Still, D. (2001). North Sea Interconnector Cable Route, Tyne and Wear and Co. Durham. Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment. Archaeological Services, Durham University.

Title:

North Sea Interconnector Cable Route, Tyne and Wear and Co. Durham. Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment

Number of Pages:

Biblio Note

Please note that this is a bibliographic record only, as originally entered into the BIAB database. The ADS have no files for download, and unfortunately cannot advise further on where to access hard copy or digital versions.

Publication Type:

Report

Abstract:

An archaeological desk-based assessment was undertaken of the proposed cable route. The Durham coastline was of importance in prehistoric times and contained a significant archaeological resource. Investigations within the study area and local region had revealed evidence, in particular of Mesolithic activity. Two Bronze Age barrows were sited close to Hawthorn Pit and reflected the impact humans had had upon the landscape at this time. It was a strong possibility that further ritual monuments and occupation sites existed within the area. Evidence of Iron Age activity was lacking; this was unlikely to have reflected the true picture of land use at the time and sites of this period may have existed which were presently unidentified. Many stray finds of the Roman period from the study area had come to light in the past and settlements in the area must have been in use at the time. A system of coastal outposts or signal stations along the Durham coast were postulated, but as yet unproven. Evidence for the early medieval roots of many villages in the area could be gleaned from place-names. Existing and recorded medieval field boundaries and roads reflected the exploitation of the land into the post-medieval periods. A late medieval burial had been found at Ryhope Dene. Industrial structures from the post-medieval period existed in the form of the railways built during the 19th century, one of which was now disused and had since become a cycleway. The Hawthorn Pit was connected to this rail system and was now in the process of land reclamation. A modern quarry was in operation at Ryhope but had now been infilled. Two pillboxes were positioned close to the disused railway. Two roads had been built in modern times across the area. The archaeological impact of the cable route may be significant in areas of open country prior to it joining the cycleway at Seaton. The denes around Ryhope were also archaeologically sensitive. The area of the proposed converter station at Hawthorn Pit was also an area of archaeological interest, with two Bronze Age round barrows positioned very close by. Because of the potential impact upon the archaeological resource a scheme of further works was recommended, designed to investigate its nature and extent. This included fieldwalking, geophysical survey, trial trenching, archaeological monitoring and metal detecting surveys. [Au(abr)]

Author:

D Still

Publisher:

Archaeological Services, Durham University

Year of Publication:

2001

Locations:

Location - Auto Detected:	Seaton
Location - Auto Detected:	Durham
Location - Auto Detected:	Ryhope Dene Industrial

Subjects / Periods:

Postmedieval (Auto Detected Temporal)
MEDIEVAL (Historic England Periods)
IRON AGE (Historic England Periods)
Roman (Auto Detected Temporal)
MESOLITHIC (Historic England Periods)
PREHISTORIC (Historic England Periods)
Modern (Auto Detected Temporal)
Bronze Age (Auto Detected Temporal)
19th Century (Auto Detected Temporal)

Note:

Date Of Issue From: 2001 Date Of Coverage From: 01 Date Of Coverage To: 01 Editorial Expansion: Site name: NORTH SEA INTERCONNECTOR CABLE ROUTE, TYNE AND WEAR AND CO. DURHAM
Study area:
Investigation type: Desk-based
District: Easington, Sunderland
Monument: [finds]. Bronze Age, ROUND BARROW. Prehistoric, [finds]. Neolithic, [finds]. Mesolithic, RAILWAY. Post-medieval (1540-1901), STRUCTURE. Post-medieval (1540-1901), FEATURE. Modern (1901-present)
Ngr: NZ38204570, NZ41505320
Parish: Murton
Postcode: DH6 2TY, SR2 0AE

Source:

BIAB (Archaeological Investigations Project (AIP))

Created Date:

19 Jan 2009