Series: Fern Archaeology unpublished report series

A watching brief demonstrated the presence of archaeology and produced small amounts of medieval pottery and animal bone. In the northern half of Trench 1 this was found to be within a surviving archaeological deposit of probable medieval or post-medieval date, into which was cut the shallow foundation trench of a modest limestone wall. The remnants of a second wall and flagstone surface were observed at the southern end of the same trench, for which a probable nineteenth century date was suggested. [Au(abr)]

An archaeological 'watching brief' was carried out in August-September 2010 by Fern Archaeology at Quarry House Farm, Glaisdale, North Yorkshire. This was to mitigate the threat of a development at the property, a longhouse of probable 17th-century origin, and a Grade II* listed building (NM148/57444). The development comprised a two-storey extension (NY/2009/0471/FUL) to the building's south-west gable-end. The excavations (site code: QHFM'10) revealed a sequence of activity, datable from the 19th century. Earliest was a series of post-holes, a drain and stone-lined pit, bordered by an earth retaining wall, which probably represent usage at the south-west end of the longhouse, in the form of possible stables or animal stalls; a dark organic layer, overlying the drain, may have been evidence of animal manure. The suggested date of this structure and activity is 19th century. Pottery found associated with the post-holes, and across the site, suggests it was dismantled at the turn of the 20th century. Besides this, evidence of the earliest occupants was found in the form of late 16th/17th century Rydale-ware pottery. One further highlight was a Transfer-printed-ware teapot lid, depicting children in costume of the c.AD1830s. The excavations also suggest a date for the gable-end of the property, with an associated phase of courtyard reconfiguration, in the early 20th century. This may have taken place as part of a larger phase of construction, which also saw the ceiling of the property raised and a new pantile roof.

The watching brief found a footprint of a small building with surviving evidence for a dry stone wall construction, post pads and a laid clay floor. Associated medieval pottery was found dating the building to the late 12th century to 15th century. In the late 15th century there was evidence for iron smithing on the site, such as metal working waste which backfilled the furnace. A ditch of uncertain age was also found and post-medieval features included a dog burial. Metal detecting on site recovered several finds, such as a counterfeit half guinea of George III, the pin of a medieval annular brooch and a lead spindle whorl of possible 8th-10th century date. [Au(adp)]