Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake District of North-West England

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake District of North-West England Castlerigg stone circle in the Lake District of north-west England. Photograph: Chris Scarre // Círculo de piedras de Castlerigg en el Distrito de los Lagos del noroeste de Inglaterra. Fotografía: Chris Scarre. MARKING TIME: THE PROBLEM OF CHRONOLOGY IN STUDYING EUROPEAN NEOLITHIC MONUMENTS MARCAR EL TIEMPO: EL PROBLEMA DE LA CRONOLOGÍA EN EL ESTUDIO DE LOS MONUMENTOS NEOLÍTICOS EUROPEOS Chris Scarre (Department of Archaeology, Durham. [ [email protected] ] Summary Resumen West European Neolithic monuments are durable Los monumentos del periodo Neolítico de Europa and visible marks on the landscape but have proved occidental son marcas visibles y perdurables en el often difficult to date. Early research sought to paisaje, pero a menudo ha sido difícil datarlos. La establish a chronological framework through investigación más temprana trató de establecer un studies of monument typology, or through theories marco cronológico a través de estudios de la that considered them the work of a single tipología de los monumentos, o a través de teorías ‘megalithic people’ spreading up or down the que los consideraban el producto de un “pueblo Atlantic coast. The advent of radiocarbon dating, megalítico” único que se dispersó hacia el norte o that might have been expected to resolve the issue, hacia el sur, a lo largo de la costa atlántica. El provoked further controversy through inadequate desarrollo de la datación por radiocarbono, que en attention to sample reliability and an undue principio se esperó resolviese este problema, emphasis on theories of regional independent provocó otras controversias como consecuencia de origin. Subsequently, postprocessualist approaches la insuficiente atención prestada a la fiabilidad de las in Britain focused on analysis at the level of muestras y el énfasis innecesario en las teorías de individual sites and regions, emphasising origen regional independiente. Posteriormente los differences rather than similarities, and planteamientos postprocesualistas en Gran Bretaña downplaying interregional connections. These se centraron en el análisis a escala de sitios y approaches have offered many new insights, but the regiones individuales, insistiendo en las diferencias past decade has witnessed a revival of interest in más que en las similitudes, y minusvalorando las considering the Neolithic monument tradition as a conexiones inter-regionales. Estos planteamientos widespread and potentially interconnected west han ofrecido muchas perspectivas nuevas, pero la European phenomenon. It is suggested that pasada década ha presencia un resurgimiento del chronological studies at local, regional and interés por consideran la tradición monumental interregional level each have their part to play in the neolítica como un fenómeno europeo occidental de understanding of west European Neolithic amplio desarrollo y potencialmente interconectado. monuments. En este trabajo se propone que para la comprensión de los monumentos neolíticos de Europa occidental, Keywords: Chronology, radiocarbon, calibration, los estudios cronológicos tienen un papel que jugar, megalith, burial practice, historiography. tanto a nivel local, como regional o inter-regional. Palabras clave: Cronología, radiocarbono, cali- bración, megalito, práctica funeraria, historiografía. MENGA. REVISTA DE PREHISTORIA DE ANDALUCÍA // MONOGRÁFICO Nº 01. 2011. PP. 53-74. ISBN 978-84-9959-083-7-ISSN 2174-9299 // CHRONOLOGY 53 CHRIS SCARRE 1. INTRODUCTION In contrast to tight complex sequences such as this is the increasingly widespread evidence for the Monuments – large structures of earth or stone – are recycling and reuse of individual megalithic blocks one of the most characteristic features of the within later monuments. Southern Brittany provides Neolithic period in western Europe. Paradoxically, a series of well-known examples, with earlier they are also among the most difficult to date. This standing stones (some of them decorated) has had a number of consequences, notably a dismantled and redeployed in passage tombs measure of uncertainty as to how individual (L’Helgouach, 1983, 1997; Le Roux, 1984). This may monuments or groups of monuments relate to each involve the transport of materials over distances of other. Is a typological approach a reliable basis on several kilometres, or a relatively local re-use. Thus which to place such monuments in chronological in the Boyne valley, the hidden art at Knowth and order? How close do morphological similarities need Newgrange may indicate the redeployment of slabs to be to justify interpretations of contact and filiation from earlier monuments, while at Stonehenge, the between regional monument traditions? It has also bluestones were originally two separate stone proved difficult to locate monuments within regional circles before they came to rest in their present Neolithic sequences. Fifty years ago, for example, positions (Eogan, 1998; Robin, 2009; Parker Pearson long mounds and Cotswold-Severn chambered et al. 2009, this volume). tombs were thought to have spanned the entire Neolithic period of southern Britain, in their In these instances, durability and longevity are mortuary use if not in their construction (Atkinson, salient characteristics, yet the individual episodes of 1968). Radiocarbon dating has now narrowed both demolition and re-erection would have been specific their construction and use to a period of two or three events, remembered within the lifetimes of centuries in the second quarter of the 4th millennium individual participants. The detailed chronologies BC (Bayliss and Whittle, 2007a). It has