Archaeology in volume 14: 2004 Contents Foreword ...... 3 Welcome ...... 3 Return of the Tides of Time ...... 3 The Medieval Bridge at Castle ...... 4 The Breamish Valley Archaeology Project ...... 6 A Memento of Hadrian’s Wall ...... 6 Blyth : The End ...... 7 National Mapping Programme in Northumberland ...... 8 The National Park Historic Village Atlas Project ...... 9 Excavations at St Leonard's Nunnery, Berwick ...... 10 Facelift for Tyne Bridge ...... 11 Experience Northumberland at Woodhorn ...... 12 Discovering our Hillfort Heritage ...... 12 Abbey House, ...... 12 The Industrial Secrets of the Estate ...... 14 Bothie or Pillbox? ...... 15 The Sanitary and the Sepulchral - Langley Works ...... 16 Exciting finds from ...... 17 Going, Going, Guano! ...... 18 A new future for Hartford Hall ...... 19 Images from the Lead Mining Industry ...... 20 Books for all ...... 22 2000 Years of Military History ...... 24 Field Survey at Dunstanburgh ...... 25 A Medieval Settlement at West Hartford, Cramlington ...... 26 The Secrets of Berwick Railway Station ...... 28 Tanks not a threat to Hadrian's Wall ...... 29 Silver Mining in the North Pennines ...... 30 Railings Return to Ravensdowne ...... 31 Recent Listings ...... 32 Assessing the Past ...... 32 Glimpses of Medieval Bedlington ...... 34 Excavations of a Horned Cairn at Scald Hill ...... 35 Portable Antiquities Scheme Arrives in the North-East ...... 36 Discover Northumberland ...... 37 New discoveries at Chesters Roman Fort ...... 38 New Exhibition for Ingram National Park Centre ...... 39 Keys to the Past ...... 39 ...... 39 List of Contributors ...... Back Cover

Cover Photo: during demolition. Photo: Margaret Eagle-Clark This Page: Cup and ring marks at Lordenshaw.

2 Welcome to the fourteenth edition of Archaeology in Northumberland

his year’s newsletter contains Conservation Team, including the a taste of archaeological Keys to the Past website. New Twork in the County between projects are now being considered April 2003 and April 2004. The within the team that will hopefully articles cover a range of activities continue our work to make the including developer-led recording, information on the County’s thematic projects and Government heritage more accessible to its sponsored recording projects such citizens and visitors. as the Portable Antiquities Scheme (page 36) now operating We hope that you find that this from the Museum of Antiquities in year’s newsletter contains a wide Newcastle. There is also a range of articles to interest you, welcome return to articles and that accurately reflect the submitted from the diversity of prehistoric and historic Northumberland National Park, remains with which who describe several of their Northumberland is blessed. We longer-term research projects welcome any comments or including the Village Atlas enquiries you have about the (page 9). articles and also any contributions you may wish to submit for Foreword This year has seen the completion consideration for future issues. s the short years roll round, and launch of a number of long annual milestones become term projects run by the Chris Burgess and Sara Rushton Aan anticipated pleasure. To Conservation Team Managers introduce another welcome issue of Archaeology in Northumberland is one such occasion. Our magazine continues to interest and impress The Return of widely, thanks to the commitment of the compilers, Sara, Chris and Liz, and the The Tides of Time revelations of the contributors, to all of whom, grateful thanks. ides of Time returns by popular discovery whilst walking along the demand with the publication of beach. There is also advice on The reports this year cover a Ta second edition of this guide which sites can be visited and maps variety of periods but the most to the archaeology of the and details of how to find them. recent development may be the Northumberland coast. Tides of With colourful reconstructions and most interesting: the Keys to the Time covers the history of the many specially commissioned Past website: Northumberland coast AONB, from photographs, Tides of Time is a the prehistoric to visual treat and a www.keystothepast.info the twentieth must for anyone century. In with an interest in which has been a very successful addition to the archaeology of and worthwhile project. There is chapters dealing Northumberland. an article in this issue which will with major It can be introduce the site to you themes along the purchased from (page 39). coast such as the Conservation settlement, Team for £9.99 May you find the magazine as defence and plus £1.30 post informative and as absorbing as economy, Tides of and packing and usual. Time describes will also be the sort of available through Alan Cutter archaeological many good local Executive Member for remains which bookshops. Environment can still be found Northumberland County Council and what to do if SR you make a

3 The Medieval Bridge at

Remains of the east pier of the medieval bridge visible in the River Till.

ong hot summers and endless The sandstone blocks which formed , the absence of voussoirs rain-free days are a double the base of these piers testified to a amongst the fallen stonework was Ldelight to the archaeologist out medieval bridge of some quality and intriguing. walking the landscape. Under these substance. Finely dressed and with a drier conditions upland peats shrink rubble core, the hexagonal bases Historical references to the bridge back from long-concealed stony survived up to two courses high. At were sadly few and brief. A survey of features, cereal crops assume a some angles, and particularly those the Borders carried out in 1541 height and colour in response to near the cutwaters, iron bars records that the bridge had recently underlying moisture levels and river remained within their bar-slots, collapsed, ‘to the great trouble hurte levels fall to a sluggish trickle – all tightly cramping the individual and annoyaunces of thinhabitants offering rare opportunities to stones together. The site had been therabouts, whiche had allwanis discover new sites and record well chosen by the bridge-builders. redy passage over when the said additional details about known ones. Here, the river was some 27m wide river is waxen greate and past riding So it was with the River Till at Etal between steep banks, with upon horsebacke.’ Its strategic last summer, where abnormally low outcropping bedrock providing a firm location for the moving of ‘ordnance river levels exposed the base of two foundation upon which to set the and armys’ into Scotland required bridge piers lying 7.5m apart some piers. Although nothing of the speedy repair. Indeed, later writers 300m south-west of the castle (NT abutments was visible, the position have speculated that the Scottish 922 390). Through the kindness of of the buried eastern abutment was ordnance captured by Surrey at the Andrew Joicey, the opportunity to indicated by a pronounced projection might have been obtain a detailed record of the of the riverbank. Many of the stones carried to the safety of Etal Castle remains was too good to miss, and from the collapsed superstructure over this very bridge. This second in partnership with Peter McKegue remain on the riverbed, and a bridge was described in 1760 as and Roger Miket the Conservation number reveal architectural detail, being of wood over stone piers. Team was able to produce the plan which reinforce this impression of Around 1777 it was swept away by shown here. quality in the build. Yet while this severe floods; this time it was not would suggest a bridge with stone repaired, but replaced by a ferry crossing.

4 Plan of remains of medieval bridge piers surveyed in 2003.

What then might the combined were pulled by no less than 16 Around the 1540s the fortunes of record reveal as to the history and oxen, while the large cannon firing a Etal Castle were in decline, as the appearance of the bridge? We 60lb shot required a team of 36 village moved northwards to New possess no notice of when the bridge oxen. Etal and the interest of the was built, however it is landowners in their manor here not unreasonable to diminished. There was view it in the context of apparently little incentive the stone phase of Etal to do more than repair Castle, which was the piers and provide the completed around the cheaper option of a mid 14th century. What wooden carriageway to has survived suggests span the river. Removing that it was originally the collapsed debris, entirely of stone, and including the with three arches each architecturally valuable with a span of 7.5m voussoirs and parapets between two abutments from the riverbed at this and two piers. It is time, would be a logical known that a road from operation, and one that the castle crossed the would account for their Till at this point and absence today. It is that one branch, at testimony to the skills of least, ran westwards. the builders that this The width of the stone repair was to stand for a carriageway is further two centuries. suggested by the length of the sides of the piers Roger Miket – 1.3m, too narrow for a cart to cross. It is hardly credible that a narrow bridge would allow the passage of ordnance of any size, Remains of the west still less the Scottish pier of the medieval guns captured at bridge visible in the Flodden; the smallest River Till. (‘culverins moyane’) Photo: R. Miket

5 Breamish A memento of Hadrian’s Wall Valley Archaeology Project 003 saw the final scheduled summer season 2of the National Park Authority’s Breamish Valley Archaeology project, part of the Discovering our Hillfort Heritage initiative. This project has completed a ten-year programme of survey and excavation, based largely on Ingram Farm. The fieldwork has been done by the University of Durham and the Northumberland Archaeological Bronze pan from Hadrian’s Wall found in Staffordshire in 2003. Group (NAG). A small field season may be necessary in lthough not found in The pan also incorporates the words 2004 to check a few final details Northumberland, an exciting AELIUS DRACO and RIGOREVALI; on the ground, but attention is Afind from Staffordshire has the latter may represent the name of now focused on completing recently provided new information the place where the pan was made, outstanding post-excavation work about Hadrian’s Wall, as well as while the former seems likely to be and preparing the entire project offering clues to the life of ‘Wall’ the name of the individual who had for publication. Over its lifetime, soldiers after they had left the the pan made. Sally Worrall this project provided the Roman army. (Prehistoric and Roman Finds opportunity for nearly 400 people Advisor for the Portable Antiquities to participate in archaeological The find, a beautifully decorated Scheme) said, ‘Aelius Draco was fieldwork in one of ’s bronze pan, was discovered by metal perhaps a veteran of the garrison of most magnificent archaeological detector users in the Staffordshire Hadrian’s Wall and on his retirement landscapes. The research moorlands and, admirably, it was had this vessel made to recall his completed by the project is reported straight away to The time in the army. His Greek name unquestionably of national Portable Antiquities Scheme (see suggests that he or his family importance and, when published, page 36 for more information). The originated in the Greek-speaking part will do much to place Cheviot context of the find has also been of the eastern Roman Empire. An archaeology up with that of assessed and it would appear likely individual’s name on an object often better known and better to be an isolated chance find, rather records the maker, but in this case is resourced areas such as Wessex than being a part of a larger Roman more likely to refer to the person for and Dartmoor. site. whom the object was made’.

University excavations completed The most exciting feature of the So, with all three vessels of this kind by the project include two early vessel is its engraved description, being interpreted as ‘Hadrian’s Wall Bronze Age burial cairns on Turf which runs around the top in an souvenirs’, the tantalising possibility Knowe, three Iron Age/Romano- unbroken sequence. This lists four is that more such items await British enclosures at Ingram Hadrian’s Wall forts, MAIS discovery elsewhere in the empire, South, Fawdon Dean and Little (Bowness), COGGABATA providing important information Haystacks, and agricultural (Drumburgh), UXELODUNUM about the names of the forts and terraces at Plantation Camp. The (Stanwix) and CAMMOGLANNA installations along the Wall, and also NAG work has been concentrated (Castlesteads). Prior to this perhaps the pattern of dispersal of around the splendid hillfort on discovery, only two other examples veteran soldiers from the Wall on Wether Hill, and has included the were known that give the names of their retirement. excavation of the hillfort itself Hadrian’s Wall forts: the ‘Rudge Cup’ together with adjacent field was discovered in 1725; and the For further information, contact the systems, enclosures and burials, ‘Amiens patera’ was found in Amiens Portable Antiquities Scheme at all of prehistoric date. in 1949. Between them, they name www.finds.org.uk. seven forts on the Wall, but until Paul Frodsham now, we did not know the Roman Information supplied by Northumberland National Park name for Drumburgh. Mike Collins English Heritage

6 Blyth Power Station: The End

n 7th December 2003 the first of what action was to landscape of Blyth changed became a standard commission a Odramatically and irrevocably. size through the comprehensive study For more than 30 years the four 1960s. At the ‘B’ of the station and chimneys of Blyth Power Station had station, built in detailed photographic dominated the town. Gradually, over two stages recording of any the last three years, the Power between 1960- features not recorded Station has been demolished; the 1966, 275MW in existing archives chimneys, so symbolic of the and 350MW sets prior to its demolition. industry, were one of the last things were the first to be to go and now little remains of an built of these sizes The work was carried industrial site which once covered and proved to be out by Michael 241 acres. Some people were sorry intermediate Trueman, an expert in to see the loss of these familiar stages on the way industrial archaeology. features in the landscape, others to what became Michael uncovered a were glad to get rid of what they the 500MW vast archive of perceived as an eyesore. These standard. material relating to reactions are entirely the construction and understandable; what people may As long ago as maintenance of the find surprising is that some 1995, the power power station, ranging archaeologists also regretted their station had been from the original passing. considered for construction drawings scheduling by to maintenance The Blyth ‘A’ and ‘B’ Power Station English Heritage. It manuals and complex was built by the newly had been identified photographs of the nationalised electricity industry as potentially station in use. The between 1955 and 1966. It was nationally problem of how to one of a group of stations built important because handle the sheer during this period that advanced the it was a good volume of information industry from its technologically example of a late was overcome by stalled development, resulting from 20th century creating a computer World War II and its immediate power station. It database linking the aftermath, back to a leading edge was also important written summary of that was on a par with as one of a short Blyth Power Station Chimneys. the main elements of developments abroad. Blyth sequence of test bed Photo: Margaret Eagle-Clark. the station to relevant represented Britain’s first move from stations, on which archive photographs 30MW/60MW standard sets to was built much of the success of and diagrams. From this it was much larger generating sets Britain’s post war electricity industry. possible to generate a variety of (120MW) in stations located in However, the buildings, many of datasheets on different aspects of relation to the Supergrid rather than which were built of concrete, were the station’s history. to load centres. As such, it is also in poor condition and there were an early example of the very large serious logistical problems in trying The report and much of the post-war stations built in rural to ensure their long-term information on the database is, of settings, the sheer scale and preservation. necessity, technical, but it is hoped prominence of which (with other that it will provide a ‘way in’ for major utility structures) was the The massive complex of ageing researchers wishing to use the subject of much contemporary structures would have required archive material to gain a greater architectural debate. enormous amounts of money to understanding of the station. maintain and no other viable However, the datasheets provide a The station buildings illustrate purpose could be found (although surprisingly accessible way into changes of the time in form and Tate Modern at Bankside has shown understanding the complex style, with the older brick clad that in exceptional circumstances processes of a power station and concrete frame of the ‘A’ station these buildings can be made to work may provide a useful source of power hall contrasting with the again). After careful consideration, information for schools and those aluminium and glass clad steel English Heritage decided not to with a more general interest. The frame of the ‘B’ station. Three sizes schedule the site, concluding that it information is currently available to of generator sets were commissioned would best be dealt with through the be viewed by visiting the SMR but for the station, each of them ‘firsts’ planning system – leaving the other ways of disseminating the in Britain. The four 120MW sets of problem for the County Archaeologist information are being examined. the ‘A’ station came into commission to resolve. In the end it was decided between 1958-1960 and were the that the most appropriate course of SR from a report by Michael Trueman. 7 National Mapping Programme in Northumberland

s part of the Till-Tweed monuments were photographed as Norham and Groat Haugh too), Geoarchaeological Project, a such, but over a quarter are now medieval and later industrial remains Astudy to survey and map the thought to have been significantly on Bewick and Belford Moors, as landscapes around the rivers Till and reduced by modern farming on the well as post-medieval and modern Tweed from air photographs was lower slopes of the Breamish-Till military sites around Berwick-upon- completed at the end of 2003. valley. In contrast, sites along the Tweed. Funded by the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, through the University of Newcastle, the aerial mapping has been carried out by English Heritage’s Aerial Survey (North) team in conjunction with West Yorkshire Archaeology Service. The mapping is an important component in the Till-Tweed study that has helped to inform the fieldwalking strategy and subsequent geomorphological mapping.

