Archaeol North 6

Reports fieldwalking of a pipeline site section listing the flint material apparent over reinstated topsoil. Flakes, scrapers, spalls, and burnt material were recovered.

An article discussing data from multi-period but mostly Mesolithic flint scatter, putting it in the context of other coastal sites of this nature in north-east England and suggesting a model for Mesolithic settlement and subsistence in lowland coastal areas. It is thought that the relevance of apparently coastal sites within a model of extraction camps and base camps used by hunter-gatherers will ultimately depend on securing reasonable evidence for the coastal edge during the Mesolithic.

Presents data from the survey in the form of a simple dot-density projection in order not to lose more subtle archaeological variation. Dere Street can be seen, along with the probable road to Chester-le-Street. Another road appears to run north from the east gate. A number of linear anomalies, possibly buildings, are evident at a right-angle to the east gate of the fort.

Provides details of sites and activity in the area over a fourteen-year period.

Rediscovery of some of the original charters that contributed to the Lanercost Priory Cartulary, included what are described as crude illustrations. These depict foot ploughs, the priory itself, and Farlam, Grinsdale, Nether Denton, Upper Denton and Lazonby churches. Excavations at Farlam have produced some evidence for the drawing's accuracy. There is also information on farming practices and the contemporaneous landscape surrounding Lanercost which contradicts much currently accepted wisdom about development in the north of the country at this time. The drawing of the Priory is reproduced on the cover of this edition of Archaeology North.

Brief note on the eight phase development at the site, from Mid-Saxon occupation to post-Dissolution incorporation into Chaloner mansion gardens.