Kendal Fell Quarry, Kendal, Cumbria
Oxford Archaeology North, 2007. https://doi.org/10.5284/1000286. How to cite using this DOI
Data copyright © Oxford Archaeology North unless otherwise stated
This work is licensed under the ADS Terms of Use and Access.
Primary contact
Ian
Miller
Oxford Archaeology North
Mill 3
Moor Lane Mills
Moor Lane
Lancaster
LA1 1QD
UK
Tel: 01524 848666
Resource identifiers
- ADS Collection: 786
- ALSF Project Number: 3895
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1000286
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
Oxford Archaeology North was commissioned by Kendal Civic Society to carry out a Conservation Plan of Kendal Fell, Kendal, Cumbria (centred on SD 505 929). This arose as a result of a proposal to restore and make accessible to the public a limekiln at Greenside, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SM No. 34994). The scope of this scheme was extended using funding from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund to cover the whole of the area owned by South Lakeland District Council. This extends between Greeenside on the South side and Helsfell to the north, Queen's Road and Windemenre Road on the east side and the parish boundary between Kendal and Underbarrow with Bradleyfield to the west.
The Conservation Plan examined the historical development of the landscape of Kendal Fell in terms of previous research, general background and more specific documentary sources. An assessment was also made of the significance of the various parts of the Fell, and ways in which it can be conserved, managed and interpreted in the future are presented.
Kendal Fell was enclosed by an Act of Parliament in 1767, and forms an important part of the landscape of Kendal. It played a major role in processes associated with the woolen and lime burning industries, and its extensive quarries were also used for building stone. Holme and Webster, a famous local company of architects and master masons, acquired some of their stone from the quarry at Kettlewell.
A brief topographic survey of the entire study area was also undertaken in order to identify the extent and condition of archaeological features on Kendal Fell. A total of 39 sites were identified, the majority relating to quarrying, but a large number of post-medieval ridge and furrow were also identified. These have not been previously recorded and appear to relate to the original field boundaries laid out after the land was enclosed in 1767, which had been removed by 1812.
The combined results of the historic background and the topographic survey allowed a detailed consideration of the significance of the various aspects of the landscape to be created. As a result of this a series of policies for maintaining and conserving the Fell were drawn up so that it can be preserved and enjoyed by future generations.