The National Mapping Programme aims to record archaeological sites of all periods through remains visible as earthworks, cropmarks, parchmarks and soilmarks on air photographs. This is one of the first projects by the National Mapping Programme Team in Northumberland and it has proved very successful in identifying new sites and enhancing the records of existing monuments. Over 250 new records have been created and over 200 have been enhanced.

Aerial photographs from the Museum of Antiquities in Newcastle were examined, along with photographs from the National Monuments Record and Cambridge Chatton Moor workings. Extract from the Till-Tweed ALSF/NMP project. © University. Features were English Heritage mainly seen as earthworks and cropmarks (including River Tweed appear largely as The Till-Tweed Project is run by Clive parchmarks), with soilmarks being cropmarks and parchmarks on air Waddington and Dave Passmore the least represented. photographs. from the University of Newcastle. Results from the project will be An interesting difference was seen in Some new sites that have been published later in 2004 and the web the survival of archaeology along identified include an Iron Age site can be visited at each river. Until comparatively palisade by the River Breamish, http://www.ncl.ac.uk/till-tweed/ recently, much of the archaeology small clusters of early medieval along the River Till survived as sunken featured buildings at Branton EW upstanding features – and and Low Hedgeley (and perhaps at

8 The National Park Historic Village Atlas Project

he Northumberland National low archaeological sensitivity in and Lottery Fund’s Its Your Heritage Park Authority has secured around each village. Programme and the Countryside Tfunding from the HLF and the Agency’s Vital Villages scheme. The Sustainable Development Fund to roduction of an overall summary results of the project will enhance produce a survey of the seventeen Preport on the development of the the Sites and Monuments Record for ‘historic’ villages located within the Park’s historic villages, and a general the Park and for the County, and Park area. This will contribute a account of settlement patterns they will also inform development great deal to our knowledge of throughout the Park. control decisions. settlement and landscape evolution within the National Park.

The work is being undertaken by the Archaeological Practice based in Newcastle and it draws on a combination of sources, including archaeological data, air photographs, historic building records and documentary evidence, with the aim of providing a detailed history of the development of each village within its local landscape. While the emphasis is on the villages themselves, each village is being studied in its historic township and estate context. This includes a brief examination of field systems, pasture and woodland. There is also an oral history element to the project. The final results will be presented using a combination of illustrated text, and maps to show the development of each village through time. The results will include an assessment of the archaeological significance of different elements of each village and township.

The project has four major aims:

timulation of individual and Scommunity interest in archaeological projects and research, such that it will serve as a springboard for future Elsdon village from the air. Photo: Tim Gates, Copyright Reserved. community led initiatives. The project will promote Villages to be included in the Atlas: roduction of an illustrated collaboration between the National keld, Alnham, Alwinton, Byrness, Phistorical summary of each Park Authority and local AElsdon, Falstone, Great Tosson, village, including maps showing the communities and local community Greenhaugh, Harbottle, Hethpool, development of the villages and their groups have been involved at all High Rochester, Holystone, Ingram, townships (e.g. field systems etc.) stages of the work to date. Kilham, Kirknewton, , West over time. Newton. Community groups should be able to roduction of an ‘archaeological use the results of the survey to Rob Young Psensitivity map’ for each village, develop a variety of projects funded Northumberland National Park showing areas of high, medium and from sources such as, the Heritage

9 Excavations at St Leonard’s Nunnery, Berwick Backgound succession, stemming from the Despite subsequent attempts to rchaeological excavation in accidental death of Alexander III in revive the nunnery, there is little fields to the west of Berwick- 1286, resulted in the invasion of evidence to suggest that it was Aupon-Tweed during June and Scottish territory by Edward I. anything other than moribund. In July 2003 has started to reveal the Berwick was taken by the English 1385, it was recorded that it was so remains of the medieval nunnery of Army and, if contemporary accounts destroyed and fallen that scarcely St Leonard. The fortunes of this are true, most of its inhabitants any trace of the buildings remained. establishment dramatically trace the killed. Edward used the nunnery as The isolation so loved by the halcyon days of the Anglo-Scottish his headquarters during the battle Cistercians was no substitute for borders through much of the 12th for the town, during which there was high walls in a time of war. and 13th centuries and the fall to no reported harm to either the near chaos of the area in succeeding establishment or its occupants. Previous Work centuries. Knowledge of the site of St The battle of Bannockburn on 23rd Leonard’s has never altogether been St Leonard’s Nunnery (NT 984 539) June 1314 was a shattering blow to lost, but it was careful study by Tim was founded by the powerful and English aspirations for control of Gates of a series of aerial pious David I of Scotland in the Scotland and by 1318, despite photographs taken for the then 1130s, probably as a Cistercian desperate attempts by Edward II to proposed A1 bypass around Berwick house - a rule which had only retain it, Berwick was once again in in 1976 (a memorably long and dry recently been introduced from the Scottish hands. It was the third summer), which located the site Continent. Located beyond the Edward who regained English exactly. One of the photographs western fringe of Berwick, the control over the town in 1333, but showed parch marks over a pasture wealthiest port and town in only after a protracted siege of field just to the south-west of West Hope Farm. When plotted out, they clearly represented a cruciform church and associated buildings.

Along with other important archaeological sites beyond the western edge of Berwick, the study of St Leonard’s has been taken up by the Bondington Project. Over the last three years this Heritage Lottery funded scheme has looked at the ancient and more modern history of the western fringes of the town of Berwick; for example, Linda Bankier, the Borough Archivist, is helping to prepare an historical review of all the properties along Castle Terrace. Given the acknowledged lack of archaeological input into the understanding of medieval nunneries, a link was established between the project management Volunteers and visitors in 2003. Photo: Jim Walker FRPS and the local Border Archaeological Society who helped run a field Scotland, and in 600 acres of good nearly five months. During this time walking day in 2002. This involved farmland tended by numerous lay the siege camp was placed on the collection, recording and brothers, the nunnery prospered. For whatever remained of the settlement identification of material scattered most of the 150 years following its of Bondington, between the walls of over the plough soil at the site. Over foundation, the only conflicts it Berwick and the nunnery. The 100 artefacts were recovered, witnessed were the interminable culmination of the conflict was a including many fragments of wrangles between religious battle between the Scottish and medieval pottery as well as part of a establishments (especially with the English armies on the slopes of lead pilgrims’ badge. Over the same remarkably litigious Dryburgh Abbey) Halidon Hill. English victory led to year, geophysical prospection was over the rights to various tithes and the immediate fall of the town but carried out over the site by the possessions. Then, in 1296, the not before the partial destruction of Border Archaeological Society, which chronic dispute over the Scottish St Leonard’s. added to the picture provided by the aerial photographs.

10 A Facelift for Haltwhistle Tyne Bridge erhaps the most enjoyable way to enter Casket Key. Drawing: Alan Williams PHaltwhistle is from the south via the Tyne Bridge, a Excavation Results without significant later adaptations, cast iron structure of 1875 In 2003, with the kind agreement of lies beneath the plough soil. designed by G G Page. the Freemen of Berwick (the Originally a road bridge and landowners) and Mr Hugh Veitch The excavations also proved very now pedestrian only, the bridge (the tenant), and in liaison with the popular within the town. They is the interface between town County Archaeologist, it was decided coincided with the Union of the and country and the terminus to carry out limited excavations on Crown celebrations and during two of the proposed Pennine the site to test what lay beneath a open days around 800 people came Bridleway extension. selection of the parch marks. The to see not only the digging, but also Unfortunately its recent work involved the cutting of three to take in a fine display produced condition and presentation was trenches: two through the nave of both by the project members and not up to its grade II listed the church and the third to the other of the town’s historians, and to status, a point not lost on the south-west, over what may have eat the delicious food prepared by local community and the been the precinct boundary. members of the Castle Terrace Haltwhistle Partnership. Residents Association. All the Drawing on funding from a The work was a great success; the essential elements (good-will, variety of sources a scheme remains of the nave were confirmed enthusiasm, determination and good was prepared for structural in two trenches and a boundary wall academic purpose) seem to be in repairs, a replacement deck was found in a third. Although the place for further work at the nunnery and the first lick of paint in a site has been damaged by years of over the coming years. long time. ploughing and by the removal of stone for construction elsewhere, Brian Chappell The paint scheme for an much still remains. Finds from the (Chair, Bondington Project) historic structure can make or fieldwork have provided an insight Barrie Evans, (BAS) break its presentation. The into the end of the nunnery and the Alan Williams, former silver grey paint made private lives of the nuns who lived (Advisor to the Bondington Project) the bridge uniformly dull. This here. For example, the discovery of was an opportunity to design a two pieces of ornate stone moulding, vibrant colour scheme which found overlying the foundations of would articulate the structure the transept wall of the church, had and set the scene for a been hacked off from larger and welcome to Haltwhistle. With more usable blocks by stone reference to historic paint robbers. The mouldings possibly analysis and the not too came from the door of the slype dissimilar Westminster Bridge, (passage) which would have allowed the Conservation Team came access between the cloister to the up with three paint schemes west of the south transept and the from which the local nuns’ graveyard to the east (a community was invited to broken but very delicately carved make its choice. Preferences medieval grave slab still lies in a were strongly correlated to the garden beyond). Another find was a colour that the bridge was tiny casket key, again found over the painted at the time of the demolished wall. The key would voters’ youth, with the winning possibly have allowed access by one green and cream suggesting of the nuns to a box containing the more votes cast by the older few mementoes of a former life. members of the community. The completed scheme was Yet, perhaps the real significance of unveiled in 2003 and is once the site is its own short life – within Stone moulding, possibly again a fitting entrance to the a span of 200 years it was founded, from the door of the passage ‘centre of Britain’. had prospered, and died. The layout between the cloister and PR of an early Cistercian nunnery, nuns’ graveyard, found in 2003. Drawing: Alan Williams.

11 Experience Abbey House, Hexham Northumberland at Woodhorn xciting proposals for a £15 million project at Ashington’s EWoodhorn Colliery Museum (see Archaeology in Northumberland 2002-2003) have now been given full approval and a large grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund. The site will accommodate an integrated service combining improved museum facilities with a new County Record Office. The museum closed on 22 February 2004 and the site will reopen in Hexham Abbey House west range. Photo: Peter Ryder April 2006. exham is well known for its Two serious fires in the 1790s and PR medieval Abbey, Old Gaol and in 1818 marred the more recent HMoot Hall. Less well known, history of the mansion. After the first and more thoroughly disguised by set of repairs, by Colonel Beaumont, later changes, is a fourth building Miss Mary Russell Mitford visited in Discovering which also has a very significant 1806 and commented that the old history: Abbey House is a rambling house had been ‘a fine specimen of our Hillfort group of ranges to the south-west of the Saxon-Gothic architecture; but the Abbey, now largely occupied by he has built upon the same the County Council. A study of the foundation, retained all the Heritage building was commissioned in 2003 inconveniences of the ancient style, his five-year National by Northumberland County Council and lost all of its grandeur. It has on Park initiative, largely (Operational Services) as part of a the outside the appearance of an funded by the Heritage proposal to carry out alterations and inn’. T refurbishment of the building. Lottery Fund and the European Union, is aimed at the This is rather a harsh judgement, integration of Conservation, The visible story of the Abbey House but one can see what she meant. Research, Public Access, begins with the foundation of the The buildings one sees today are Interpretation and Education. Augustinian Priory in 1113 by hardly of prepossessing appearance. The project has undertaken Archbishop Thomas II of York, on Facing the old cloister, the west conservation work in the site of Wilfrid’s Saxon monastery. range has considerable medieval association with local The Priory had a cloister on the remains on its ground floor, but the landowners, and has produced south side of its church, and in the upper floor, now the Magistrate’s a general leaflet for visitors 13th century a range of buildings Court, has a range of plain Georgian about hillforts, including was built on the west side of that windows with more recent plate details of sites interpreted for cloister, in which the prior had his glass. The ranges on north and the public. Several individual house. Over the years the prior’s south of the courtyard beyond (the self-guide leaflets for specific house grew into an establishment Abbey Clinic and Social hillforts have also been almost the size of a monastery itself, Services Dept) are almost all of the produced, as has a booklet of with its own cloister-like courtyard. late 18th and 19th centuries. Only hillfort heritage walks in the After the Dissolution in 1537 Henry the so-called ‘Carnaby Building’, College Valley entitled A VIII granted the monastic buildings facing the car park to the north, has Beautiful Highland Place. A to Sir Reginald Carnaby, bailiff and some late medieval or Tudor book, based on the results of a general administrator of Tyndale; his windows but even this has seen five-year survey programme of coat of arms and the date ‘1539’ considerable alteration; it was hillforts, undertaken by remain on a range of buildings he is Police Station for many years. English Heritage (York Office) thought to have added to the older as part of the project, is due to prior’s house. The Abbey House, as Abbey House is not an easy building be published in late 2004. it became known, was very much for the architectural historian to the ‘great house’ of the town; it later disentangle and interpret. Iain Hedley passed to the Forster family, and Fortunately it had already attracted Northumberland National Park then to the Fenwicks and Blacketts, the attention of antiquaries before all well-known names in county the fires and rebuilding. A series of history. 18th-century drawings survive, mostly showing the view from the

