Derwent Mills, Cockermouth,Cumbria. Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment and Evaluation.

The desk-based assessment, undertaken in April 2008, identified 30 known sites of archaeological interest within a 500m radius of the proposed development site, with one further site, the Goat Mill Race (Site 31), identified from cartographic sources.
There were two sites adjacent to the development area, the Derwent Mill/Harris Mill (Site 11) which has recently been redeveloped, and the find spot of an undated perforated stone (Site 10). Through a review of the known cultural heritage resource in the surroundings, an attempt was made to assess the potential for the preservation of previously unknown archaeological remains within the proposed development site.
Overall, it is considered that the potential for sites of prehistoric, Roman and early medieval date is low, whilst there is slightly more potential for archaeological remains
relating to medieval and post-medieval agricultural and cloth manufacturing activity.
The evaluation was undertaken in April 2008. Seven trenches, each 50m by 2m, were excavated to represent a 5% sample of the development area. The trenches showed undisturbed natural stratigraphy comprising natural gravels, overlain by alluvial subsoil and topsoil with no archaeological remains.