Transactions of the Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society 9 (series 3)

In 2008 an earthwork survey was undertaken of a small enclosure at Whitley Crag near Asby, first identified in 1984. The results suggest that the earthworks, comprising a double bank and ditch enclosure with west-facing entrance, probably represent the remains of an Iron Age hillfort which may have been constructed concentrically to a Bronze Age barrow. In the medieval period uplands to the south offered rough grazing, while to the north the Eden Valley and foothills were under arable cultivation. It seems likely that the same was true in the Iron Age. Commanding panoramic views, the hillfort dominated a possible 'territory' defined by minor tributaries of the River Eden. The article ends with a short comparative study looking at small hillforts in the Northumberland Cheviots and Borders.

A programme of archaeological investigation was undertaken in advance of modifications to the A66 at Temple Sowerby and Winderwath, Cumbria. Several small prehistoric sites were identified; these included flint scatters and a group of pits, one of which contained sherds of Bronze Age pottery. The A66 follows the route of the Stainmore Roman road and, during works to the east of Temple Sowerby, a well-preserved section of this was identified. Dating evidence was sparse, but a coin of Vespasian minted in AD 71 was recovered. Temple Sowerby has medieval origins, and limited evidence for contemporary activity, including agriculture and refuse disposal, was encountered, though remains of later agricultural landscapes were more frequent.

Archaeological investigations at Gatesgarth Farm, Buttermere, identified a number of features believed to be associated with a medieval vaccary (cattle farm). Excavation revealed a longhouse dwelling, an associated trackway, timber structures and an earthwork platform, as well as a small assemblage of pottery dating to the 13th or 14th century. This work supports documentary evidence for a vaccary at the site presented by Angus Winchester in a previous Transactions article, and has the potential to provide insight into the nature and scale of medieval farming practices in the Lake District.

The parish of Satterthwaite is taken as an example of a typical 17th-century tripartite Cumbrian farming landscape of valley bottom fields, in-bye enclosures, and common or waste land. A map and archive study and extensive field survey were used to investigate the incidence of gates across roads and trackways to prevent animals trespassing off the common. The article outlines the development of the landscape before detailing the results of the field survey. 52 former gate sites were identified, of which 25 had some remnants of moor gates. Each of the latter is briefly described. It is hoped that by highlighting the existence and former importance of moor gates, their preservation will be encouraged. Au/LD

Brief notes of archaeological investigations carried out in Cumbria during 2008, arranged in alphabetical order by town or parish, with separate sections covering the Lake District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park area of Cumbria.