Some recent projects
At Egglestone Abbey, in advance of the construction of a new farm building, the observation of old masonry led to the discovery of the remains of a large thirteenth-century gatehouse, the position of which had not previously been suspected. We were able to excavate and record the ruins in their entirety before careful backfilling, allowing the new barn to be built without disturbing the mediaeval remains, which remain for future generations.
A survey of Kingsdale on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park was commissioned by the Park Authority as part of the Farm Conservation Scheme. The aim was to establish what archaeology survives within one of the least well-documented parts of the Park. Work also involved a study of field walls and wall-furniture. Results were particularly interesting in upper Kingsdale where many new sites were identified, representing continuous settlement and farming from prehistoric times onwards. We have also undertaken similar surveys in the Malham and Dent areas of the Park.
A detailed survey and documentary search of Thorngate Mill, Barnard Castle, was undertaken before the conversion of the building to flats. The mill is one of the last remnants of a once flourishing local textile industry: built as a spinning mill, it has also at different times been a weaving mill, a factory producing a tiny motor-car, and a remaindered-book shop. Plans for the conversion of the building will take into account the historic features which have been identified.
At Marton, near Middlesbrough, we are excavating, in advance of housing development, an extensive area of prehistoric and Romano-British settlement. Iron Age activity is represented by a series of circular timber houses which disappeared shortly after the Roman conquest, to be replaced by a system of ditched enclosures, apparently as part of a cattle ranch. Most of the site has now been released for development, and while we continue to record the remaining archaeology we are beginning the post-excavation process of sorting and analysing the finds and records.
At Bolton Castle, Wensleydale, we have been recording the roof of the surviving inhabited mediaeval wing, in advance of renovations. Among other things, we have recorded hundreds of graffiti cut into the leads and dating from the 18th century.
For some years we have been involved with the archaeology of Marrick Priory, a mediaeval house of Benedictine nuns now used as a field studies centre. Much of the original fabric survives, including the former house of the Prioress, which we have recorded. Recent discoveries have included a number of burials which are probably those of the original community at Marrick.
We have carried out several excavations in the market town of Norton, a mediaeval settlement which is also associated with an early Anglo-Saxon cemetery. 18th and 19th century structures have cut through much of the town centre.
A survey of the ancient parish church of Dent, in connection with a major programme of restoration, has involved recording all of the fixtures inside the church, including a lovely collection of 17th and 18th century pews.
Work at the ancient church of St Columba, Warcop, led to the discovery of a fine black marble grave slab of the 15th century, broken in pieces and re-used in the vestry floor.
In Hartlepool we have recently carried out detailed surveys of several grand Victorian mansions, built by the wealthy owners of shipping and timber interests in the town. These great houses are being restored to a variety of uses.
We have recently carried out a survey of a large aristocratic house, with acres of parkland and formal gardens, near Bishop Auckland. The house is currently unoccupied and awaiting a new lease of life.
Small-scale excavations within the upper levels of the castle moat here in Barnard Castle have revealed deposits dating from the final abandonment of the Castle shortly after the Civil War. As well as pottery, glass and other finds the site produced quantities of animal bones and other food remains. Favourite meals in the 17th century seem to have included sheep’s head and oysters.
