Gosforth Waste Water Treatment Works, Cumbria. Archaeological Desk-based Assessment and Watching Brief.

Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) was commissioned by United Utilities Ltd to undertake an archaeological watching brief to oversee the excavation of two manhole pits at Gosforth Waste Water Treatment Works (NY 307530 503150). This was carried out over two days in August 2003, and consisted of a topsoil strip and excavation to a depth of no more than 1.1m. Time constraints for the client did not allow for a full desk-based assessment to be undertaken prior to these works taking place; as a result the desk-based element of this report was written after the development of the site had occurred. This being the case it was felt unnecessary to include an impact and recommendations chapter for the current stage of works. The site does have archaeological potential and it is highly recommended that any further works on the site be subject to a full archaeological evaluation and/or watching brief prior to the commencement of construction.
The area under investigation was very limited and previously disturbed, at least in part, by earlier works on the site. In this instance, the two manhole pits that were excavated under close archaeological supervision contained only a small quantity of modern detritus. No finds, features or deposits of archaeological importance were uncovered during the course these works.