also made that are now becoming available emphasise the clear that they (along with causewayed enclosures) human-scale, historical nature of the processes and were preceded by a pre-monument Neolithic phase practices that lie behind the Neolithic monuments of some 150 years (Whittle, 2007). In other regions of that we visit and study. These detailed chronologies Western Europe too there is evidence that the rescue the monuments from the venerable construction of monuments was an episodic rather timelessness of their romantic image, and provide a than a continuous practice, separated by breaks crucial new understanding of timing and activity at (Scarre, 2010). the microscale, offering snapshots into the prehistoric past. But they do not altogether resolve Our inability to date Neolithic monuments securely the broader question of interregional relationships and precisely has had a major impact on concepts of and connections. temporality. The durability of the monuments by their very nature has obscured the relatively rapid Significant uncertainties still surround the nature of some of the processes and activities chronology of Neolithic monuments in many areas of associated with them. Thus a complex multi-phase Western Europe. That is particularly the case in monument such as the Prissé-la-Charrière long those regions where poor preservation limits the mound in western France might conventionally be application of radiocarbon dating to closely assumed to be the product of several centuries of associated material such as human bone. That extension and modification. Some elements of the limitation applies, with exceptions, to several key sequence remain unclear, but it may have begun as areas including northwest Iberia and northwest a pair of modest scale monuments – a small closed France. It constrains our ability to address the megalithic chamber and a dry stone passage grave underlying chronological framework that lies behind standing some 50 metres apart – which were the development of Neolithic monuments in western eventually incorporated within a massive 100m-long and northern Europe as a whole. Some might cellular dry-stone cairn. Intermediate stages consider that to be less important than the study of involved the cutting and infilling of a substantial monuments in their specific local social and cultural rock-cut ditch. AMS radiocarbon dates suggest that contexts. It has been argued that macro-scale the whole sequence was completed within the space regional approaches can lead to meaningless of a few generations (Scarre et al., 2003). explanations for large-scale phenomena. Julian 54 EXPLORING TIME AND MATTER IN PREHISTORIC MONUMENTS: ABSOLUTE CHRONOLOGY AND RARE ROCKS IN EUROPEAN MEGALITHS MARKING TIME: THE PROBLEM OF CHRONOLOGY IN STUDYING EUROPEAN NEOLITHIC MONUMENTS Thomas, for example, questions “whether the shared papers was presented spanning Peru, Portugal and morphology of pots, or house plans, or metalwork different regions of France. Among the speakers was necessarily means that the significance of these Alexandre Bertrand, who discussed the distribution objects is homogeneous as well” and concludes that of megalithic monuments in western and northern “an explanation which operates at the level of shared Europe and proposed that the majority of them could material form may be no explanation at all” (Thomas, be attributed to the Neolithic. Others (notably Henri 1996: 97). This urges caution in interpreting the Martin) would not accept that megalithic monuments significance of macro-regional patterns, but the were prehistoric in date, supporting instead the long- interregional links proposed in a number of recent held view that they were the work of the Celts. Some studies – between Brittany and Britain, for example, confusion emerged as to whether the key question or between Brittany and Iberia – highlight the was the antiquity and age of the monuments, or the salience
Recommended publications
  • ROCK ART BIBLIOGRAPHY (Current at July 2008) This Detailed Listing Contains Over a Thousand Publications on Rock Art
    ROCK ART BIBLIOGRAPHY (current at July 2008) This detailed listing contains over a thousand publications on rock art. It relates primarily to rock art in the counties of Durham and Northumberland but also includes many publications on rock art in other parts of Britain and Ireland, as well as on the recording, management, and conservation of carved panels, plus a number of theoretical studies. The bibliography was compiled by Northumberland and Durham Rock Art Pilot Project volunteer, Keith Elliott, with additional contributions from Kate Sharpe and Aron Mazel. Abramson, P. 1996 ‘Excavations along the Caythorpe Gas Pipeline, North Humberside’. Yorkshire Archaeological Journal 68, 1-88 Abramson, P. 2002 'A re-examination of a Viking Age burial at Beacon Hill, Aspatria'. Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society 100: 79-88. Adams, M. & P. Carne, 1997 ‘The Ingram and Upper Breamish Valley Landscape Project: interim report 1997’. Archaeological Reports of the Universities of Durham and Newcastle upon Tyne 21, 33- 36 Ainsworth, S. & Barnatt, J., 1998, ‘A scarp-enclosure at Gardom’s Edge, Baslow, Derbyshire’. Derbyshire Archaeological Journal 118, 5-23 Aird, R. A., 1911 ‘Exhibits’. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne 3rd series 5(9), 102 Aitchison, W., 1950 ‘Note on Three Sculptured Rocks in North Northumberland’. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club 32(1), 50 Alcock, L 1977 ‘The Auld Wives’ Lifts’. Antiquity 51, 117-23 Aldhouse-Green, M., 2004 ‘Crowning Glories. The Language of Hair in Later Prehistoric Europe’. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 70, 299-325 Allott, C. & Allot, K., 2006 ‘Rock Art Indoors’.
