british and irish archaeological bibliography
Keekle Head Open Cast Coal Site, Cumbria. Assessment Report [Site name: KEEKLE HEAD OPEN CAST COAL SITE, NEAR PICA
Study area: 100ha
Investigation type: Desk-based
District: Copeland
Monument: [shaft hollow]. Post-medieval (1540-1901), HOLLOW WAY. Post-medieval (1540-1901), [mine workings/coal mine]. Post-medieval (1540-1901), [spoil heap]. Post-medieval (1540-1901), [shaft mound]. Post-medieval (1540-1901), RIDGE AND FURROW. Undated
Ngr: NY03402160
Parish: Arlecdon and Frizington, Arlecdon and Frizington, Distington
Postcode: CA144QL]
Pages:
40; colour pls; figs; refs
Publisher:
Published:
1998
Abstract:
Desk-based assessment of a site proposed for an opencast coal scheme identified that three coal-mining sites and an area of ridge and furrow had been recorded within the proposal area. During a walkover survey a further eighteen features were identified, the majority of which related to mining activity associated with a vein which was aligned north-west/south-east in an area to the north of Green Spot Farm. These mine workings reflected a period of activity ranging from small-scale extractions of the 18th century to larger scale commercial mining centred around the Venture Pit during the 19th century. The survey involved a more detailed assessment of two farms, Sandbeds and Green Spot, and included the examination of the external fabric of the farm buildings and their interiors in order to assess the archaeological survival and architectural significance of the buildings. Both farmhouses had a 'double-pile' plan form, which typically dated to between the mid-18th and the mid-19th centuries. A post-medieval hollow way which extended to the south for 35m from Green Spot Farm was also noted during the survey. Although no prehistoric remains had been recorded within the study area itself, a stone circle of probable Neolithic date lay 210m from the northern site boundary. A round cairn at the centre of the circle displayed the characteristics of a funerary monument, although excavation had revealed no human remains. It was considered likely that the cairn dated from the Bronze Age. It was recommended that a programme of evaluation should be undertaken within the proposed development site, and that this should be targeted on areas of potential identified by the assessment. It was also recommended that a mitigation record of the surface features and the farms should be made. [Au(adp)]
Source description:
40pp, colour pls, figs, tabs, refs
Dataset:
Coverage:
1998