Series: Lancaster University Archaeological Unit unpublished report series

An evaluation comprising rapid desk-based appraisal and the excavation of four trial trenches was carried out at the proposed site of a dwelling. The documentary research suggested that the north-east corner of a 2nd century Roman fort had probably lain 50-80m to the west of the site. If this was correct, and the fort was of the traditional 'playing card' shape, then the eastern gate of the fort and the road linking it with Ribchester should have lain just to the south of Myrtle Drive. Several Roman artefacts had been found in and around the Myrtle Drive area, including pottery, a shield boss and coins. The surrounding area had also seen relatively intense activity from the Mesolithic to the Bronze Age. The evaluation trenches revealed a number of slots which probably dated from the 2nd century, and which probably related to the construction of timber buildings as part of an extramural settlement. A probable pit which may also have been of Roman date was noted, and Roman, medieval and post-medieval artefacts were recovered. It was concluded that the archaeological deposits at the site were of sufficient quality to merit recording prior to their destruction, particularly in view of the fact that the entire area around the site had already been developed, almost certainly damaging the surrounding stratigraphy, and therefore limiting the recovery of further archaeological information in the vicinity. It was noted that a preferred option would be to preserve the identified Roman stratigraphy in situ, bit it was recognised that this would probably not be possible within the constraints of the development. [Au(adp)]

A second stage of archaeological assessment was undertaken on the proposed route of the bypass. This comprised an earthwork survey of pasture land, a geophysical survey of selected areas, and fieldwalking of arable land. The survey concluded that there were some sites of archaeological significance, and further sub-surface investigations would be necessary to determine the extent and importance of these sites. [Au(abr)]

An evaluation was carried out at the proposed site of a business park. Earlier assessment had identified the presence of earthworks representing three linked, sub-rectangular enclosures at the south-easternn boundary of trhe site, part of which extended into the site itself. Trenches excavated to investigate these earthworks demonstrated the presence of collapsed rubble banks defining the boundary of the enclosures. Gullies and possible cobble spreads and associated finds of pottery sherds were tentatively dated to the late Roman period. The features were thus representative of the fragmented surviving elements of a possible Romano-British habitation site, and were considered to be of regional significance. Elsewhere within the site, a hollow containing burnt stone, charcoal and a small quantity of smithing slag was recorded. This feature may have represented early, small-scale industrial activity close to the former course of the River Lune. [Au(abr)]