12 north-west. The oldest, by the Buck which together with the 14th- expedition - did reveal some exciting brothers, is of about 1720, and century monastic lavatorium in the things here. Concealed within the shows a building that still looks south part of the east wall (where roof space, the preserved slab of thoroughly medieval. By 1778, the the canons would wash their hands 15th-century walling has retained a date at which the meticulous before entering the refectory) are the short length of its original embattled Samuel Hieronymous Grimm came most important medieval parts of parapet, and the Carnaby Block along and made a superb the building. The northern section itself has preserved what seems to watercolour drawing, there had been of undercroft is now ‘The Monastic be its original roof structure - proof changes. Both of these drawings Workshop’ and frequently in use by that the fires were not quite as all- have been published many times, the Abbey for coffee mornings and consuming as had been feared. This but not so a third and even more jumble sales. The southern part is roof is of truncated-principal form, a informative source, a rambling also accessible to selected members very distinct late medieval form sketch plan - in pencil - of the whole of the public, under slightly different characteristic of . It group of buildings by a Mr Carter circumstances, in that it has been is hoped to take dendrochronological around 1780. His field notes are utilised as holding cells beneath the samples from this soon, which now bound into a huge and magistrate’s court. A mysterious should show whether the ‘1539’ unwieldy volume housed in the chamber alongside, in the east wall, date relates to Sir Reginald British Library (additional has its doorway and small window Carnaby’s construction of the Manuscripts 29.943) and one must walled up; its interior (which may building, or possibly simply his make a trip to London to attempt to have housed a holding tank and commandeering of a wing built by decipher his sketches and jotted plumbing arrangements relating to one of the last priors. notes, some near-illegible. the adjacent lavatorium) does not appear to have been seen for around These discoveries at roof level Armed with these sources, as full an two hundred years. underline the fact that this is a inspection as possible was made of complex group of buildings which the buildings in early 2003. This Then comes the main range on the are by no means fully understood; has allowed us to take stock of what north side of the Prior’s Court. This generation after generation of really does survive of the medieval seems to have been almost entirely remodelling, repair and partial monastic complex and post-medieval rebuilt after the fires, although there rebuilding, coupled with the recent great house. The earliest part of the is still an arched gateway in the institutional use, means that historic complex is in its east wall, facing original position, and the oriel features have been overlaid on top of the cloister. Re-faced externally, window above it, with the arms of each other, from the early 12th- what is now its inner face is in fact Prior Leschman (1480-1491), was century beginnings to the 19th- the external face of the west wall of retained, firstly being re-set in the century police cells at the west end the original cloister of the 1113 south wall of the range and then of the north range. Much of the priory, with a blocked doorway still moved back to its original position fabric is now concealed by stoothing visible; probably the original on the north. However, the Carnaby and plaster, leaving a great deal for entrance to the cloister from the Block on the north did survive, and future archaeological discovery. The outside world, this is paralleled by a by doing so protected one section of 2003 survey has at least allowed us similar early Norman example in the the medieval north wall of the main to flag up the importance and ruins of the priory at Jarrow. Then range. An exploration of the potential of the whole building. comes the 13th-century vaulted labyrinthine attics of the House - a undercrofts of the west range itself, sort of above-ground speleological Peter Ryder

Watercolour of Hexham Abbey House by Grimm in 1778.

13 The Industrial Secrets of the Cragside Estate

East side (rear) of Cragside Mansion House. Photo: Dave Reed. any new visitors to Cragside The intention of the works was also dual effect, both increasing the draw are surprised by the to repair Armstrong’s aqueduct of the fire and dispersing smoke Mdiscovery that not only were system bringing water to the two away from the house. Also, above the first domestic electric lights used remaining lakes above the house the house, two separate power at Cragside, but also that it was (Nelly’s Moss North and South) and cables were uncovered, recorded supplied by the first hydroelectric to eventually use this water to and sample lengths taken. The power supply in the world. Further supply the now inoperative water cables are the remains of the world’s investigation into why such cascades in the rock garden below first hydroelectric supply and the innovations were achieved in such the house. first electricity supply extended from an isolated location arrives at the Debdon to both the house and the vision of a single man - Lord William These works have provided an joiner’s shop, this was then George Armstrong (1810-1900). opportunity to record all of the superseded by a supply from the exposed remains of Armstrong’s Burnfoot power house. In 1863, Armstrong, at the age of activities throughout the estate and, 52, commissioned the building of a wherever possible, to preserve these Networks of stone-lined drains were modest lodge on a 20-acre barren remains in situ. The archaeological also encountered, built to channel hillside plot below Cragend Hill (NU works are being funded by the the massive quantities of water 073022). By the end of the 19th and undertaken by spilling down the hillside during century the present mansion house David Reed of Bernicia Archaeology heavy rain. These drains, beautifully was complete. Meanwhile the estate and were still in progress in early constructed from sandstone, are had increased to well in excess of 2004. comprised of a flagged base with 1000 acres of rock gardens, tree uprights and lintels, sealed by clay. plantations, lakes and many As expected, excavation of the The majority are still fully functional buildings including a large stable service trenches has encountered a today. Excavations have allowed the block, workshops, lodges and farms. vast network of original services of route of a superior sandstone drain, which no records survive. The constructed from lime-mortared However, there is a further hidden majority of the services are cast-iron sandstone, to be plotted. This drain, element to the estate which, in pipes whose complexity towards the known as the mine-water culvert, reality, was a colossal hydraulic mansion house is comparable to was built to avoid contamination of complex. This involved the those within the high street of any Tumbleton Lake and the course of connection of three lakes located at town. These pipes carried not only the Debdon Burn through the estate the top of the hillside to provide a drinking water, but also pressurised grounds. It channels contaminated head of water to drive a diversity of water from Nelly’s Moss Lake to run water from old coal workings near machinery in several of the hydraulic machines within the the source of the Debdon Burn buildings, and to supply water house; including a rotating spit, a lift rejoining the Debdon Burn at the cascades within the west rock and laundry equipment. Burnfoot power house. garden. The trenching also included two Excavations in the mansion house Towards the end of 2002 the ceramic pipes located to the east of courtyard revealed a stone-lined National Trust initiated the first the house. These pipes were utilised drain, or ‘cundie’, and the phase of extensive water services as flues heading towards two large foundations of a substantial work. These works were to provide a chimneys located both above and sandstone structure underlying the new drinkable water supply to the suitably away from the mansion north-east range. The foundations estate and a new sewerage system. house kitchen. This would have a were stratigraphically earlier than

14 two large cast-iron pipes that were mansion house is, in reality, an masked. Finally, the remains of four part of Armstrong’s hydraulic supply extraordinary example of an early existing artificial waterfalls were to the mansion house. This provides rock garden feature, comprised of rebuilt in the style of Armstrong (or the first evidence of actual placed boulders, cascading ‘Armstrongesque’!) - an engineer demolition of a structure from an ‘mountain-like’ streams and pools all trying to emulate a mountain earlier phase of the house for a later, lined with concrete. Known as the stream. more grandiose north-east range. west rock garden, it evolved with the house from the 1860s to 1880s. Following almost two years of Other features identified from Unfortunately, it has been recording of excavations at Cragside, excavation include the foundations of destabilised by a series of floods it is apparent that a comparable a barn located to the north of the over the last 60 years and now number of man hours were stable block, the base of a Victorian requires the building of a substantial expended on underground works and weighbridge and the foundations of engineered retaining wall to reinstate apparent natural features, as those a substantial wall on the south side the original course of the Debdon spent on the standing structures. As of the formal garden, likely to be an Burn and protect the remainder of you would expect from Armstrong, early estate boundary wall. the rock garden from potential the specification of all materials and slippage. Future work to reinstate workmanship on the underground What at first sight looks like a the rock garden features is planned structures match those that are seen tumbling natural hillside below the and the new retaining wall will be above the ground. Why lay a four- inch pipe when a six-inch pipe may be utilised in the future?

The archaeological work at Cragside was implemented from the planning stage of the project by Harry Beamish, the National Trust Regional Archaeologist and has become an integral part of the project. Excellent communications and support from both the National Trust staff at Cragside Estate and the Civil Engineers (The Babtie Group) have enabled a greater insight into the ‘hidden’ element of the Cragside Estate.

Dave Reed Bernicia Archaeology Complex of Armstrong’s cast-iron pipes. Photo: Dave Reed

Bothie or Pillbox?

his unusual historic building located on Hemscott Hill Links, to the east side of the road from Widdrington Tand Cresswell, is a pillbox of World War II vintage with commanding views of much of Druridge Bay. Complete with gable ends, chimney and gun loops this unusual defensive point was not actually constructed within an old building, but was built from scratch as pillbox. It was disguised to look like a small cottage, or bothie, so that it could not be identified either from the sea or from the air during reconnaissance prior to any German invasion. Fortunately the invasion never came and the camouflage was never tested but the building remains to remind us of more uncertain times. For those wishing to visit the site, it is best to park one kilometre to the north in the National Trust car park for Druridge Links and walk to the site (at NZ281950). The road is a busy one and care should be taken at all times to avoid accidents. CB

15 The sanitary and the sepulchral - Langley Brick Works

he old cemetery at Haydon successor, the Langley Brick Bridge, tucked away up a Company, soldiered on for a few Tnarrow lane on the west side of years, but the local clay was not the road that climbs northwards out ideal for their purposes and the site of the village, is a tranquil place, still had been abandoned by about well-tended, with a variety of 1960. Old photographs show a monuments from the late 19th and complex of buildings with, at earlier 20th centuries. These include different times, one, two and then a number formed from white glazed three tall chimney stacks. Much of ceramic; one in particular is slightly their output was sanitary ware; in surprising, a gleaming Celtic-style the late 1920s much of this was cross with no other inscription save taken by rail to Gateshead Borough a stamp advertising “The Langley Council where a big conversion Barony Sanitary Ware scheme for housing sanitation was Manufacturers”. in progress.

Despite this slightly-disturbing When a brief archaeological overlap between matters sepulchral assessment of the site was carried and sanitary, these monuments are out in the autumn of 2003, the in effect memorials to an interesting principal surviving buildings were piece of local industrial archaeology, the Moulding Sheds, much altered and take us to a site at Langley, during a recent phase of farm 4km to the south-west. The stamp building use and now in poor gives the address of the company as condition. At first glance, their “Langley-on-Tyne”. This is hardly rubble stonework and simple strictly true, as Langley is in the detailing suggest a late 18th or early valley of the Langley Burn, and 19th century date, but map Haydon Bridge the nearest point on evidence shows that they can be no the Tyne. It was once a hive of earlier than about 1900. Other industry, thanks to local geological buildings are in light-coloured factors which provided it with both engineering brick and must relate to coal and clays suitable for brick and the later phases of use of the site, tile manufacture. up until the 1950s. All the kilns have gone; only one chimney now Langley’s Industrial Revolution survives, standing only to half began in about 1700 with the height. Constructed of yellow brick, development of lead smelting mills, its only decorative motif is a little processing ore from the Allendale cross in white glazed brick on each mines with the aid of coal from the face. “Wasters” - old sinks turned Stublick coalfield. In the late 19th upside down to form paving, and century the lead industry collapsed, even retaining walls fashioned from but was superseded at Langley by a stacked urinals - are evident all brick and tile works. This was built around. More puzzlingly, the on the north bank of Langley Dam, scattered around the derelict site an artificial lake, still a prominent bear a surprisingly wide range of landscape feature, created in about maker’s names; it is difficult to see 1800 to turn the waterwheels of the why a brick-producing site was lead mills. The Langley Barony importing bricks from so many rival Fireclay Company was in existence manufacturers from 1886 until 1953. The closure of the adjacent railway line Mr Jack Young, who lives close to (Allendale Branch) in 1950 was the site, recently dug up in his obviously a blow; after the original garden a miniature glazed ceramic company went into liquidation, its urinal, which must have been carried as an advertising aid by a company salesman. It would appear Haydon Cemetery sanitary ware cross. that such salesmen, glazed mini- Photo: Peter Ryder urinal in hand, may have travelled

16 considerable distances, as it is recorded that their white glazed ware was exported to Argentina, Brazil and the Arab States. So, if seeking recourse to the comfort station whilst travelling in those parts, one should keep ones eyes peeled! The discovery of the distinctive trademark stamps ‘Lansyde’ or ‘Baronyte’ will both bring delight at the survival of another piece of Tynedale heritage, and a warm feeling of home-from- home... Peter Ryder Stamp on churchyard cross, Haydon. Photo: Peter Ryder

Exciting finds from Bamburgh Castle he archaeological investigation one piece from East Anglia. In corner of the county was once the of Bamburgh Castle continued addition, this season we struck gold! centre of a kingdom, producing the Tin the summer of 2003. A small piece of flat, crescent- often lavish, gold-decorated gifts Excavations within the West Ward of shaped gold was found. The gold is made for and given to Anglo-Saxon the castle produced an extensive a little over two centimetres long kings. range of artefacts from the Anglo- and probably dates to the seventh or Saxon and medieval periods. eighth centuries AD. It has three We will be returning to excavate at pin-sized holes, for attaching it (as the castle between 21st June and Medieval pottery imported from the decoration) to a larger object – 29th August in 2004. Some of the Continent and the south of England perhaps a leather belt or scabbard, finds so far excavated will be on has been found alongside locally- or possibly even a book cover. display in Bamburgh Castle, and a produced wares. Among the great book, written by one of the project’s quantity of animal and fish bone The range of artefacts found both directors has recently been recovered, dorsal spines from a ray during 2003 and in previous published. Bamburgh Castle, The have been identified and parts of a seasons reinforces the high status of Archaeology of the Fortress of walrus tusk with saw marks on it. Bamburgh both as a capital of Bamburgh AD 500 to AD 1500, by This tusk would have been imported Anglo-Saxon Northumbria and later Graeme Young, can be bought from the Arctic. Within the Anglo- royal castle. The finds have shown through the project’s website, which Saxon levels, several pieces of trade links ranging from the Arctic to is www.bamburghresearchproject.co.uk Anglo-Saxon pottery have been continental Europe, while the found (an extremely rare find in discovery of Anglo-Saxon worked Phil Wood Northumberland), including at least gold reminds us that this now quiet Bamburgh Research Project

0123 cm

Small piece of flat, crescent-shaped gold found at Bamburgh Castle. Photo: Bamburgh Research Project (scale in centimetres).

