Keswick P.A.R. Advanced Works, Cumbria: Archaeological Watching Brief

Halcrow Group Ltd, on behalf of the Environment Agency, commissioned Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) to undertake a programme of archaeological watching brief associated with exploratory groundworks ahead of the flood alleviation scheme in Keswick, Cumbria. A total of 39 exploratory holes were excavated across two areas, under permanent archaeological presence; 30 trial pits, window samples, hand dug pits and inspection pits preceding boreholes were positioned within five locations in the historic town centre in Keswick (NGR centred NY 2635 2393); and nine trial pits and inspection pits preceding boreholes were excavated at St Johns in the Vale, in the Upstream Storage Area (NGR centred NY 3143 2407). The watching brief was undertaken during November and December 2008, the purpose of which was to enable any archaeological remains disturbed during the groundworks to be recorded in mitigation of the exploratory works.