Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Archaeology Group unpublished report series

This report presents the results of geophysical surveys conducted at two archaeological sites in Swaledale, North Yorkshire. The work comprised detailed geomagnetic and earth resistance surveys at Maiden Castle and West Hagg. The Maiden Castle work was commissioned by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) on behalf of the Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Archaeology Group (SWAAG) and was undertaken by Archaeological Services University of Durham (ASDU). The West Hagg work was commissioned by SWAAG and was undertaken by ASDU. The majority of anomalies detected by the surveys at Maiden Castle were weak but could indicate the presence of possible roundhouses, cists and other features in addition to those already known. A well defined enclosure was detected at West Hagg where a number of anomalies complemented previously recorded earthworks. Two 'annexes' to the main enclosure were detected providing three distinct zones at the settlement which were perhaps used for occupation, some small scale industrial or craft activity and stock

This project comprised a geomagnetic survey followed by the excavation of a single trench targeting a specific earthwork. It is part of a programme of archaeological investigations conducted by Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Archaeology Group (SWAAG) with the support of Archaeological Services Durham University (ASDU). A series of earthworks have been recorded at the site which have been interpreted as a possible late prehistoric/Roman period settlement containing several house platforms and also the possible remains of a medieval farmstead. The geophysical survey has confirmed the presence of various earthworks and evidence of structures. Within the excavated trench natural subsoil was identified close to the current land surface. There were no indications of truncation or redeposition of the subsoil, as is sometimes associated with platforms terraced into slopes. A stone bank was present across part of the trench with cobbled surfaces to either side. Across the trench were large quantities of rubble within which were a selection of post-medieval finds

This project relates to a complex multi-period landscape in the pastures around the modern house of Daggerstones and the ruins of Bank House above the village of Healaugh in Swaledale. The landscape visually ranges from Bronze Age mounds through house platforms and lynchetted coaxial field boundaries of Prehistoric/Romano-British character, rectangular building platforms and extant 17th century ruins to the sloped array of solar panels behind the modern house at Daggerstones. The survey evidence supports the concept of Prehistoric and Romano-British activity on the site with unenclosed settlement within an organised framework of coaxial field systems. It indicates that the site lies on and respects a major but undated route-way along the northern daleside. The evidence on the site also suggests both agricultural and mining activity in the Medieval, Early Modern and Modern periods.

This project comprises the geomagnetic survey of two areas totalling 2.6 hectares at Cogden Hall, which is a Grade II Listed Building, and a single area of 1 hectare at Grinton Mound East. The works were commissioned by the Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Archaeology Group (SWAAG) and undertaken by Archaeological Services Durham University (ASDU). At Grinton Mound East a series of defensive ditches and stone banks have been identified with a number of possible structures within. External features such as possible trackways and ditches have also been identified. It is considered likely that the surviving earthworks and geophysical anomalies detected at Grinton Mound East reflect the remains of a significant fortified settlement. Sub-surface archaeology outside the earthworks may have been impacted upon by later landscaping activity connected to the previous use of the area as a part of a golf course. At Cogden Hall several features have been detected. A number of anomalies complimented previously recorded earthworks. Series of enclosures and concentrations of fired or ferrous debris, possibly reflecting occupation or small scale industrial activity, have been identified together with a modern service.

This project complements the results of earlier geomagnetic surveys at Grinton Mound East and Cogden Hall in Swaledale. The works were commissioned by Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Archaeoology Group (SWAAG) and undertaken by Archaeological Services Durham University (ASDU). The initial geomagnetic survey of Grinton Mound East suggested two concentric defensive ditches and possible stone banks. Earth resistance and ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys have enabled further interpretation and it now appears that the enclosure comprises two stone revetment walls with a large defensive ditch between them. It is considered likely that the surviviing earthworks at Grinton Mound East reflect the remains of a significant defended settlement. At Cogden Hall a double walled or revetted rectilinear enclosure has been surveyed and at least one long house survives within the enclosure.

This report relates to a prominent shaped glacial mound which abuts and overlooks Site 103. Previous excavations had demonstrated that Site 103 comprises a later Romano-British settlement which was not abandoned until the late 4th century and the purpose of this project was to investigate if there is any active association between Feature 407 and the main site. The result was that finds were scarce and no evidence was found supporting the use of Feature 407 prior to the 19th century. The site could well have been quarried for sandstone at the time of the Field Enclosure Act thereby destroying any archaeology.

Ralph Bank House was a derelict Swaledale farmhouse dating back to the 17th century. Planning Consent reference R/05/49A was granted on 4 September 2012 by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) for repairs, alterations and rebuilding to form a new dwellinghouse. The Consent was granted subject to conditions which included provision for a scheme for recording or preserving any archaeological deposits or fabric which may be affected by the approved works. Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Archaeology Group (SWAAG) was commissioned by the owners of the property to undertake a Watching Brief the scope of which was defined in a Written Scheme of Investigation approved by YDNPA.

Previous investigations had identified a series of possible settlement sites across the fields of Hagg Farm. In 2012 and 2013 excavations had been undertaken at the main settlement Site 103. This is an interim report of an excavation undertaken in October 2013. The main objectives were to answer outstanding questions relating to Site 103 and to clarify the relationship between Sites 102 and 103. See also previous and subsequent reports relating to Hagg Farm by EDAS and by SWAAG in conjunction with ASDU and Vindomora Solutions.