Transactions of the Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society 8 (series 3)

This paper presents a report that was drafted in the late 1980s or early 1990s, with some additional input. Fieldwork comprised six test excavations designed to assess the structural integrity of the foundations of Carlisle Cathedral at the south and west sides of the nave and choir. The excavations distinguished Norman work from 13th-14th century rebuilding and identified the position of the south wall of the Norman choir. Loose finds hinted at the character of some of the floor tiling within the medieval cathedral and also suggested that some of the tiles might have been made within the Abbey precinct. Several burials were observed. A radiocarbon date for one of these indicated burial prior to about 850 AD, suggesting the possibility of an early ecclesiastical site below the Cathedral precinct. However, the value of this date is queried. Au/LD

This paper considers the evidence for civilian administration in the northern frontier area of Roman Britain. The nature of Roman administration is first summarised. Documentary sources, inscriptions and evidence from milestones are then examined in order to define the locations of the civitates of the Brigantes and the Carvetti, and the civitas based at Corbridge. The relationship between civilian and military administration is considered. It is concluded that northern Britain has produced evidence for the existence of cities, self-governing towns and officials. It is confidently predicted that further evidence will be discovered that will underline Britain's identity as part of the Roman empire. LD

An evaluation and topographic survey were carried out prior to repair work to a footpath that follows the line of the High Street Roman Road. Three main areas of earthwork features were recorded, whilst the evaluation trenches revealed a surface and other features that seemed likely to represent remains of the road. The route of the road south of the survey area has been subject to some debate. Observations made during the project and a reassessment of documentary sources suggested that one potential route for the road may be more likely than another. LD

An area of cobbling thought to be a roadway or yard surface was revealed during archaeological evaluation at the north-eastern edge of the core of medieval Ulverston. A single piece of medieval pottery was recovered from the feature, and residual medieval sherds came from a later soil horizon directly overlying the surface. A larger area was subsequently excavated. The feature appeared to represent a well-used path or track and was a significant discovery as it is, to date, the only confirmed medieval feature identified through archaeological excavation in Ulverston. LD

Note describing an early 17th century disc that would have formed part of a cloth seal, found during excavations within Carlisle Cathedral in 1988. Although its precise origin will never be known, the seal has potential importance as evidence of life in the Cathedral close. This is also the first cloth seal to be recorded in Cumbria. LD

Brief notes of archaeological investigations carried out in Cumbria during 2007, arranged in alphabetical order by town or parish, with a separate section covering the Lake District National Park.