Transactions of the Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society 4 (series 3)

The article considers the existing evidence for observable solar alignments at the three Cumbrian stone circles of Long Meg and her Daughters; Castlerigg; and Swinside, and presents additional evidence. The author goes on to discuss the possible correspondence of these alignments to significant dates in the Iron Age Celtic calendar, considering evidence from Irish Celtic literature and archaeology. Evidence is presented concerning Druidic observance of solar and lunar movements, and the significance of the landscape context is discussed. The author argues that although it is not possible to draw conclusions concerning the continuity of knowledge of solar observation, there remain some issues, such as the significance of the lunar cycle, which require further investigation.

Report of a geophysical survey undertaken to confirm the line of Hadrian's Wall to the east of the point where it crosses Burgh Marsh, together with the location of Milecastle 73 and Turret 72b. The Wall was found to follow a line some 7m south of that marked on current OS maps, although there were indications that it may have been robbed to foundation level. The Vallum was identified 45m south of the course identified on current OS maps. The location of Milecastle 73 was established and there were indications that the state of sub-surface preservation was better than many this far west. Two probable enclosures flanked the milecastle and there were indications of possible timber buildings outside the milecastle. The location of Turret 72b was also established and the survey confirmed that it had been extensively robbed of stone. A strong negative feature that was identified may represent the terminus of the Wall at the edge of the marsh.

Article concerning the rediscovery of the sword, reported at a meeting of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society in 1903 and subsequently apparently lost. The heavily corroded sword was originally found during roadworks near the River Derwent in West Seaton (North Side). The remains, which were submitted for treatment to Durham conservation laboratory, are described in detail, including the results of an X-ray examination and a discussion of the probable context and significance of its original discovery, which the author suggests was as part of a burial, in an area which has subsequently been shown to be rich in evidence of Viking period activity. Includes

Assessment of the work of John Denton (c.1561--1617), an early pioneer of antiquarian studies in Cumberland; including an appraisal of the various manuscript copies of his work made by other antiquaries, particularly during the later seventeenth century, their pedigrees, and the variations contained in them. Includes

prefaces to the Gilpin and Mawson MSS, and dedication of the Craighall MS

Examines documentary evidence for the existence and working of some thin coal seams at Reagill, Sleagill and Newby, more than twenty miles away from the coal measures of the West Cumberland coalfield, in the Yoredale Group of rocks about six miles west of Appleby. This is supported by fieldwork undertaken at Reagill in August 1989 and checked in July 2003, which revealed traces of coalmining, including spoil heaps which could be linked to nineteenth-century land ownership. Includes

Article focusing on and developing the history of the meeting-house and its congregation in their contemporary setting, including the origins of the Meeting; the period from 1781 to 1809; its growth and consolidation; and the period of upheaval caused by differing views over where the new church should be sited, culminating in the move to Lowther Street in 1843. Subsequent uses of the premises up to their demolition in c.1877 are covered in a postscript. Includes

Biographical account of William Fell (c.1779--1852), an inhabitant of Backbarrow who is commemorated in a tombstone at the Church of St Anne, Haverthwaite.

Discussion of cup marked stones in Cumbria, particularly one found in the lintel over a fireplace at Rigglands, Blencarn, and one on the western cross at St Andrew's, Penrith; and of the implications for their origins, date and purpose.

Note concerning possible evidence concerning beliefs and practices associated with stone axe production.

Note on a strip of copper alloy decorated in a Roman style, found approximately 100m from the eroded northern corner of the fort at Bowness.

Description of the unusual late-fourteenth- or early-fifteenth-century font at St Kentigern, Great Crosthwaite, including four lions' heads immediately below the bowl and four grotesque creatures on the base, all of which have suffered damage. The author speculates on the possible date of the font and the date and explanation for the damage, which may be from the removal of rods joining the upper and lower sculptures.

Description of a seventeenth-century Irish token from the unstratified finds of the 1987--92 excavations at Birdoswald Roman fort.

Numerous short, separately authored notes of archaeological projects undertaken in the county during the year, organised alphabetically by town or parish.