    [Show full text]
  • Neolithic Studies Group 'Spring' Meeting Lake District and North
    Neolithic Studies Group ‘Spring’ Meeting Lake District and North Cumbria 17-19 September 2021 This year’s ‘Spring’ Meeting will take place in the Lake District and Cumbria, starting on the evening of Friday 17th September and concluding mid-afternoon on Sunday 19th. We will continue to watch Boris’ announcements closely and will alter plans accordingly. The meeting will be based in Penrith, Cumbria. This year’s organiser is Emma Watson. On Friday evening at 7pm, the Little Martindale room in the North Lakes Hotel will play host to introductory talks, with a cash bar nearby (https://www.northlakeshotel.co.uk/). On Saturday 18th, we plan to set off at 9:30 (at the latest). We will be visiting all the Neolithic monuments (and possibly a few Bronze age ones (sorry!!)) along the A6 southbound from the A66 towards Shap. These include: two henges (a Type I and a Type II); Trainford Brow Early Neolithic long barrow; at least 4 stone circles – Gunnerkeld, Kemp Howe, Oddendale and Gamelands; and the ‘lost’ Shap Neolithic stone avenue. As the distance is minimal (a total of 40 miles for the full day), we plan to travel together by pooling available cars. To this end, it would be really useful if you could provide an indication of your travel arrangements on the attached booking form so we can establish that we have enough cars to accommodate everyone. On Saturday evening at 7:30pm, a meal has been organised in the Little Martindale room in the North Lakes Hotel at £30.00 per person for a 3-course meal, plus coffee and mints.
    [Show full text]
  • 2017 Lakes Walk Descriptions
    September in the Lakes – Walk Descriptions There are three walks: 1. Thursday 21st Sept. half day - Castlerigg Stone Circle walk down into Threlkeld 2. Friday 22nd full day – Cat Bells, Derwent Water and beyond 3. Saturday 23rd full day – Blencathra, towers above Threlkeld where we are based Everyone can do the Thursday walk. On Frday and Saturday, there are two routes each day for diferent levels of walking - A is the most challenging and requires experience, B has less challenges, but remember this is the lakes – nothing is easy. With everyone's safety in mind, JJ will have the last word on who should do which walk. Thursday Afternoon walk meeting at 3pm at the Castlerigg Stone Circle then walking to the Salutation Inn in Threlkeld arriving about 5pm. The ‘Session in the Sally’ begins at 8pm. Friday Cat Bells “a classic high level fell walk”. Wikipedia link here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_Bells Getting to Cat Bells for this walk requires some organising. Walkers should study the descriptions below carefully and decide how to get to and from the walk start and end points. As usual, please get together and arrange cars or book a minibus. Public transport and parking options are given below. Both routes will give fabulous views over Derwent Water and the fells. Both groups will meet at the end of the walks at the Swinside Inn http://swinsideinn.co.uk (where there is plenty of parking). The two routes are: A: led by JJ: Cat Bells, Bull Crag, High Spy, Dale Head then return through the beautiful Newlands Valley.
