.S. 1655’ in the kitchen. A small two-storey cottage of 32878, Post Local SD 27 SE 56 Sunbrick stone, sub-divided into two residences. 47381 Medieval Cottage Monument No. 38158 https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1086846 http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=38158&resourceID=2 http://pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=38158

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

Asset Reference Site Name Description Grid Ref. Period Significance No. 83 List No. 1086847 Grade II Listed Low Sunbrick Farmhouse and associated listed features. 328819, Post Local farmhouse and 473763 Medieval associated A farmhouse with a 1655 date, with the initials I. & S.K on re-used panel to rear of lean to. The lintel over the front door has a date features of 1678 with initials I.K., S. & E 9or F)K.

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1086847

This site is associated with a number of listed buildings, which have not been allocated separate numbers.

Grade II 18th or 19th century kitchen garden wall- List entry No. 1335948, SD 2877173761 https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the- list/list-entry/1335948

Grade II, probably 18th century granary in Low Sunbrick farmhouse yard – List entry No. 1137984, SD 2880973774 https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1137984https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1137984

Grade II probably 18th century byre ranges in Low Sunbrick farmhouse yard- List Entry No. 1137997, SD 2879973790 https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1137997

Grade II probably 18th century cart shed and stable range in Low Sunbrick farmhouse yard. List Entry No. 1086847, SD 2882673786https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1086847

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The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment

APPENDIX 2: FIGURES

326000/474000 331000/474000

0 2km

PROJECT: The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell KEY:

CLIENT: Morecambe Bay Partnership Site location SCALE: 1:40,000 at A4 DRAWN BY: AB Wardell Armstrong CHECKED BY: AB 2017 DATE: May 2017 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown copyright. REPORT No: CP11586 All rights reserved. Licence number 100058076 Figure 1: Site location. 328050/474000 329450/474000

0 500m

PROJECT: The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell KEY:

CLIENT: Morecambe Bay Partnership Site location SCALE: 1:10,000 at A4 DRAWN BY: AB Wardell Armstrong CHECKED BY: AB 2017 DATE: May 2017 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown copyright. REPORT No: CP11586 All rights reserved. Licence number 100058076 Figure 2: Detailed site location. 21 51 Wardell Armstrong 53 2017 46 23 52 PROJECT: 6 48 47 The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell 35

CLIENT: The Morecambe Bay 65 14 22 Partnership 44 43 42 SCALE: 1:12,500 at A3 33 66 1 81 50 17 DRAWN BY: AB 2 67 68 34 CHECKED BY: AB 8 56 57 4 60 49 62 DATE: May 2017 63 9 64 59 32 3 KEY: 75 71 78 70 39 58 11 36 16 72 31 15 38 37 74 Prehistoric 73 30 40 12 76 55 Medieval 41 79 10 5 Post medieval/modern 13 45 54 80 Unknown 77 20 82 83 27 28 18 29

19 26 24 25

Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Licence number 100058076. REPORT No: CP11586

Figure 3: Location of heritage assets. Wardell Armstrong 2017

PROJECT:

The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell

CLIENT: The Morecambe Bay Partnership

SCALE: 1:12,500 at A3 DRAWN BY: AB CHECKED BY: AB DATE: May 2017 KEY:

Surveyed 25th Feb 2017

Surveyed 22nd April 2017

Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Licence number 100058076. REPORT No: CP11586

Figure 4: Location of walkover surveys. The Archaeology of Birkrigg Fell Desk-Based Assessment