Ribble Link Main, Bowland Fringe and Pendle Hill, Lancashire. Archaeological Evaluation and Watching Brief.

Following the findings of a desk-based assessment and walkover survey (OA North 2004) along the proposed pipeline route between Lowcocks Service Reservoir (SD 7457 4596) and Laundwood Pumping Station (SD 6536 4563), a programme of
archaeological investigation was initiated on behalf of United Utilities Ltd during June, July and September 2004 by Oxford Archaeology North. The programme comprised the evaluation of three sites identified by the desk-based assessment and walkover survey as being under threat from the pipeline route. In addition, a targeted watching brief was maintained during topsoil stripping activities in specific areas thought to have archaeological potential, concentrated along the central area of the pipeline west of Waddington to Bashall Eaves.
The evaluation sites varied from possible Bronze Age hut circles (Site 19), and the course of a Roman road which ran from Ribchester to Burrow in Lonsdale (Site 09), to a linear earthwork of unknown date (Site 04). None produced significant dating evidence to allow the specific period of occupation to be determined, however an interesting deviation in the projected course of the Roman road was identified close to the north bank of the River Hodder.
The results of the watching brief produced little in terms of archaeological significance, other than the presence of a quarry spoil heap near Site 04, and postmedieval
field boundaries in Fields 1 and 3, that may have medieval origins. The possible re-use of material from the Roman road was observed at Site 09.