    [Show full text]
  • Megalithic Quarrying. Sourcing, Extracting and Manipulating the Stones
    UISPP / IUPPS | XV Congress / XV Congrès | Book of Abstracts / Livre des Résumés Session WS02 Monday, 4 September 2006 / Lundi, 4 Septembre 2006 Room 11.04, Faculty of Law, Lisbon University Salle 11.04, Faculté de Droit, Université de Lisbonne Megalithic quarrying Sourcing, extracting and manipulating the stones organized by / organisé par Chris SCARRE University of Cambridge, McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, Cambridge, UK - [email protected] SESSION’S ABSTRACT In his famous 1872 volume “Rude Stone Monuments” architect James Fergusson commented on the inherently peculiar nature of megalithic architecture, which chose to employ large stone slabs that were frequently unmodified and unshaped. Sunsequent studies of the megalithic slabs themselves have focused mainly on their geological origin and the distances over which they had been transported. The materiality of the slabs and they way that they were extracted from their source material has been only rarely addressed, although megalithic ‘quarries’ have occasionally been identified, and the deployment of glacial boulders in North European monuments is a well- known phenomenon. The session proposed here will study the two ends of the megalithic process: starting with the extraction of the stones, and ending with the precise manner in which they were incorporated in the monuments. How far did the character and availability of certain types of material constrain and direct monument form? The presence or absence of shaping and smoothing, along with other aspects of selection in the choice and placement of the individual slabs, will also be addressed. This aim is to identify what it was about the ‘megalithic’ quality of the slabs that inspired this kind of construction.
    [Show full text]
  • Visibility Studies in Archaeology: a Review and Case Study
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by UCL Discovery Visibility Studies in Archaeology: A Review and Case Study M. W. Lake1 P. E. Woodman University College London University of Reading Institute of Archaeology School of Continuing Education 31{34 Gordon Square London Road London WC1H 0PY Reading RG1 5AQ 2003 Postprint of a paper published in Environment and Planning B, Planning and Design 30: 689{70; DOI: 10.1068/b2912; c Pion 1Corresponding author. Email: [email protected] Abstract This paper describes the history and current state of archaeological visibility studies. The first part is a survey of both GIS and non-GIS studies of visibility by archaeologists, which demonstrates how advances in GIS visibility studies have tended to recapitulate, albeit over a compressed timescale, theoretically driven developments in non-GIS studies. The second part presents an example of the kind of methodological development required for the use of GIS to contribute to the agenda set by certain strands of a more humanistic archaeology. An algorithm developed to retrieve various summaries of the inclination at which points on the horizon are visible from a specified viewpoint was applied to 19 recumbent stone circles in the Grampian region of Scotland. The results suggest that these summaries provides a useful tool for `unpacking' what archaeologists mean when they claim that the topographic setting of certain stone circles creates an `impression of circularity'. 1 Introduction The principle aim of this paper is to describe the history and current state of archaeological visibility studies to a wider audience in geography, planning and allied disciplines.
    [Show full text]
  • STONE CIRCLES Their Mystery Endures
    EASTERN AIRWAYS IN-FLIGHT Yours to keep 49 | Autumn 2014 STONE CIRCLES Their mystery endures... ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: RUTLAND WEEKEND LUXURY ANNIE LENNOX ENERGY EXTRA SUPPLEMENT ONE WORLD. ONE TEAM. ONE YOU. Bristow’s European Business Unit (EBU) As our operations expand with new contract covers our oil and gas and search and rescue wins, we have an ongoing requirement for a (SAR) operations across Norway and the UK. number of key positions. With more than 1,000 employees and over 60 aircraft, we operate the North Sea’s youngest Future recruitment needs include: fleet and are Bristow’s largest Business Unit. PILOTS LICENSED SUPPORT STAFF HELICOPTER > Aircraft Handlers > Aircraft Ground Operations Officers ENGINEERS > Operations Controllers For more information, please visit: www.bristowgroup.com/careers www.bristowgroup.com WELCOME Welcome to Eastern Airways – we hope that you have enjoyed your summer and that, as we get back to work in earnest, the autumn will bring you productive travel and a following wind in your business dealings. This issue of Eastern Airways Magazine highlights a Harry also takes a couple of trips down memory lane as he number of entrepreneurial initiatives – from an eat-as-they- recalls high-speed exploits on the beach at Saltburn… and grow restaurant in Newcastle, to a new film venture in wrestling in Middlesbrough. Lynne Greenwood, however, Aberdeen, a Yorkshire seafood restaurant that’s far from is looking forward: to next year’s celebrations of the 800th the sea, and a rustic bakery in Rutland. anniversary of the Magna Carta. You’ll find all the above and more in the following pages, The subject of our celebrity feature is Aberdeen’s rock along with award-winning management author Rolf chick, Annie Lennox, while new this issue is a look at the Dobelli’s top tips for commuters on the art of thinking property market around the Eastern Airways network.
