Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme, Kendal, Cumbria Archaeological Watching Brief Report

Oxford Archaeology (OA) North was commissioned by VolkerStevin Ltd to
undertake an archaeological watching brief of hand-excavated test-pits along
the River Kent in Kendal. Following a previous phase of ground investigation
works undertaken in 2018, a further phase of ground investigation works were
planned to aid the design of the flood defences. As part of this phase, 17 testpits
were identified as being within areas of archaeological significance and
required an archaeological watching brief by the county archaeologist for
Cumbria County Council (CCC) and the Senior Archaeologist for the
Environment Agency (EA). OA North were subsequently commissioned to
produce a Written Scheme of Investigation and undertake the archaeological
watching brief by VolkerStevin Ltd.
The 17 test-pits were hand-excavated by operatives acting on behalf of
VolkerStevin Ltd and ranged in size from 0.8m to 3.3m long and 0.8m wide,
with depths from 1m to 1.3m. The test-pits were all situated against extant
structures, bridges buildings and retaining walls, three of which were
scheduled monuments, Stramongate Bridge, Miller Bridge and Nether Bridge.
Apart from elevations and footings of the extant structures, archaeology was
revealed in two pits; a surface of stone sets adjacent to Stramongate Bridge,
and stone steps adjacent to Holy Trinity Church boundary wall. Throughout
the test-pits there was evidence of substantial amounts of made-ground on
the banks of the River Kent. The archaeology revealed was likely post-medieval
and contemporary with the structures to which they are adjacent. Any earlier
archaeology may survive beneath the made-ground.