17 Going, Going, Guano!

Composite view of Alnmouth’s Guano Shed, north elevation. Fertiliser Storage in Alnmouth economically viable deposits of The question of whether the Guano as this nondescript building, guano began to be exhausted. Shed was ever used to store these located in dunes to the regular imports still remains to be Wsouth of Alnmouth, once an Guano and Alnmouth answered. A recent study of map important centre for the international In Britain the primary ports for evidence for the site has shown that trade in bird droppings? This has import of this fertiliser were the building was not recorded by been the question asked ever since Liverpool, Bristol and London but any surviving surveys until the the so-called Alnmouth Guano Shed there are records of smaller 1850s, and though this would fit was listed as a building of national quantities also arriving by boat at with an increasing guano trade, importance (Grade II) in 1988. various local and regional ports, there is no written evidence Locally held to have been including Alnmouth. In the case of whatsoever that proves that guano constructed as a storage facility for that port there are written accounts was ever stored there. Survey work guano imported from Peru during the from the mid and late 19th century early 19th century, the shed’s that refer to the import of various

Composite view of Alnmouth’s Guano Shed, south elevation. heritage is actually far from certain. fertilisers including kelp (seaweed) has shown that the structure, though Recent assessment has shown that and guano. Unfortunately there are apparently a simple single storey the building has undergone many no specific records that point to the range of local sandstone and brick, changes in its 150-200 year life. port being used as a place of is in fact a complicated melange of delivery direct from South America. repeated repairs and rebuilds that The trade in Guano Records from the 1870s suggest are difficult to date and interpret. The trade in guano between South that as many as 16 boats a year Unfortunately, though the form of America and Europe, for use as a delivered guano to the River Aln but the remains is unusual, there are no nitrogen fertiliser, was particularly these, it seems, were secondary other known examples of guano prevalent during the mid 19th movements from other ports more sheds elsewhere in Northumberland century and was part of the early renowned for their international or Great Britain against which it can vogue for use of chemical fertilisers trade, such as London. be compared. in British agriculture. Naturally, guano accumulates wherever there are colonies of sea birds, but for it to be a commercially viable export deposits have to be of considerable quantity and depth. This was certainly the case around the Chincha Islands off the Peruvian coast, where exploitation of guano began in the 1840s and continued for over 30 years until more than 12 million tons of the fertiliser had been exported, primarily to Europe. The trade only finally declined in the 1860s and 1870s as processed chemical sources of nitrates, such as potash, became available and the Concrete gun loop inserted between 1939 - 1940.

18 For the future, it is hoped that a programme of environmental sampling and analysis might help to A New Future for Hartford Hall clear up the mystery of whether guano was ever stored in the shed. This scientific approach to the archaeology would aim to identify the remains of plants, insects and snails that might have been passed by the Peruvian sea birds with their guano and then imported with the fertiliser to the UK. If examples of such remains peculiar to South America and Peru can be identified on the site, it will clear up once and for all the debate about whether the shed was used for the storage of the bird-dropping fertiliser.

The importance of re-use What is certain is that, regardless of whether it was ever used for guano storage, this building has seen a multitude of modifications to allow fter many years of uncertainty late 1990s and shortly after, the many different uses. Perhaps the the future of the Hartford Hall Hall and entrance gates, both listed most prominent of these is the AEstate, which overlooks the grade II*, were included in English blocking of windows that occurred River Blyth near Bedlington, looks to Heritage’s Buildings at Risk register. between 1939 and 1940. This have been secured. change was accompanied by the Proposals put forward by developers insertion of 20 gun-loops (rifle slits) Originally known as Hartford House, provided an early test for a new so that the building could be used the Regency villa was built for English Heritage policy document, as a pillbox, or nodal-point, as part William Burdon to the designs of Enabling Development and the of the defence network that was Newcastle architect William Stokoe Conservation of Historic Assets. If it thrown up in response to the threat in 1807. In 1875, following an could be demonstrated that enabling of German invasion in the early injection of ‘new money’, it received development in the form of new years of World War II. The size of a comprehensive High Victorian house building would pay for the the building and the number of gun makeover which included a lead regeneration of the historic assets of loops inserted tends to suggest that covered dome and a pedimented the estate and not detract from its the building’s military career, though projecting centre with porch and character or setting, then they could short, was an important one as it porte-cochere (outer open porch). be deemed to be acceptable. was likely to have acted as a The entrance gates were made for, Integrating new houses into the command post or focal point for and exhibited at, the Vienna estate and converting the existing coastal defences in the Alnmouth Exhibition of 1873 and are one of buildings into further residential area. the most ornate examples of High units is far from easy and it is still Victorian ironwork in the North of too early to judge whether the For those wishing to see the England. At least two ornate challenge has been met successfully. Alnmouth Guano Shed the site can conservatories were constructed in Advance sales point to a commercial be viewed from the road at the the late 19th/early 20th centuries success and the provision of top end National Trust car park on Buston and the stable block was converted of the market housing is much Links to the south of Alnmouth (NU to an indoor riding school. The needed within Wansbeck District 248096). The building itself is 1930s saw a brief occupancy by the where it will give a boost to the located on private land, and is in a Thompson family, owners of the image of the area. Some of the dangerous state of collapse. Thompson Red Stamp grocery tangible public benefits are already stores. In 1948 it became a visible with the first stage of the The Conservation Team would like to pioneering Miners’ Rehabilitation landscape restoration, reinstatement thank Alan Williams for the use of Centre intended for the treatment of of the railings to the top of the lead his excellent report on the Alnmouth injured miners. In 1953 a model dome, and a new conservatory Guano Shed (Alan Williams mine was constructed in the grounds based on the original designs. The Archaeology, 2003. The Guano to test patients’ fitness for a return entrance gates will shortly undergo Shed, High Buston) which formed to work. The estate remained within major repairs and on completion of the basis of this summary and was the Health Service until 1995 when the new development a permissive commissioned by The it was purchased by the County route will be created through the Northumberland Estates. Council with a view to establishing a estate to bridge the gap in the River CB country house hotel and centre of Blyth footpath. sporting excellence. These proposals PR were subsequently dropped in the

19 Images from the Lead Mining Industry

Miners preparing to set explosives underground. Picture: Science Museum/SSPL. uring the early 19th century, men and children working in Whilst there are photographic when the lead mining industry underground and surface operations. records of lead mining sites dating Dwas at a peak of activity in These illustrations, which were from the early 20th century, when the North Pennines, a series of 66 acquired from a North Pennine the mines were in the final stages of watercolour paintings and pen and source in 1979 by the Science their terminal decline, there are few ink sketches were produced Museum, Science and Picture known images of the industry when recording the processes of the Library, have been reproduced it was the dominant activity across industry and the activities of the extensively in Blanchland’s Lead large swathes of the North Pennine Mining Heritage, a new guidebook uplands. The illustrations are published by the Northumberland particularly remarkable for their County Council Countryside Service portrayal of everyday activities of the (see page 23). workers who mined, prepared and transported lead ore. Representations of the great

Galloways carrying lead ore being driven across a North Pennine moor. Picture: Science Museum/SSPL.

20 engineering achievements of the instead, scenes of fighting and mines or portraits of the lead mine drunken celebration amongst the owners or their chief agents, which miners are recorded – sometimes in might have been expected to be the graphic detail! subject of industrial illustrations of the period, form no part of this Little is known of the origin of this collection. unique collection of illustrations. They all appear to have been Amongst the illustrations are images produced in the first two decades of of miners extracting the lead ore the 19th century and are generally underground, miners using hammers thought to depict mining scenes in to drive the holes for explosives, the Alston and Allendales areas. The wielding their characteristic short variety of styles suggests that they picks to loosen rock, climbing long are the work of several artists and ladders in dark, vertical workings the detailed depiction of mining and smoking pipes in the deadly, scenes suggest a close association dust laden air of the mine. Children between the artists and the lead and youths are shown working mining industry. The fact that the machinery on the dressing floors and subject matter of the illustrations is seeking scant protection from North generally commonplace and the fact Pennine weather behind wooden that they were not included in any hurdles. known published work appears to indicate that they were not The transport of lead ore and refined commissioned. We do know that the pig lead is a theme of several mining communities placed a high illustrations and new light is shed on Miner climbing ladder in value on self-education and it how the packhorses or ‘galloways’ underground shaft. appears a possibility that the were used for carriage. Rather than Picture: Science Museum/SSPL. illustrations may indeed have been being led in line it does seem that produced by workers in the lead the galloways were driven as a flock of the lead industry at that time well industry. In these remarkable studies across moor land routes, picking dressed miners are depicted of the work and lives in the North their own way across frequently confidently bargaining for mining Pennine lead dales we may have the treacherous peat bog. Of great contracts or seemingly withholding start of a tradition of miner artists interest also are illustrations of the their labour to gain improved which was later to gain expression in miners away conditions. the coal mining areas of the North from their East. places of The images which may have work. been expected of a stern, The collection of 66 watercolours Reflecting teetotal lifestyle, and a and pen and ink sketches is held at perhaps the dominant influence by the Science Museum, Science and relative the chapel, are not Society Picture Library – tel: 020 prosperity to be found in the 7942 4400; illustrations; e-mail [email protected] CC

Miners celebrating - November 1813. Picture: Science Museum/SSPL.

21 From prehistory to the industrial age, research, towers a recent batch of books covering the and bastles, history and archaeology of the region industrial will have something for everyone. archaeology and the archaeology Clive Waddington’s latest book, The of the Otterburn Joy of Flint: An Introduction to Training Area. Stone Tools and Guide to the The book is Museum of Antiquities’ Collection, based on a provides the first comprehensive conference held introduction to flint in the British in Hexham in Isles. Published by the Museum of 2000 and is Antiquities in Newcastle, the book aimed at a also contains a gazetteer to their general entire lithic collection. The audience. introductory chapters and gazetteer Illustrated provide something for the beginner, throughout with student and specialist alike and will colour and black be an invaluable reference work. It is and white finely illustrated with photographs images, this and line drawings and is in full book should colour throughout. prove of value to anyone interested in the Books for all archaeology of Northumberland National Park.

Clive has also teamed up with Dave A very different Passmore to write a further book, period and entitled Ancient Northumberland. landscape is The book forms part of an Aggregate introduced in two fascinating new Levy Sustainability Fund sponsored Books for all books focusing on the North project. It combines archaeological Pennines. Lead Mining Landscapes and environmental evidence to of the North Pennines explores the produce an engaging book that in the area. These include survey origins and development of the documents human settlement in the and excavation reports at Ingram, distinctive lead mining landscapes of region from the first hunter-gatherers West Hills Hillfort, Simonside, High this area. A joint publication by through to the warrior societies of Rochester Roman Fort, Hadrian’s the Iron Age. The text is interspersed Wall, , Thirlwall with sections that focus on such Castle and Low Cleughs Bastle. It topics as ‘henges’, ‘field walking’ also includes a number of overviews, Books for all and ‘flint knapping’ as well as on including palaeoenvironmental important sites such as ‘Howick’. This large format book makes liberal use of colour and black and white photographs, including many unpublished photographs of excavations and aerial photographs. It provides a much-needed up to date overview, which is a must for anyone with an interest in the region.

A different approach is taken in the forthcoming publication by Paul Frodsham. Archaeology in Northumberland National Park, to be published by the Council for British Archaeology in Spring 2004, includes an overview of the Park’s archaeology written by Paul, together with fourteen project reports contributed by well-known archaeologists who have been active Earthworks at Yeavering. Photo: P. Frodsham.

22 Northumberland The book, published by and Durham Northumberland County Council County Councils Countryside Service, explores these and the British past associations. It summarises the Geological Survey, long history of mining from medieval the book explores times, when mines near Blanchland the geology of the supplied silver to the Carlisle mint, North Pennines to the misguided use of steam power and the extensive in the 19th century and the final re- lead mining working of the mines for fluorspar in industry to which the 20th century. Amongst the many it gave rise. illustrations in the book are colour Supported by reproductions from a fascinating colour series of early 19th century photographs and watercolour paintings which record illustrations, the scenes from the North Pennine lead text interprets mining industry (see also the article features in the on page 20). Both books make a contemporary significant introduction to this very landscape and important aspect of the region’s explains how they history. relate to the operations of the lead industry and the lives of the Books for all lead mining community. A picture of a rural The Joy of Flint can be purchased landscape from the sales desk at the Museum transformed by a of Antiquities or through the Society single, dominant of Antiquities of Newcastle upon industry emerges from the pages of Tyne. the book. Books for all Ancient Northumberland is A more detailed look at the effects of published by English Heritage and lead mining on a particular area can techniques of a lost industry. Visitors to the picturesque village of will be available through them, the be found in Blanchland’s Lead Milfield Country Store and all good Mining Heritage: The history and Blanchland today might be surprised to know that in the mid-19th bookshops. All proceeds from the century over 40 trades and sale of the book go to the upkeep of professions were plied in the village, the Maelmin Heritage Trail at Books for all providing support to the local mining Milfield. industry and mining communities. Archaeology in Northumberland National Park will retail at £19.95 and will be available in local bookshops. It can also be ordered, post free, direct from the publishers: York Publishing Services Ltd, 64 Hallfield Road, Leyarthorpe, York, Y031 7ZQ (email: [email protected]).

Lead Mining Landscapes of the North Pennines retails at £9.95 and is available from local bookshops or directly from the Conservation Team at £10.95 to include post and packing.

Blanchland’s Lead Mining Heritage can be purchased locally or directly from the Conservation Team for £4 to include post and packing. Derelict miner’s cottage and smallholding, West Allen Valley.