    [Show full text]
  • The Neolithic Period in Borrowdale
    The Neolithic Period in Borrowdale A history by Andy Warner The secrets of the stones up to the gnarled and rugged fell tops. Some 3,000 to 4,000 years later when people started to travel through the area, what was later to become the Lake District was a why? we ask true wilderness; the valley bottoms an undrained marshy and the wind whispers clues waste, liberally strewn with boulders, and covered in a teases with a song as wide as the sky tangled mass of woodland. No roads, tracks or paths words lost in laughter penetrated this wild land; nothing easy to aid progress. Bears and wolves roamed the land, and wild boar grazed why here? the woodland. Why on earth should mankind ever want to but the hills keep their silence come here? What was in it for them? offer only shadows Stone axes that’s what! who were you? and the echoes in the stones just sigh as if too wise to break the spell with answers Martin Bagness 2009 Castlerigg Stone Circle Compared to the great (and slightly more modern) circle at Stonehenge, Castlerigg is not that impressive, but here the situation is everything. Sitting up above the surrounding valleys, it is surrounded by the most glorious ring of high fells. Looking in all directions it is easy to appreciate why this innocuous hill was chosen as the site, for clearly this is the focal point for the entire area. Castlerigg Stone Circle, a megalithic circle of 38 stones, Derwentwater, Lake District, Cumbria. Dating from the Late Neolithic period – around 2,500BC – the circle comprises some 38 stones with an additional 10 stones forming a small rectangular setting, A Neolithic revolution “The Sanctuary”, located in the eastern quarter.
    [Show full text]
  • Role Description
    Castlerigg Stone Circle Visitor Survey Volunteer Why does English Heritage Trust need my support? Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric and dramatically sited of all British stone circles, with panoramic views and the mountains of Helvellyn and High Seat as a backdrop. It is also among the earliest British circles, raised in about 3000 BC during the Neolithic period. Castlerigg is one of 90 free to enter English Heritage sites spread across the North. We want our visitors to have a unique experience at our sites and we value their feedback. As a friendly, organised individual, you help us to gather visitors’ general perceptions of Castlerigg Stone Circle. The data you collect could help us in the future in creating new projects or developing new historical interpretation. How much time will I be expected to give? This is a flexible role with dates available between April - October. Where will I be based? Castlerigg Stone Circle, Castle Lane, Underskiddaw, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RN. What will I be doing? Using a short printed survey, you will ask those visitors who wish to participate, a series of straightforward questions. You will also conduct a simple head count of visitors who arrive at the site whilst you are there. You will then enter the data into an online web survey. What skills, qualities and experience do I need? We are looking for individuals who feel comfortable interacting with visitors and working as part of a very small team. You will have an interest in research, particularly around the historic environment. You may be required to lone work on site and independently input data from home.
    [Show full text]
  • Simply Schools Cumbria Brochure
    2017–2018 Learning with Museums and Galleries across Cumbria www.cumbriamuseums.org. www.simplyschools.org.uk Welcome to Cumbria 2017–2018 This year we’re pleased to present the first ever Simply Schools for museums and galleries in Cumbria. Look inside to discover 14 different venues and a unique range of learning sessions right across this beautiful county. Each with its own distinctive character and collections, our museums and galleries provide learning opportunities for schools in every corner of Cumbria. This new initiative has been led by the Cumbria Museum Consortium, a partnership of the three largest cultural heritage organisations in the county, Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Lakeland Arts and the Wordsworth Trust, funded by Arts Council England. Learning sessions offered cover an exceptional We invite you to explore the unparalleled range of range of subjects all carefully linked to different learning experiences our museums and galleries curriculum areas, from arts and crafts at Blackwell offer for children, from historic Carlisle to coastal to geology at Keswick and boatbuilding at the Dock West Cumbria and onwards via rural Eden Valley to Museum in Barrow. the beautiful Lake District. www.simplyschools.org.uk This year we’re introducing a programme of teacher CPD in museums around the county. Go to page 34 Thank you for supporting museums and to find out more. galleries in Cumbria. We look forward to seeing you! Look out also for Simply Schools Lancashire to discover learning opportunities in other museums Kate Parry
    [Show full text]
