Shap to Watchgate Pipeline, Cumbria. Topographic Survey, Evaluation, Watching Brief and Stratigraphic Survey.

Abstract

Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) was commissioned by United Utilities to carry out a programme of archaeological investigation along the proposed route of a pipeline between Shap, Cumbria (NY 5615 1256) and Watchgate, Cumbria (SD 5307 9815). The work entailed a topographic survey of a cairnfield at Wickers Gill/Turnmire Bottom, an archaeological evaluation along the entire route and an archaeological watching brief was maintained during groundwork in areas considered to be archaeologically sensitive. A stratigraphic survey was carried out through a natural basin at Demings moss followed by a palynological assessment of paleobotanic cores from this area. The fieldwork was carried out between March and September 2004. The cairnfield survey identified 56 individual monuments which were accurately mapped; this was required so as to inform the design of an alternative route for the pipeline around the monument. The survey demonstrated that the cairnfield had a complex development, which was initially a small randomly scattered group of cairns. This developed with the introduction of a small field system and a stone-founded round house. There was subsequent activity on the site during the medieval and post-medieval periods.