23 2000 Years of Military History

World War I practice trenches at Silloans. Photo: Tim Gates. Copyright Reserved.

id Winston Churchill know, as Heritage and the Ministry of Defence All things change and now many of he enjoyed a grouse shoot on has focused on the emerging value these military sites are redundant, as Dthe moors of Northumberland of the evidence and history of 20th new weapons require different types in the early years of the 20th century military occupation. of training. The MOD have a strong century, that he was about to commitment to conservation and a continue a 2000-year long tradition As part of a nationwide assessment management group guides the care of military training and warfare? In process by English Heritage, several of the archaeology, historic 1911, shortly after his visit, the monuments at Otterburn have been landscapes and buildings of The then War Department, on his advice, identified as nationally important Range with substantial effort and established a camp at Redesdale and given protection as Scheduled resources put into research and and purchased a vast swathe of land Monuments. These include a conservation each year. It is hoped between the Rivers Rede and Coquet complex of World War I practice in the near future to excavate a short on which the British Army could trenches at Silloans, a number of section of the trench system at train and exercise. By doing this artillery observation posts or Silloans for public display and to they were treading in the footsteps vedettes, and perhaps most offer additional access to the of the Roman Army whose fort at curiously a number of bunkers, one archaeological heritage of The Range Rochester and temporary camps of which at Featherwood Farm was as firing commitments allow. alongside Dere Street provided a reputedly built for the farmer and his forerunner of today’s military family to shelter in when the artillery If you would like more information presence. decided to practice! All of these date on the archaeological work of the to the period 1915-1922. MOD or to find out about public The Otterburn Army Training Estate access arrangements (which are occupies around 23,085 hectares of Redesdale Camp itself has also now strictly controlled for health and land largely within the outlived its usefulness and is due to safety reasons) please feel free to Northumberland National Park. This be demolished, taking with it a contact Niall Hammond at the huge area contains a wide variety of particularly well preserved wooden following address: Niall Hammond, well-preserved archaeological sites NAAFI building and the soggy Defence Estates Archaeologist, from the Neolithic Belshiel long memories of thousands of national Environmental Support Team, Gough cairn and a wealth of Roman service conscripts who largely Road, Catterick Garrison, North military remains to the bastle houses remember the rain! However, before Yorkshire, DL9 3EJ, e-mail: of the 17th century. While many of the Camp goes, the MOD have [email protected] these monuments have been commissioned a full architectural recognised and valued for some record and accompanying historical Niall Hammond time, recent work by English record to be made for future scholars Defence Estates of military history.

24 Field Survey at Dunstanburgh

Guided tour of the castle and surrounding area in November 2003. n November 2003, English The new field survey also revealed preservation, the deposits apparently Heritage embarked on a research the nugget of truth within the stretching back to the Mesolithic. Iproject in partnership with the traditional story that the castle was National Trust in an attempt to surrounded by water. The marshy Tantalising evidence for the existence better the understanding of area alleged to be the site of the of an Iron Age hillfort underlying the . Built in 1313, medieval harbour appears to have castle – whose presence has by Thomas, Second Earl of been the southernmost of a series of repeatedly been suggested and Lancaster, the castle was once one three large artificial lakes, or meres, discussed but never proven – was of the grandest fortifications in fed by an elaborate system of feeder recognised on the final day of . ponds and leats. The meres fieldwork. A bank outside the doubtless provided an outer line of southern curtain wall, which The investigation also extended to a defence and an easily accessible effectively defines a moat in front of World War II radar installation a mile source of fish and wildfowl. They the wall, has long been assumed to further south along the coast also seem to have been designed in be simply part of the medieval towards Craster, to assist with the part to show off the castle’s defences on this, the weakest side of management of the large numbers of dramatic setting and elaborate the perimeter. However, it now visitors to the castle by creating (in architecture. A reference to the appears possible that ridge and the long term) an alternative focus of digging of a ‘great ditch’ in 1313 – furrow cultivation responsible for interest. The survey was undertaken an earthwork which can be partially levelling the bank may pre- entirely using a differential GPS identified on the ground and which date the building of the curtain wall, satellite mapping system, which is integral to the working of the from which it can perhaps be offers accuracy in the region of 1cm, meres – indicates that this inferred that the bank was but the keys to the success of the ornamental setting was part of Earl constructed some considerable time investigation were, as ever, the low- Thomas’ original grand design. before 1313. An Iron Age rampart tech skills of observation and Surrounded in this way, the seems a reasonable interpretation of analysis. eminence on which the castle stands such an earthwork. would have acted as an outer bailey, Though still current amongst local possibly the intended site of a The investigation also recorded residents, the story that the castle permanent settlement, since there is numerous World War II coastal once had its own harbour and was anecdotal evidence for the survival defences, and the site of a ‘Chain almost entirely surrounded by water of the foundations of medieval Home Low’ (and subsequently at high tide has been played down buildings below the ridge and furrow ‘Extra-Low’) radar station closer to by academics in recent years. cultivation. An artificial Craster, which was converted to a However, detailed study of the inter- embankment, perhaps originally prisoner of war camp in the latter tidal zone south of the castle topped by a timber palisade, was years of the war. The recording of discovered the indisputable remains identified where the natural gradient oral testimonies was an important of a massive stone-built quay, with is slight on the west, thus blocking part of the research into the working patches of its original cobbling the natural causeways that would on the installation; if you remember surviving intact, and evidence that have dammed the meres at north anything about this site when it was much of the fine sandstone for the and south. The main approach in use, please contact Harry construction of the castle may have seems to have been from the west Beamish, National Trust Regional been imported by sea. Though it via a causeway between two of the Archaeologist, on 01670 774691. seems highly improbable that noble meres, and there is some evidence medieval visitors would often have for a major stone-built Preparation of the full report is in its approached Dunstanburgh by boat, overlooking the head of the initial stages, but you can follow it seems more than coincidental that causeway. This offers a potential how the investigation progressed day the axis of Earl Thomas’ fashionable target for future geophysical survey. by day on the Web: keep-cum-gatehouse is aligned on Work has also begun on www.english-heritage.org.uk/diary the end of the quay. environmental sampling of the marshy ground and initial results Alastair Oswald suggest an exceptional level of English Heritage

25 A Medieval Settlement at West Hartford, Cramlington Introduction which is marked today by Hartford series of small sub-rectangular programme of archaeological Bridge. In the medieval period enclosures. The second phase, investigation undertaken by Hartford began as a single district which partly overlay the earlier ANorthern Archaeological but soon after it was divided into remains, consisted of a number of Associates has identified the remains East and West Hartford. Sometime stone structures, including a of a deserted medieval settlement on before 1189 a part of the manor of dovecote and a barn, within a series the site of West Hartford Business Hartford was granted to Tynemouth of very large rectangular enclosures. Park, north of Cramlington (NZ Priory and this became the vill of These enclosures subsequently 258795). The settlement appears to West Hartford, which appeared in contracted and the boundaries were be the site of the lost village of the Lay Subsidy of 1296. It seems in some cases re-defined in stone. Hartford referred to in 13th century likely that this holding was largely or The remains of ridge and furrow documentary sources. It lies close to entirely a pastoral farm as only one cultivation appeared to respect the the site of West Hartford Hall farm person was assessed for tax. A enclosures, but it subsequently which was demolished and replaced second part was held by the expanded and partly overlay the in the late 19th century by a model Hartford family and in the early 14th southern end of the earlier farm on a new site to the south- century a portion of this was bought enclosures. west. by the priory. During the post- medieval period documentary The archaeological remains mainly The excavation took place between evidence exists for the succession of consisted of ditches, gullies, stone February and May 2003 and ownership of the West Hartford foundations and pits/postholes, measured approximately 180m east estate and the coal royalties. West although many of the features had to west by 90m north to south. The been quite heavily truncated as a area was divided into two irregular result of later ploughing. Many of the blocks by a deep colliery drain. linear features were orientated The excavation lay approximately north to south immediately south of the and/or east to west. earthwork remains of the Identifiable post-medieval former hall and an features were confined to evaluation of part of this the northern edge of the latter area was site and the area undertaken at the same adjacent to the time. drainage channel.

Previous topographic The earliest remains and geophysical surveys comprised a series of of the earthwork remains of narrow linking gullies within the Hall site had identified the northern part of the site. the buildings, yards and The gullies appeared to form a enclosures depicted on 19th century number of small rectangular Ordnance Survey maps. These enclosures with some internal surveys also identified a range of Hartford Hall was one of three farms divisions. There was very little earlier (possibly medieval) buildings on the West Hartford estate and associated artefactual or structural to the north and a ditch enclosing appeared on the First Edition evidence to suggest whether these the site of the Hall and its garden to Ordnance Survey map surviving as a enclosures were domestic or the south. Geophysical survey in the working farm until 1859, when the agricultural. One possible wooden field to the south of the Hall Ridley family of Blagdon Hall bought structure was identified to the south- revealed relatively little, but a single the estate. At that time, the present east of the enclosures, near to the evaluation trench identified a West Hartford Farm was constructed stream channel. Erosion had number of shallow medieval features 1km to the south-west, and the Hall removed one side, but it appeared to and walls suggesting that medieval demolished. These changes are have a shallow enclosure ditch or archaeology extended for some recorded on the Second Edition possible drip channel around it (A). distance south of the earthwork Ordnance Survey map of 1898. remains. A system of three large sub- Excavation Results rectangular ditched enclosures Historical background he excavation identified at least replaced the earlier gullies, which in he Hartford place-name is three main phases of some cases were deliberately thought to derive from Tdevelopment dating between backfilled. The enclosures were T‘Herford’, the name given to a the 12th and 15th centuries AD. aligned north-south and measured nearby ford across the River Blyth, The earliest phase comprised a about 25m wide internally and the

26 longest measured over 65m in shaped section of walling inside the century date. This fragment suggests length (B). The ditches which western ditch of the same enclosure the presence of a high status defined them measured up to 2.7m may have represented part of a building elsewhere on the site and wide and these enclosed a number second stone barn (D). To the west, may derive from West Hartford Hall of minor ditches and gullies. The the remains of a circular stone itself. enclosures on the western side of building foundation were found (E). the site appeared to have been re- The building measured 5m in The evaluation on the site of West modelled later in this phase and diameter with walls 1m thick. The Hartford Hall comprised seven trial extended southwards by about 35m. interior floor surface comprised stone trenches within the area of The western side was bounded by paving slabs around a shallow earthworks, although the Hall itself ridge and furrow. circular pit. These were the remains lay outside of the existing ownership of a medieval dovecote (see photo), and was not investigated. The One building with a stone foundation and the birds kept there would have trenches principally encountered was identified towards the northern provided fresh meat and eggs structural remains associated with end of the longest enclosure (C). The throughout the year. the later post-medieval farm and these remains confirmed both the cartographic evidence and the geophysical survey evidence for the arrangement of the site. Medieval remains were also encountered including walls, drains, ditches and an extensive area of cobbling, which was present in all but one of the trenches.

Conclusion In northern England, villages were the most distinctive aspect of rural life and their archaeological remains are one of the most important sources of understanding about rural life for the 500 year period following the Norman Conquest. Within Borough, there are documentary records of 12 deserted medieval villages. None, however, have recorded extant remains and as with the medieval village of Hartford most are only known through documentary sources and therefore have no certain location. © NAA 2003 The substantial and extensive Above: Combined plan of geophysical interpretation and survey of remains identified at West Hartford archaeological features. Drawing: NAA. represent an important discovery Left: The excavated remains of the dovecote. Photo: NAA. both in terms of their scale and density and also because of the fact structure measured 25m long by at Towards the end of the medieval that they confirm the location of a least 5m wide, however, the north period the site appears to have site known only from documentary wall of the building lay outside the declined, as the area of the evidence. The site has the potential excavated area. The building had a enclosure contracted and was partly to contribute significantly towards probable doorway in its south-east overlain by ridge and furrow. The our understanding of rural medieval corner, and the remainder of the workshop at the north of the site settlement on the coastal lowlands southern wall appeared to have been was demolished, probably in the of Northumberland. It is hoped that pierced by a number of further 15th century, and the other probable the excavation report will be openings. It was not clear whether barn went out of use, possibly published in a future volume of the foundations had supported stone around the same time. The ditches Archaeologia Aeliana. or timber walls. The interior of the of the large central enclosure had building contained a hearth with a almost completely silted up and they The excavations were undertaken by possible flue, and some areas of were replaced by stone walls. One of Northern Archaeological Associates flagstones and cobbled flooring. the walls, which ran for over 35m, for Bullen Consultants on behalf of From the construction and interior contained reused stones from an ONE North East. details of the building, it seemed earlier building, including one block that this was not a dwelling, but of finely carved stone with a Richard Fraser more probably a workshop. An L- dogtooth moulding, of possible 12th Northern Archaeological Associates

27 The Secrets of Berwick Railway Station

n archaeological evaluation was the castle; the ravine would have wall, aligned north-south, surviving undertaken by Pre-Construct afforded the castle considerable to a height of 0.21m. The wall is AArchaeology Limited at Berwick natural protection. A sense of the probably too insubstantial to have Railway Station car park in April scale of Gillies Brae is evident from performed a defensive function and 2003. The work was commissioned antiquarian perspective illustrations. it may have been part of a building by Operational Services, This is supported by borehole close to the edge of Gillies Brae. A Northumberland County Council, evidence which suggests that deposit contemporary with the wall's ahead of proposed works to improve archaeological deposits could survive construction produced pottery of the bus and rail interchange in the in the area of the infilled ravine to a 14th/15th century date and, town. The car park lies partially depth of about 8m. therefore, it is likely that this within the scheduled monument of structure is of medieval date. . Old maps of the area Further probable medieval remains appear to show a curtain wall linking were encountered in a trench at the A further three trenches (2, 7 and 9) the north-eastern tower of the castle, north-eastern corner of the car park were placed to locate the route and Gunner’s Tower, to St Mary’s Gate on (Trench 11). Four phases of building any possible remains of the medieval the medieval town wall. This would activity were encountered here. This town defensive wall, which may fall within the area occupied by the could represent four different, have run approximately along the car park, as does a large ravine, now sequential buildings in the area; route of Railway Street. However, no backfilled, known as Gillies Brae, although it is equally possible that remains were encountered that can which separated the castle from the the remains represent two distinct be interpreted as being associated town. buildings, one with three phases of with this wall. alteration. No dating evidence was Earlier work, including a desk based recovered in association with the At the top of the pedestrian ramp at study, limited trenching and a radar structures, their general form and the northern end of Railway Street, survey had located what was the lack of substantial buildings another trench (10) located a probably the castle curtain wall, present in this area on antiquarian cobbled surface. No dating evidence running on a SW-NE alignment illustrations, paintings and maps, was retrieved but it is likely that the across the station car park. A further strongly suggest a medieval date. cobbles formed an earlier version of twelve trenches revealed evidence the existing access slope down to from the medieval and post-medieval A trench located on the pavement of the car park, and probably date to periods. These remains fall within Railway Street (Trench 9), in an area the mid 19th century development two main phases. The first comprises likely to have been at the top edge of the site as Berwick station. important remains of medieval date, of Gillies Brae, revealed a sandstone In the car park itself, many of the including structural elements related to the wall linking the castle to the medieval town wall. The second comprises mid 19th century ground levelling and consolidation for the construction of the railway station, along with associated yards.