  • Monuments, Society and the Mesolithic-Neolithic Transition; with Particular Reference to Cumbria and the Northern Irish Sea Region
    Monuments, Society and the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition; with particular reference to Cumbria and the northern Irish Sea region. Submissionfor the award of PhD by publication Tom Clare 4ý 2011 Contents Abstract Introduction Part 1. The submitted papers: context, summary and critical review. 1.1.Towards a Reappraisalof Henge Monuments 3 1.2. New evidence of ritual monuments at Long Meg and Her Daughters, Cumbria. 7 1.3. The Mesolithic and Neolithic landscapes of Barfield Tarn and Eskmeals in the English Lake District: some new evidence from two different wetland contexts. 9 1.4. The context of the stone axes found at Portinscale and in the vicinity of the Castlerigg stone circle. Neolithic settlement sites or a case of votive offerings? II 1.5. No-man's land revisited: some patterns in the Neolithic of Cumbria. 13 1.6. Megalith size and the implications for our understanding of contemporary society, with particularreference to Cumbria,North-West England. 15 Part 2. In the round: a narrative of Monumentality, Society and the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition; with particular reference to Cumbria and the northern Irish Sea region. 2.1. Trajectories in monument structures and building. 16 2.2. The monuments and society. 19 2.3 Seekingworld views: monuments,landscape and topography. 21 2.4. Conclusions. 27 Part 3. References. 28 Appendix 1. The submitted papers. Appendix 2. How the submitted and other publications by the author form a coherent body of work. Abstract This thesis argues that henges,stone circles and ring cairnsform a 'spectrum'of monumentswith origins in the earlier Neolithic.In that contextit is suggestedthat some of the structureslocated beneathlong cairnswere originallyfree standingfoci.
    [Show full text]
  • Neolithic Studies Group Spring Meeting Lake District and Cumbria 15-17 May 2020
    Neolithic Studies Group Spring Meeting Lake District and Cumbria 15-17 May 2020 This year’s Spring Meeting will take place in the Lake District and Cumbria, starting on the evening of Friday 15th May and concluding mid-afternoon on Sunday 17th May. The meeting will be based in Penrith, Cumbria. This year’s organiser is Emma Watson. On Friday evening at 7pm, the Little Martindale room in the North Lakes Hotel will play host to introductory talks, with a cash bar nearby (https://www.northlakeshotel.co.uk/). On Saturday 16th, we plan to set off at 9:30 (at the latest). We will be visiting all the Neolithic monuments (and possibly a few Bronze age ones (sorry!!)) along the A6 southbound from the A66 to wards Shap. These include: two henges (a Type I and a Type II); Trainford Brow Early Neolithic long barrow; at least 4 stone circles – Gunnerkeld, Kemp Howe, Oddendale and Gamelands; and the ‘lost’ Shap Neolithic stone avenue. As the distance is minimal (a total of 40 miles for the full day), we plan to travel together by pooling available cars. To this end, it would be really useful if you could provide an indication of your travel arrangements on the attached booking form so we can establish that we have enough cars to accommodate everyone. On Saturday evening at 7:30pm, a meal has been organised in the Cross Fell room in the North Lakes Hotel at £26.00 per person for a 3-course meal. On Sunday morning, at 10am, we will travel (again, by pooling available cars) to nearby Long Meg and her Daughters stone circle, where Paul Frodsham will walk us around the site and discuss the recent excavation and findings.
    [Show full text]
  • University of Southampton Research Repository Eprints Soton
    University of Southampton Research Repository ePrints Soton Copyright © and Moral Rights for this thesis are retained by the author and/or other copyright owners. A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge. This thesis cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the copyright holder/s. The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given e.g. AUTHOR (year of submission) "Full thesis title", University of Southampton, name of the University School or Department, PhD Thesis, pagination http://eprints.soton.ac.uk UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics School of Geography Palaeoecology of human impact in Northwest England during the early medieval period: investigating ‘cultural decline’ in the Dark Ages. Emily E. Forster Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, September, 2010 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON ABSTRACT FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS SCHOOL OF GEOGRAPHY Doctor of Philosophy PALAEOECOLOGY OF HUMAN IMPACT IN NORTHWEST ENGLAND DURING THE EARLY MEDIEVAL PERIOD: INVESTIGATING ‘CULTURAL DECLINE’ IN THE DARK AGES. Emily Elizabeth Forster The period following the Roman withdrawal from England in AD 410 has long been considered a time of ‘cultural decline’, owing to the relative paucity of archaeological evidence relating to this time and the dismal state of affairs described by the Dark Age historians Gildas (c AD 540) and Bede (AD 731).
    [Show full text]