Briggle Beck Pipeline, Cumbria- Rapid Desk-Based Research and Walkover Survey

Following proposals by United Utilities for the construction of a c 1.5km long pipeline from Langwathby (NGR NY 56483 34255) to Winskill (NGR NY 57822 34865), with a c 4km stretch of pipeline heading south-eastwards from it (NGR NY 57115 34357 to NY 60702 32628), the Cumbria County Council Planning Archaeologist recommended that rapid archaeological desk-based research and a walkover survey of the proposed pipeline route be undertaken. Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) was subsequently commissioned by United Utilities to undertake this work.

In total, nine sites of archaeological interest were identified within the study area from the rapid desk-based research, of which seven had been previously recorded in the Cumbria HER, (Sites 01-07). Sites 08 and 09 were identified by inspection of historic maps.

The nine identified sites comprised Neolithic axe finds (Site 02); a Roman temporary camp (Site 06); the medieval origins of Langwathby village (Site 03); a Grade II listed post-medieval farmhouse and barn (Site 07); a post-medieval milestone (Site 08); a post-medieval quarry and gravel pit (Sites 09 and 04); and a modern mill (Site 05). An area of undated cropmarks (Site 01) was also identified within the study area. Of these sites, two (Sites 01 and 03) were located within the proposed pipeline route and were considered to be potentially impacted by it.