The remains of a massive mortared sandstone wall, about 5.7m wide, were identified in two trenches (3 and 12). This structure is believed to be the remains of the curtain wall linking the castle to the town walls. Similar masonry encountered during the preliminary evaluation in 2002 is almost certainly part of the same structure. These findings, along with those of the radar survey, suggest that this wall survives across much of the car park and that, where it crosses Gillies Brae, it may survive to a considerable height.

The presence of Gillies Brae is perhaps one reason for the siting of Plan of trenches at Berwick Railway Station car park. Drawing: PCA

28 trenches contained evidence of considerable made-ground deposits. Tanks not a Threat to In Trench 1, this made-ground is thought to have been related specifically to the construction of the Hadrian’s Wall railway station. Elsewhere, the made-ground consisted of distinctive material, possibly quarried relatively nearby. This interpretation is consistent with the known history of the site and specifically with the mid 19th century infilling of Gillies Brae, ahead of the construction of the railway.

he Ministry of Defence (MoD) Remains of Hadrian’s Wall were has recently completed a wide found in good condition beneath the Tranging study on the effect that section of disused road (see military traffic using the B6318 Archaeology in Northumberland Military Road is having on the 2000-2001). Unfortunately, the underlying remains of Hadrian’s trench across the live section of the Wall. B6318 failed to find any trace of it, although the remains of an earlier In 1995 the MoD received planning metalled surface, possibly the permission to use Albemarle remains of the 18th century Military Barracks as a driver training facility. Road, were encountered. Despite Vehicles operating out of the this, it was possible to draw some barracks included heavy lorries and conclusions from this work; the tracked vehicles such as tanks. The underlying cobbled surface on the County Archaeologist and English live section was in good condition, Heritage were both concerned that indicating that modern traffic was the use of these vehicles, not damaging underlying remains. particularly the tanks, might damage An engineering test, known as a the remains of Hadrian’s Wall, which Falling Weight Deflectometer test, is known to lie beneath the B6318 confirmed that the condition of the for much of its length in road on the used and unused Northumberland. The MoD were sections was very similar, showing The substantial mortared wall seen therefore required, through a that the impact of traffic on the sub- in trenches 3 and 12. Photo: PCA planning condition, to carry out a base of the road, and by extension Structural remains, probably series of studies to determine if any underlying archaeological associated with the 19th century damage was being done, and if so, remains, has had no effect above goods and coal yards to the east of identify possible mitigation and beyond that already in existence the station, were recorded across the measures. when the un-trafficked portion was car park area. These included the decommissioned 30 years ago. probable foundations of a goods Very little work has been done to Further tests, in the form of vibration shed marked on the 1st Edition assess the impact of this sort of testing, were also carried out on the Ordnance Survey map, along with activity on archaeological remains live section of road near Harlow Hill. the foundations of smaller brick-built and none in situations which were Heavily loaded army lorries and two structures and a number of yard directly analogous to this one. As a different types of track mounted surfaces. Some of the remains likely result, the study was a mixture of vehicles were run up and down the to have been related to the former tried and tested methods (desk top road at varying speeds and the goods yard had been heavily assessment and trial trenching) and levels of vibration caused at both the disturbed, presumably during more unusual techniques. The trial road surface and sub-base levels consolidation groundworks ahead of trenching was designed to examine were monitored. This testing showed construction of the car park. two sections of Hadrian’s Wall – one that the levels of vibration caused on a disused section of the B6318 would not damage underlying The information gathered by the to the east of Heddon, and one on a structures. The report therefore evaluation will be used to ensure live section between Harlow Hill and concluded that military use of the that the proposed developments will the junction of the road to Albemarle B6318 is not damaging Hadrian’s not damage the medieval remains Barracks. The intention was to Wall and there is no archaeological surviving in this area. examine the remains surviving reason for the MoD to alter their beneath the disused section of road, patterns of use. which had been decommissioned 30 Robin Taylor-Wilson years ago, and compare it with the SR from a report for the Ministry of Pre-Construct Archaeology condition of remains under a section Defence by Gifford and Partners of the road subject to modern traffic movements. 29 Silver Mining in the North Pennines

id the North Pennines at one inconclusive. There seems little the improved malleability of de- time produce silver in doubt that silver was being extracted silvered lead made the extraction Dquantities which were from North Pennine ores on a process worthwhile, records from the unrivalled in Europe and which had significant scale during the medieval 18th and 19th centuries indicate a a profound impact on the national period but are we to conclude that generally modest silver content in economy? rich new mineral discoveries the majority of North Pennine lead triggered a now forgotten bonanza of ores. During the period 1729 to This possibility continues to be a mining activity? 1870, the two then dominant lead matter of active debate. mining companies, London Lead and Documentary evidence appears to The long and productive history of Beaumont-Blackett, together support arguments that rich veins of lead mining in the North Pennines is recorded the extraction of silver-bearing ore were being mined well known and documented. 5,450,000 ounces of silver from on a large scale in the North Throughout many centuries of 1,542,184 tons of lead concentrate Pennine uplands during the medieval mining activity a constant by-product (about 3.5 ounces per ton). period. However, geological evidence of the processing and smelting of Published research (most recently by suggests more modest levels of lead ores was silver. Whilst the Peter Claughton, University of activity and site surveys remain comparatively high value silver and Exeter) proposes a wholly different scenario in medieval times with mining activity resulting in silver extraction of up to 421 ounces per ton from local ores.

During the 12th century the North Pennine ore field was under the jurisdiction of two major lords, the English Crown and the bishop of Durham. Records of income received from the lease of these mines indicate that the mines were surprisingly productive during this period. Robert of Torigini notes that in 1133 miners paid the Crown £500 per annum for the rights to extract minerals in that area of the North Pennines for which it had jurisdiction. During the 1140s the profit taken by the bishop of Durham amounted to 360 pounds of silver. The significant profits which were being obtained from the mines, high rental costs for mining rights, the expansion in silver coinage, and the massive disparity in the price for refined lead and silver at this time suggests large scale silver production. This disparity, taken with the fact that the price of lead did not collapse during this period, is thought to indicate that the main profits were being made from the sale of high value silver rather than large quantities of relatively low value lead.

It is estimated by Claughton that the mines produced a total of around Engine House at Shildon near Blanchland 2,255,000 ounces of silver between - an important mine for silver in the medieval period. 1130 and 1200 worth a price of

30 nearly £188,000. It is considered focus on the production of silver as that the minting of this silver may explanation for the wealth of the have contributed to a doubling of North Pennine mines in medieval Railings English silver currency between times may have resulted in the 1158 and 1180. A graphic picture demand for lead being Return to of the mining activity which underestimated. This was a time supported this expansion of silver when large quantities of lead were in production is given by Blanchard, demand for roofing and other Ravensdowne purposes – between 1179 and ne of the more striking For a brief moment in 1133 a 1184, 526 cart loads of lead from projects to be funded by nation’s interest suddenly centred mines on Crown land in Yorkshire the Berwick Heritage on a lonely fell land in a remote were provided for roofing works at O Economic Regeneration border county as news percolated Waltham Abbey, Windsor Castle and Scheme (HERS) is the throughout the realm of a fabulous Clairvaulx Abbey in France. There is reinstatement of the railings to silver find. Nor were the expectant also the tantalising possibility of the the front of a grade II* listed rumours unfounded, for a small production of silver being augmented house in Ravensdowne. Since band of miners, working on the by the reprocessing of recovered the removal of the original slopes of a mountain from which silver. It is recorded that in the late railings, to help with the war welled the waters of the Tyne, Wear 12th century the bishop of Durham effort in World War II, the front and Derwent had struck a lode paid £2000 to the King in order that curtilages of Ravensdowne’s which was to sustain production church silver should remain in fine early 19th century houses unrivalled in contemporary Europe. Durham monastery rather than have appeared stark and The whole area, upon the slopes of directly financing the third crusade. incomplete. Owners, Mick and the silver mountain where the three Brita Manning decided to take Counties met, was soon littered with The conundrum associated with the up the offer of a HERS grant prospectors and production opened medieval production of silver from and set a good example by up over wide tracts of land. the North Pennine mines has yet to reinstating the railings and be fully explained. However, it seems gate to their house. A second and still more intense rush certain that this was a time when of mining activity is claimed to have mining expanded rapidly within the In the absence of any old resulted from mineral discoveries in ore field and highly probable this photographs showing the the Northumberland North Pennines area was then the most productive original railings in place, area with over 250,000 ounces of source of mined silver in England. extensive research was silver being produced per annum Did a true mining boom occur with undertaken into typical railing during the years 1165 and 1166. miners rushing to the North Pennine detail of the period and this fells to seek their fortune from near- was reconciled with the What is the evidence today for the surface veins of fabulously silver-rich remains of iron stumps in the existence of these silver reserves in ore? An exaggeration possibly but at boundary wall and on the front the North Pennines? Whilst surveys the very least a notable addition to of the house to produce an by the British Geological Survey the folklore of our lost metal mining authentic design. The gives some support for enrichment of industries. impressive results have been lead ores near the surface, no much admired and it is hoped significant body of ore has been CC that this lead will be followed identified which shows the claimed on neighbouring properties to levels of silver content. It is References: strengthen their architectural considered moreover that an upper Blanchard, I, 2001. Mining, and historic character. limit for silver in solid solution in Metallurgy and Mining in the lead ore is about 32 ounces per ton Middle Ages, Vol 2 Afro-European Berwick HERS is a three-year and as yet no discrete silver Supremacy 1125-1225 (African project to encourage the repair minerals have been identified in the Gold Production and the First of historic buildings and North Pennines area. Although the European Silver Production Long- environmental improvements knowledge of how to separate silver cycle) within the Berwick from lead ore dates back at least to Conservation Area, with grant Roman times, the relatively primitive Claughton, P, 2003. “Production aid from Northumberland smelting technology in use in and economic impact: Northern County Council, Berwick-upon- medieval times would have been Pennine (English) silver in the 12th Tweed Borough Council and extremely challenged to achieve century” English Heritage. Its such high levels of production. There www.exeter.ac.uk/~pfclaugh/mhinf/ £300,000 budget was quickly seems limited physical evidence contents.wom over subscribed and is today for these hugely productive estimated to have generated medieval lead/silver mines although Dunham, KC. Young, B. Johnson, over £1m worth of it is the case that the mines which GAL. Culman, TB. Fosset, R. 2001, improvements. were most closely linked to this Rich silver-bearing lead ores in the bonanza continued to be worked for North Pennines PR lead into the 19th century. It does appear possible that the

31 Recent Listings Assessing the Past The following list contains details of archaeological assessments, evaluations and related work carried out in Northumberland during the past year. They mostly result from requests made by the County Archaeologist for further research to be carried out ahead of planning applications being determined. Copies of these reports are available for consultation in the Archaeology Section at County Hall.

ALNWICK Alnmouth: The Guano Shed, High Buston. Archaeological assessment, Alan Williams Archaeology for The Northumberland Estates (June 2003) : The Alnwick Garden Allerburn Hepscott Old Smithy. Car Park: archaeological assessment, Archaeological Services University of Durham for The Alnwick Garden rom time to time new entries, Palace Green Pavilion, Trust Company (May 2003) often referred to as ‘spot Berwick-upon-Tweed Craster: Former Nursery, Whin Hill, Flistings’, are added to the list of This building probably started life in Craster. Archaeological evaluation, buildings of special architectural or the early 18th century as a pavilion Archaeological Services University of historic interest. There are currently serving a former bowling green and Durham for Cheviot Associates almost 6000 listed buildings in was used as reading rooms in the (January 2004) Northumberland. Listing is early 19th century. Latterly it has Denwick: Land at Cawledge, Alnwick, Archaeological Services University of undertaken by the government been used as a scout hut and for Department for Culture, Media and Durham for The Northumberland community purposes. Berwick-upon- Estates (December 2003) Sport (DCMS) acting on advice from Tweed Preservation Trust is Longhoughton: Land at Carey Place. English Heritage. Members of the investigating ways in which its future Archaeological evaluation, public can make a request to DCMS can be secured. Archaeological Services University of for a building to be listed though for Durham for The Northumberland an application to be successful it will There is also a register of parks and Estates (September 2003) normally need to be supported by gardens of special historic interest : Rothbury Golf Club. evidence to demonstrate that it is of which is published by English Archaeological scoping survey, Tyne national importance. Recent new and Wear Museums for e3 Heritage. Although entries do not Partnership (April 2003) entries include: have the statutory status enjoyed by Warkworth: The Butts, Warkworth. listed buildings, planning Archaeological monitoring, The Smithy, Hepscott, applications which affect these sites Archaeological Services University of Morpeth have to be referred to The Garden Durham for Scott Wilson (November A planning application involving the History Society and English 2003) demolition of Hepscott’s 300 year Heritage. old blacksmith’s shop spurred local BERWICK-UPON-TWEED residents into investigating its Akeld: Lanton Archaeological The Hexham Parks Evaluation Phase 1, Archaeological history. It was quickly established to has recently become the county’s Research Services for Wardell- be one of the few remaining 16th entry on the register. It consists Armstrong (December 2003) unaltered smithies in the County, of a group of three adjoining public Berwick: Tintagel House, Love Lane. dating back to at least 1711. parks comprising the Sele, the Archaeological watching brief during Research by Dorothy Cowans Abbey Grounds and Hexham House cutting of foundation pits for balcony, confirmed a line of family Grounds. Alan Williams Archaeology for inheritance of the blacksmiths in Tintagel House Partnership (April Hepscott from 1695. The interior of 2003) Photographs and descriptions of Berwick-upon-Tweed Railway the smithy retains a brick arched many listed buildings can be viewed Station. Archaeological watching forge with large bellows at the side at: brief, Museums for of the hearth. Transco (May 2003) www.imagesofengland.org.uk An Archaeological Evaluation at The Cenotaph, Carlisle Park, Berwick Railway Station Car Park, Morpeth PR Pre-Construct Archaeology for A War Memorial constructed in Northumberland County Council 1922 to the designs of C Franklin (July 2003) Spades Mire, Berwick. Results of an Murphy and unveiled by Lord Joicey. archaeological watching brief,

