The Dye House, Hallthwaites, Millom, Cumbria. Supplemental Archaeological Watching Brief.

This report sets out the results of a third phase of investigative works at the Dye House, Hallthwaites, Millom, Cumbria (NGR SD 1820 8539), undertaken during repair and development works, on behalf of Mr and Mrs Metcalf. The previous phases of work were undertaken in 2005 and 2007, both by Oxford Archaeology North. This report presents the results of the watching brief undertaken in June 2009 and should be read in conjunction with the earlier building investigation and watching brief reports (OA North 2005 and 2007).
The watching brief monitored works within the northern extent of Room 7, previously inaccessible due to the presence of scaffolding. A series of sunken features thought to represent the remains of four hearths were observed, along with a flight of stone steps leading to an access passage. Two of the hearths appeared to originally have been
conical in shape, and all four probably held dye vats.
No recommendations are made for further work during the current development