Series: NP Archaeology

The precinct of Carlisle Cathedral is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (CU 546). A watching brief was agreed to be an appropriate level of mitigation for any disturbance to archaeological deposits caused by the gas works, in accordance with the Scheduled Monument Consent (SMC) received for the proposed works. However, during these initial works, several gas leaks were identified within the cathedral grounds. As a result, a new gas connection was installed to a listed building and several test-pits were excavated within the western end of the cathedral precinct, which were not covered by the existing SMC. Following this work, an amended SMC was granted which covered further work, including the installation of a new gas connection to Abbey Gate House, further investigation test-pits and the reinstatement of all disturbed surfaces. The watching brief monitored the groundworks associated with locating an existing gas supply pipe within the western part of the cathedral precinct, which included excavation for repairing the supply pipe within the scheduled area and the reinstatement of disturbed surfaces. Only limited archaeological remains were noted during the watching brief. These included the remains of a sandstone slab surface and probable garden wall immediately northeast of the Prior's Tower, a 19th century brick-lined culvert and access chamber immediately east of No. 10 The Abbey and a buried cobbled surface to the rear of Abbey Gate House. It is also possible that a single undisturbed deposit was revealed which, based upon a single sherd of pottery, probably dates to the 13th/14th century. However, not enough of the deposit was revealed to confirm this. The finds assemblage retrieved during the watching brief included medieval pottery, a Roman amphora handle, a Romano-British bronze mount depicting a human face and a mid-4th century coin. However, most of these were retrieved from disturbed contexts.

An archaeological evaluation of two trenches, covering 150 square metres of the 0.72 hectare site. This was undertaken over four days between the 27th January and 1st February 2012. Archaeological remains were identified in both trenches. Trench 1 contained mainly modern concrete foundation features and some red brick walls. Trench 2 contained red brick walls and a red brick lined well of 19th or early 20th century date. These probably relate to warehouses that once stood on the site.

An archaeological desk-based assessment undertaken in advance of groundworks associated with the construction of new fish screens at the Pumping Station Intake at Huntington Water Treatment Works. The site is located in close proximity (on the opposite side of the River Dee) to the Scheduled site of Heronbridge Roman Settlement

A planning application has been submitted for the demolition of existing office buildings and the construction of seven new dwellings on land at Mill House, West Road, Ponteland. There appears to have been a water mill on the site since at least 1800 with an associated mill race. It is unclear if there was an earlier mill on the site, and if any features associated with the mill and mill race may still survive within the application area. As a consequence Northumberland Conservation requested a desk-based assessment and standing building assessment in order to provide further information on the historical development of the site, and the archaeological potential. The assessment revealed that the proposed development will impact on archaeological remains associated with the mill race for the water mill, and possibly an earlier mill building on the site. The present standing building appears to incorporate the earliest phase of the mill constructed in around 1828, with extensions to its south-east side. No architectural detailing was noted in the fabric of this building, or any features noted which may have related to mill machinery

NP Archaeology Ltd were commissioned by Cumbria County Council to assess the historical significance of the remains of a medieval pele tower and surviving section of curtain wall at Low Levens Farm in advance of proposed works relating to consolidating the river bank on the east side of the road which runs down the side of the property. A structural assessment was also made by Countryside Consultants in order to inform the possible impact of the works on the structures. The rapid desk-based assessment revealed that there appears to have been a structure at the site of Low Levens Farm since the 14th century in the form of a defensive pele tower, possibly with a curtain wall. The section of curtain wall that survives is noted to be only one of several examples in the county, and as such is of significance. The structural assessment identified the vulnerability of the standing remains, and noted that the foundations lay at the approximate level as the modern road surface. Discussions with the engineers has resulted in agreement that drilled anchors will be utilised rather than percussion driven sheet piling due to the impact this may have on the walls. It has been established that the medieval wall at Low Levens Farm is of historical significance given its rare survival and its association with the Grade II* listed house. The proposed works will not impact on the wall

In July 2011 NP Archaeology Ltd were commissioned by Wardell Armstrong LLP, on behalf of their clients Severn Trent Water Ltd, to undertake a geophysical survey of land to the north-west of Tewkesbury and situated on the left bank of the River Severn (centred on NGR SO 89202, 33606 ). This work was carried out to in order to provide information to determine a planning application and inform upon potential mitigation works as a consequence of planning consent. The geomagnetic surveys detected number of modern service pipes and a possible former road or railway track bed. A number of potential archaeological features were also detected, which were interpreted as possible former field boundaries or other soil-filled features. It was recommended that these were targeting in the subsequent trial trench evaluation at the site.

A desk based assessment and walkover was undertaken of a proposed pipeline route between Workington and Great Clifton on behalf of United Utilities. Further information was requested by Cumbria County Council Historic Environment Service regarding the location, extent, survival and significance of the known archaeological remains along the route, as well as the potential for unknown archaeological remains to survive. The assessment and walkover revealed several sites of archaeological interest along the pipeline route, these consisted of structures associated with a paper mill, possibly a brewery site, ridge and furrow, two railway lines and possibly cropmarks of undetermined date.

A Heritage Impact Statement was undertaken of the Grade II listed Kings Arms prior to the submission of a planning application for the redevelopment of the site to retail and residential. Prior to the survey on site a rapid desk based assessment revealed that the buildings which form the present property consist of a late 18th or early 19th frontage with 19th century buildings to the rear, possibly including a large assembly room. The building survey revealed that much of the ground floor or the earliest phase of the public house has been removed in redevelopment and reorganisation of the floor space. At first and second floor level features such as original panelling, coving and skirting boards survive, as well as the alignment of part of the staircase. To the rear of the frontage is a large building which may have served as the assembly rooms although modern intervention has obscured or removed any original features.

Excavation of three evaluation trenches across the line of the Maiden Way Roman Road immediately south-east of Whitley Castle Roman Fort using a volunteer workforce supervised by NP Archaeology staff.

Parts of the SAM Whitesike and Bentyfield Mining Complex are under immediate risk of further rapid deterioration. The purpose of this project is to record four features to a Level 2/3 survey standard. A detailed evaluation recording was undertaken on three level entrances and the remains of the Bentyfield Mine wheelpit. A Level 2 building survey was undertaken of Bentyfield Mine Ship. A watching brief was also undertaken during conservation works on the Bentyfield Mine shop.