32 Headland Archaeology Ltd for An Archaeological Watching Brief at Archaeological watching brief during Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough 42 North Place, Morpeth, Pre- installation of floodlights, Alan Council (December 2003) Construct Archaeology for County Williams Archaeology for Hexham Chatton: Mains Hill Archaeological Life Homes Ltd (July 2003) Town Council (Winter/Spring 2003) Evaluation Phase 1, Archaeological Ponteland: Peel House, Ponteland. Tynedale Magistrates Courts, Research Services for Wardell- Archaeological evaluation, Tyne and Hexham. Recording and monitoring Armstrong (November 2003) Wear Museums for Bellway Homes work, Archaeological Services Earle: A Horned Cairn at Scald Hill, (December 2003) University of Durham for Gateshead Interim Report 2003, Border Stamfordham: Albemarle Barracks Council (June 2003) Archaeological Society (September Final Report, Gifford and Partners for Hexham Railway Station West 2003) Ministry of Defence (June 2003) Sidings, archaeological recording, Holy Island: St Cuthbert’s Square Heugh. Archaeological watching Alan Williams Archaeology for archaeological evaluation, brief, Tyne and Wear Museums for Northumberland County Council Archaeological Services University of Northumbrian Water (August 2003) (July 2003). Durham for Thomas Stewart (April Stannington: Stannington Interchange. Hexham Flood Alleviation Scheme. 2003) Archaeological mitigation recording Cultural Heritage Desk-Based Roddam: Wooperton Quarry: Phase 2, by topographic survey and Assessment, Babtie Brown & Root First strip. Assessment report, photography, The Archaeological for Environment Agency (October Headland Archaeology for RMC Practice Ltd for Northumberland 2003) DRAFT Aggregates (Northern) Ltd (October County Council (June 2003) The Hebbron Memorial Chapel, Back 2003) Stannington Station STW. Baseline Street, Hexham. Archaeological archaeological assessment, Tyne and Recording/Analysis, P Ryder (April BLYTH VALLEY Wear Museums for Northumbrian 2002) Blyth: Thomas Knight Care Home, Water (August 2003) Land at Burn Lane, Hexham. Blyth. Photographic Record, tth Widdrington Station and Stobswood: Archaeological excavation and Architects (April 2003) North Stobswood. Archaeological monitoring, Northern Archaeological and cultural heritage assessment, Associates for W Kayley (Preston) Tyne and Wear Museums for UK Ltd (September 2003) Cresswell: Cresswell Environmental Coal Mining Ltd (February 2003) Horsley: An archaeological watching Impact Assessment, Nathaniel brief (phase 1) at South East Farm, Lichfield & Partners for TYNEDALE Horsley, Pre-Construct Archaeology Northumbrian Leisure (August 2003) Allendale: Wester Old Town. The for Anvil Construction Ltd (February Cresswell, Northumberland. former house and barns. An 2003) Archaeological assessment, Tyne and historical and structural assessment, Humshaugh: A Magnetic and Wear Museums for Anthony Walker P Ryder (December 2002) Resistance Geophysical Survey at and Partners (December 2003) Allenheads Chapel photographic Chesters Roman Fort, Chollerford, Cresswell Hall Historic Landscape record, Mrs Apsey (October 2003) TimeScape Research Surveys for Report, Anthony Walker and Partners Coanwood: Lambley, Northumberland. English Heritage (September 2003) for Northumbrian Leisure (December Archaeological watching brief, Tyne Walwick, Northumberland. 2003) and Wear Museums for NEDL Archaeological watching brief, Tyne East Chevington: Park View Estate, (December 2003) and Wear Museums for Chesters Hadston. Archaeological Desktop Lambley Crossroads. Archaeological Estate (November 2003) Assessment, Northern Archaeological watching brief, Tyne and Wear Prudhoe: Broomhouse Farm, Associates for W A Fairhurst and Museums for NEDL (January 2004) Broomhouse Lane. A photographic Partners (August 2003) Corbridge: Tree-Ring Analysis of record, Jane & David Heddon-on-the-Wall: North Lodge, Timbers from , Dilston Kendall Ltd (March 2002) Heddon. Archaeological watching Hall, Corbridge, Centre for Warden: Wall Mile 28, Tower Tye. brief, Tyne and Wear Museums for Archaeology, English Heritage Report Archaeological watching brief, Tyne Northumbrian Water Ltd (August 88/2003 (2003) and Wear Museums for Chesters 2003) Princes Street, Corbridge. Estate (September 2003) Heddon-on-the-Wall Petrol Station. Archaeological watching brief, Tyne Wark: Mote Hill Farm. An Archaeological watching brief, Alan and Wear Museums for Enterprise archaeological assessment of the site Williams Archaeology for M and L plc (July 2003) and buildings, Peter Ryder for Border Richardson (September 2003) Corbridge, Northumberland. Craft Homes (Revised January Throckley, . Watching brief, Tyne and Wear 2003) Archaeological excavation and Museums for Northumbrian Water Mote Hill Farm, archaeological watching brief, Tyne and Wear Ltd (September 2003) evaluation, Alan Williams Museums for Northumbrian Water Corbridge, Northumberland. Archaeology for Border Craft Homes (December 2003) Archaeological watching brief, Tyne (Spring 2003) Meldon: Newton Underwood. and Wear Museums for Integrated Archaeological survey and landscape Utility Services (December 2003) WANSBECK investigation, Richard Hewitt, MLitt Falstone: Smalesmouth Hill. An Archaeological Geophysical Survey research project, University of Archaeological watching brief during on Land to the North of East Newcastle (2002) topsoil strip for new agricultural Sleekburn, Wansbeck, GeoQuest Morpeth: A1-A192 Link Road, South- building and archaeological Associates for Northumberland East Northumberland. Archaeological evaluation of proposed farmhouse, County Council (January 2004) evaluation, The Archaeological Alan Williams Archaeology for Mr Bedlington: 72-74 Front Street East, Practice Ltd for Northumberland and Mrs Hodgson Bedlington: archaeological County Council (September 2003) Greenhead: Report on an evaluation, Headland Archaeology for Pegswood Borrow Pit, South-East Archaeological Watching Brief at Perry Stone Mews Bedlington Northumberland. Archaeological , Haltwhistle, Development Company (April 2003) evaluation, The Archaeological North Pennines Heritage Trust for W 34-38 Front Street East: Practice Ltd for Northumberland S Atkins Ltd (August 2003) archaeological watching brief, Alan County Council (September 2003) Hexham: Hexham Abbey. Williams Archaeology (April 2003)

33 Glimpses of Medieval Bedlington

The Market Square in Bedlington, July 1970.

Modern-day Bedlington betrays very pattern of medieval settlement boundaries and comparable ditches little evidence that it is located on became lost in the later streets and will have been dug and re-dug along the site of a settlement dating back houses. Today, the continued similar lines for centuries. Part of a to Anglo-Saxon times. Our development of Bedlington is dry-stone wall and a pit were also knowledge of its early development providing us with the opportunity to recorded to the rear of 34-38 Front is mainly limited to documentary view and record parts of the earlier Street, but an absence of finds from sources, with references to Bishop settlement through archaeological these features make them hard to Cutheard of Durham purchasing the investigations as part of the planning date. estate of Bedlington in the ninth process. century. The presence of 10th Although only a few archaeological century carved stones in the Church In 2003, two developments on Front features were found on these two of St Cuthbert also indicate that this Street East were the subject of sites, a wealth of information can be 12th century building occupies the archaeological investigation. extracted from the finds, debris and site of an earlier church. Headland Archaeology carried out an environmental remains that were evaluation on land to the rear of found in these ditches and gullies. The church is the only surviving numbers 72-84 Front Street East Once this has been extracted and medieval building in Bedlington. Yet and Alan Williams Archaeology analysed, this data can provide us the documentary sources indicate carried out a watching brief during with a greater understanding of the that there was once a hall for the the excavation of foundation life and diet of the people living in bishop, a court, a leper hospital and trenches to the rear of numbers 34- Bedlington and the activities that possibly a mill, dam and fishery. Old 38. Both pieces of work encountered went on in these areas. The samples maps show us that the shape and archaeological remains of medieval taken from the medieval gullies to size of the settlement changed very or later date running parallel to the the rear of 72-84 Front Street East little up until the 18th century. The line of the medieval road. Pottery contained slag, coal and cinders. settlement appears to have run and finds from the fills of these This appears to indicate that along the modern-day Front Street features has helped to date these industrial activity, possibly the with houses on either side, each remains. While much of the area to smelting of iron, was going on in with a long garden, or burgage plot, the rear of 72-84 Front Street East Bedlington even in the medieval to the rear and strip-fields beyond. had been disturbed by 19th century period. The samples taken from the While this street pattern and the activity, one trench produced ditch to the rear of 34-38 Front property boundaries continued after evidence of two shallow intersecting Street East contained coal, cinder the 18th century, and can still be gullies of medieval date and two and charcoal and suggest domestic seen in places today, the area began larger ditches of a later date. A fuel waste. These modern to change and develop rapidly with single later medieval ditch was developments have given us a rare the advent of the nearby coal and recorded to the rear of 34-38 Front opportunity to investigate iron industries. The town began to Street East that appears to run on Bedlington’s past. It will be grow into a larger settlement as the same alignment as Front Street interesting to see what information ironworking developed into a across much of the site, before will come to light in future significant industry on the banks of turning and continuing to the north. developments. the River Blyth in the 18th and 19th These features are likely to represent KD centuries. As the town developed the drainage ditches or property

34 Excavations of a Horned Cairn at Scald Hill

Background platform some 200-300mm in heaped in some profusion, together Recently an elongated cairn was depth comprising loosely packed with large pockets of grey soil that discovered by members of the stonework (averaging 150mm) set enclose and support them. There are Border Archaeological Society lying within a looser orange sandy soil. indications of an inner line at a on the south-eastern flank of Scald height of around 300-400mm above Hill and just below the 350m A stone setting lies virtually central the basal platform, which gives a contour (NT 93762 21485). They to the eastern terminal, just within stepped appearance to the cairn. began excavations in 2000 and the cairn on its long-axis. It The final element noted in the work has continued up to 2003. comprises a substantial rectangular cairn’s structure was an overlying, granite boulder with its flat face densely-packed matrix of smaller Excavation uppermost, framed within a setting stones which gave a ‘crust-like’ of pitched stones. appearance to the cairn upon The most recent work on the cairn removal of the overlying turf. took place in September 2003 and Both the cobble platform and this concentrated on cleaning the setting are overlain in places by a It is clear that the cairn was man- previously excavated areas, re- lens of darker orange soil, upon made, but the skin of smaller stones cutting the sections and producing a which sits the stonework and soil which forms the final structural layer contour survey of the site as well as forming the body of the cairn. would appear to indicate a greater plans and sections of the cairn. Although the edges of the cairn, are degree of elaboration than might be Excavation also attempted to well defined by the densely packed anticipated with a mere clearance establish the physical limits of the stonework, they nowhere assume cairn. cairn, as well as examining the the character of a kerb. The character of features previously southern perimeter of the cairn is, Though its situation, form, observed. Central to the current however, distinguished from that of orientation and apparently ‘horned’ season’s work was the necessity to the northern counterpart by the eastern terminal might invite establish beyond doubt whether the presence of large boulders. Within comparison with certain forms of cairn was a natural or a man-made the area so defined, stones lie mortuary structure of Neolithic date, feature. any meaningful understanding of the cairn in this respect will The cairn measures a little depend upon a further under 12m in length with its examination. A final season of long axis orientated ESE (282°), excavation will take place in it has a maximum width of 2004. 6.8m. It emerges from the hill- slope to form a prominent nose Malcolm Aylett & of stone. The stonework Roger Miket assumes a depth of over a metre near the eastern end, the Acknowledgements cairn can only be described as The Borders Archaeological ‘rising’ above the ground level Society is grateful to Lilburn insofar as the ground itself falls Estates (Mr D. Davidson & I. away to the east and south. The Hall), and Mr W. Brown for cairn had suffered considerable allowing us access to the site, to damage at its south-eastern the Archaeological Services of extremity; this may have been Northumberland County Council engendered by a former ancient and Northumberland National watercourse on this side of the Park for their greatly welcome cairn. Despite this damage, support; and we are especially sufficient remained to indicate grateful to the following the general curve of the cairn in members of BAS who laboured this sector which mirrored its so hard to make the site a thing counterpart to the north. of beauty as well as information!;- Philip Deakin, The cairn sits on the granite Manuella Walker, David bedrock, from which it is Brummitt, Colin Townsend-Rose, separated by a densely Denbeigh Kirkpatrick, Barrie compacted orange subsoil with Evans, Wallace Rea, Tommy lenses of denser grey clayey Lees, Jim Nesbit, Tom Broad & soil. The base of the cairn is a 2003 Excavations from the south. Photo: Roger Miket Mike Hoadley

35 The Portable Antiquities Scheme Arrives in the North East very year thousands of Walton provides members of the in the river near Corbridge. Similar archaeological objects are public with finds identification and to an ivory example from South Ediscovered by members of the recording, advice on conservation Shields Roman Fort dated to the late public. Most are found by metal and storage of finds, as well as second or third centuries, the handle detector users, but finds are also guidance on the Treasure Act. depicts a type of gladiator known as made by people out walking, a “secutor” or “pursuer”. We know gardening or going about their daily The past six months have he is a “secutor”because of his large work. These chance finds have the been a busy time for decorated rectangular shield and potential to tell us a great deal Philippa, giving lectures crested helmet with small eyeholes. about the lives of people in the outlining the aims of the Originally, he was also holding a past and yet often only a small scheme to several small dagger up against the shield, proportion are recorded for public clubs and societies, but this has now been lost. benefit. including four in Northumberland. She An 18th century silver coin of Carlos In 1997 the Portable Antiquities has also recorded more III of Spain, found near Morpeth. It Scheme, with its team of than 400 finds from was brought in for identification and Finds Liaison Officers, was across the North East recording by metal detectorist established to record and even further Gordon Thompson in January 2004. archaeological objects afield - someone The coin had been pierced so found by members of has even that it could be worn as the public, thus brought in part of a necklace. There preserving an important Roman must be an interesting resource. Although pottery story behind how it originally a pilot they ended up in Morpeth! covering only a third had of England and found A late 15th or early Wales, the scheme near the 16th century copper has recorded more River alloy jetton, found on than 75,000 Thames the beach near objects, discovered whilst on Berwick-upon-Tweed by dozens of new holiday in a metal detectorist from archaeological sites London. Late 15th or early 16th the Border Reivers and dealt with century jetton. Metal Detecting Club. more than 500 Although fewer The jetton shows the Treasure Cases. archaeological finds have arms of Burgundy on one side and a been reported from draped woman holding a watering In 2003, with Northumberland than from can on the other. Jettons were used Heritage Lottery other areas of the North to assist in arithmetical calculations, funding, the East, over 35 important particularly in accountancy, at times scheme was finds have been identified. when illiteracy was widespread and expanded They include flint cumbersome Roman numerals were nationally. In arrowheads, Bronze Age used to record values and sums of August of that year, axes, Roman coins and money. They would normally be the North East got its brooches, as well as used with a checkerboard or cloth, own Finds Liaison medieval buckles and in a process similar to using an Officer. Based at the buttons. Some of the abacus. Museum of most interesting Antiquities in objects from If you have anything you would like Newcastle and Northumberland identified and recorded, or would Cultural Services at include: like Philippa to come and talk to Durham County your club or society about the Council, A gladiator-shaped clasp- Portable Antiquities Scheme, you archaeologist Philippa knife handle made from can contact her at The Museum of copper alloy. It was brought Antiquities, University of Newcastle, in for identification and NE1 7RU, 0191 222 5076 or at recording in December the Archaeology Section, Durham Gladiator-shaped 2003 by divers Bob County Council, DH1 5TY, 0191 clasp-knife handle Middlemass and Rolph 383 4212. Her e-mail address is: found near Corbridge Mitchinson, who had found it [email protected] SR

36 his is a selection of walks from and the lives of the lead mining Start: Bolam Lake Country Park : Northumberland County community. Boathouse Wood car park (Grid Ref TCouncil’s 2004 Countryside Cost: adults £3.00, children £1.50. NZ 084820). Events programme. The full Start: Allenheads Heritage Centre programme offers a wide variety of (Grid ref: NY 860453). Sun 11 July OUT & ABOUT events and activities and can be AROUND BOLAM downloaded from the County Thurs 3 June BLANCHLAND, 10:00/5hrs Grade: Long website BOOM AND BUST A walk that links two beautiful and (www.northumberland.gov.uk/discov 13:00/2hrs Grade: Medium historic churches, wear stout er). No booking is required unless A short walk in the countryside footwear, bring waterproofs & packed specifically stated. For general around Blanchland exploring the lunch. BOOKINGS ONLY (Tel enquiries phone 01670 534080 fortunes of the lead mining industry 01661 881234). (answer phone service at times); and its workers. Cost: adults £3.00, children £1.50. more detailed queries may have to Cost: adults £3.00, children £1.50. Start: Bolam Lake Country Park : be referred to event leader. Start: Blanchland car park (to the Boathouse Wood car park (Grid Ref Northumberland National Park north of the village) (Grid ref: NY NZ 084820). Authority publishes its own events 964505). programme (www.nnpa.org.uk). Sun 11 July IN THE STEPS OF Thurs 10 June IN THE STEPS OF SAINT AND SINNERS TIPS AND GUIDANCE SAINT AND SINNERS 14:00/3hrs Grade: Medium Our events are graded to enable you 13:00/3hrs Grade: Medium Explore Holy Island - home of Celtic to choose those which are most Explore Holy Island - home of Celtic saints and Benedictine monks, a suited to your abilities: saints and Benedictine monks, a 16th century castle, Victorian Medium: Suitable for most people of 16th century castle, Victorian industry and a National Nature average fitness. Walks of between 3- industry and a National Nature Reserve. Dogs on lead welcome. 6 miles. Trainer-type shoes Long: Suitable for walkers suitable. Safe crossing who can manage distance time 13:10 – 22:00. but wish to avoid many Discover Northumberland Cost: adults £3.00, climbs. children £1.50. Reserve. Dogs on lead welcome. Start: Holy Island Greenwell Lane Unless specifically listed, young Trainer-type shoes suitable. Safe Coach Park (Grid Ref. NU 126420). people under 14 years of age must crossing time 12:10 - 20:35. Park in Chare Ends Car Park, walk 6 be accompanied by an adult Cost: adults £3.00, children £1.50. mins. to meet in coach park in Unless stated otherwise dogs Start: Holy Island Greenwell Lane village centre. Toilets here. (other than guide dogs) should not Coach Park (Grid Ref. NU 126420). accompany you on walks or events Park in Chare Ends Car Park, walk 6 Sun 5 Sept FLODDEN Ensure you have appropriate mins. to meet in coach park in BATTLEFIELD WALK clothing and footwear village centre. Toilets here. 10:00/2hrs Grade: Medium Let the leader know in confidence We will pass the positions of the if you have any medical condition Sun 20 June FLODDEN English and Scottish armies, and which may affect you during that BATTLEFIELD WALK have panoramic views from the event 10:00/2hrs Grade: Medium Lammermuir hills to Berwick-upon- You are advised not to leave We will pass the positions of the Tweed, before returning by the valuables in your car during an English and Scottish armies, and public road to Branxton village event. have panoramic views from the where light refreshments will be Lammermuir hills to Berwick-upon- available. Sun 30 May TRAVEL THROUGH Tweed, before returning by the Cost: FREE TIME 10,000 YEARS TO 1900 AD public road to Branxton village Start: Flodden Monument car park. 10:30/51/2hrs Grade: Long where light refreshments will be Signposted 7 miles north of What is there to be discovered and available. off the A697 (Grid Ref. NT see in our upland landscapes? Bring Cost: FREE 888372). packed lunch, boots and Start: Flodden Monument car park. waterproofs. BOOKINGS ONLY (Tel: Signposted 7 miles north of Wooler Sun 19 Sept BEAUTIFUL OLD 01661 881234). off the A697 (Grid Ref. NT BEWICK & QUIET BLAWEARIE Cost: adults £4.00, children £2.00 888372). 10.30/51/2hrs Grade: Long Start: Bolam Lake Country Park : See a rebuilt burial mound, a Boathouse Wood car park (Grid Ref Sat 26 June A LAKE, A TOWER fairyland garden and visit two hill NZ 084820). AND A MONASTERY forts with John Davies. Bring boots, 14:00/3hrs Grade: Medium waterproofs and packed lunch. Tues 1 June ALLENHEADS: A Join countryside staff and Buddhist BOOKINGS ONLY (Tel: 01661 LEAD MINING LANDSCAPE monks for a walk of history and 881234). 13:00/3hrs Grade: Medium spirituality. Finishes with a visit to Cost: adults £4.00, children £2.00. A walk around and about Allenheads Harnham Monastery. Unfortunately Start: Bolam Lake Country Park : exploring the history of one of the not suitable for children. Boathouse Wood car park (Grid Ref richest mines in the North Pennines Cost: FREE (donations accepted). NZ 084820).

37 New discoveries at Chesters Roman Fort

n 2003, English Heritage the headquarters (principia), beneath the ground’. For example, commissioned a survey of commanding officer’s house resistance survey of the fort interior IChesters to establish the degree (praetorium), five of six gates, three established the location of two of erosion along the riverbank and barrack blocks and several towers. granaries and barracks similar to the effects upon sub-surface The principia had a later strongroom those already exposed to the east. archaeological features. The survey, added. An external bathhouse was defined by four transects, extended located east of the porta quintana. The present survey traced the line of some 530m and about 60m from a road from the bridge across the the top of the riverbank. A magnetic The fort has long been the focus of River North Tyne to the lesser east and complementary resistance archaeological investigation – from gate as well as revealing several survey were conducted, each John Clayton who excavated large buildings east of the fort, one emphasising different features. The extensive areas here in the 19th of which was possibly of courtyard complexity of the site is evident century to limited excavations in the style. A square building, some 10m when the anomaly plans of both later 20th century. Aerial and square, was located on the Wall surveys are viewed together. topographical surveys have also itself between the bridge and the contributed to our knowledge of the fort. This feature is unique and its Chesters (Cilurnum or Celuno) is fort, revealing an extensive civilian form suggests monumental strategically positioned beside the settlement (vicus) and a road system proportions. River North Tyne (NY 911701) and to the south-west. As new was garrisoned by 500-strong technology has developed, Another newly discovered feature of cavalry regiments (ala quingenaria). archaeologists have used the fort is a possible gyrus, an Today, the visible remains include geophysical techniques to ‘see enclosed ring used for training horses, centred on the lesser east gate. Construction would have slighted the road and buildings towards the bridge and the remains are probably little more than spreads of stone as opposed to coursed masonry. The identification of a gyrus (see resistivity inset) is not unexpected and would have necessitated the re-routing of the road from the bridge, probably to the main east gate. A gyrus at The Lunt in Coventry, also prominently sited, was 32m in diameter; the possible structure at Chesters is considerably larger at about 50m.

The line of the Vallum was quite indistinct in this survey, which could reflect its cleaning or re-cutting and may indicate it had been left open for some time. Traces of the vicus were recorded to the south of the fort as well as evidence of possible field systems showing that people were farming here prior to or during construction of the fort. As well as the more recognisable elements, a number of indistinct features approach the riverbank that may also have Roman origins. The results of the survey show that the archaeological deposits, directly east of the fort, are being affected by erosion of the riverbank. J Alan Biggins and David J A Taylor TimeScape Research Surveys

38 New exhibition www.keystothepast.info for Ingram Unlocking the Archaeological Secrets National Park of Northumberland and Durham Centre The Northumberland National Park Authority has commissioned a new History is now at everyone’s heritage centres and through mobile archaeological exhibition for its fingertips thanks to an exciting new units, which will ensure that any Ingram National Park Centre. Based gateway to heritage information in venue can be reached. on the results of the Breamish Valley Northumberland and Durham. The Archaeology project, the exhibition Keys to the Past website was Keys to the Past is in the first wave will feature many of the most officially launched by of Sites and Monuments Record important artefacts recovered during Northumberland and Durham enhancement schemes funded by excavations on the adjacent Ingram County Councils on 8th October the Heritage Lottery Fund. Easy to Farm. These include a Bronze Age 2003. Jointly funded by the use and a pleasure to look at, the beaker from Wether Hill and a Heritage Lottery Fund and Keys to the Past website should, for stunning collection of Food Vessels Northumberland and Durham now and the future, be the first port from cairns excavated at Turf County Councils, Keys to the Past of call for information relating to the Knowe. Beginning with the end of sets a new benchmark for the cultural heritage and archaeology of the last Ice Age and ending with the presentation of heritage data on the Northumberland and Durham. present day, it will focus in particular web, providing exciting and colourful CB on the emerging picture of life in the access to the record of the two Valley during the Bronze and Iron counties’ archaeological and cultural Ages. The new exhibition is due to heritage. open in spring 2004, and will be linked to trails to various ancient Over 24,000 entries from the Sites sites in the local landscape. The and Monuments Records of the two exhibition will feature a splendid cup counties have been rewritten and and ring marked boulder found made accessible through the Keys to nearby in Powburn Quarry (see the Past website, providing a below), and generously donated to complete record of the known the visitor centre by RMC archaeology of the area; from the Aggregates. smallest prehistoric flint to the Iain Hedley largest medieval castle. The site can Northumberland National Park be searched for information by time period, type or location. The use of Geographical Information Systems allows the results to be displayed on colour maps. Keys to the Past supports this information with photographs, historic maps, a large glossary of archaeological and heritage terms, simple parish histories and general background information for the two counties. Keys to the Past is available through the Internet, on workstations at County Record Offices, at selected Thirlwall Castle

The brooding ruins of Thirlwall from National Park visitor centres. Castle, recently the focus of a Thirlwall now takes its place £400,000 National Park project alongside other medieval structures (funded by the HLF and European from the region’s turbulent medieval Union), are now fully open to the past which have been consolidated public. The Castle is located in the by the Park Authority and opened to south-west corner of the National the public. These include Harbottle Park, and was constructed in the Castle, , Woodhouses 14th century using stone robbed Bastle and Low Cleughs Bastle. from Hadrian’s Wall. An interesting Paul Frodsham, Northumberland leaflet giving much information National Park about the castle, together with The ruins of Thirwall Castle in a details of how to visit it, is available watercolour by T. Allom in 1832.

39 Contributors Conservation Team (Archaeology & Historic Buildings): Chris Burgess and Sara Rushton, County Archaeologist/Conservation Team Manager (job share) Peter Rogers, Historic Buildings Officer Karen Derham, Assistant County Archaeologist Liz Williams, Historic Records Officer

Other Contributors: Malcolm Aylett, Border Archaeological Society Alan Biggins, TimeScape Research Surveys Brian Chappell, Bondington Project Mike Collins, English Heritage Clive Crossley, Northumberland County Council Barrie Evans, Border Archaeological Society Richard Fraser, Northern Archaeological Associates Paul Frodsham, Northumberland National Park Niall Hammond, Defence Estates Iain Hedley, Northumberland National Park Roger Miket Alastair Oswald, English Heritage Dave Reed, Bernicia Archaeology Peter Ryder, historic buildings consultant David Taylor, TimeScape Research Surveys Robin Taylor-Wilson, Pre-Construct Archaeology Clive Waddington, Archaeological Research Services Philippa Walton, Portable Antiquities Scheme Alan Williams, Alan Williams Archaeology Phil Wood, Bamburgh Research Project Rob Young, Northumberland National Park

The Conservation Team can be contacted on the following telephone numbers and e-mail addresses:

Chris Burgess & Sara Rushton: Development Control, Conservation Advice, Strategic Planning and Projects Tel: (01670) 534058 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

Peter Rogers: Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas & Grant Schemes Tel: (01670) 534059 e-mail: [email protected]

Karen Derham: Development Control & Planning Matters Tel: (01670) 534057 e-mail: [email protected]

Liz Williams: Sites and Monuments Record & Aerial Photographs Tel: (01670) 534060 e-mail: [email protected]

For further information contact: Conservation Team, Environment Directorate, Northumberland County Council, County Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2EF. Tel: (01670) 534166 Fax: (01670) 533086 E-mail: [email protected]

Published by Northumberland County Council ISSN 1357 7255 Provided Free: No Retail Value