Thirlmere Detail Survey, Cumbria, Shoulthwaite Hillfort and Wythburn Lead Mine. Archaeological Survey Report

Following an identification survey of the North West Water Thirlmere estate a further
programme of detailed archaeological survey of the more significant sites within the park was
recommended and LUAU was commissioned to undertake a detailed survey of two of these: a
post-medieval lead mine complex at Wythburn and the Shoulthwaite Iron Age Hill Fort.
A detailed survey was undertaken of the hillfort and the processing area of the Wythburn
Lead mines; the mines themselves were recorded in outline.
The Shoulthwaite Hillfort is a promontory fort (NY 2998 1884), with substantial multivallate
defences on the eastern side, but the western side of the fort relies solely on its natural
defences. The entrance of the fort is to the east and the external defences immediately to the
south of the entrance are seemingly non-existent; the area is presently occupied by a
substantial mire. It is probable that this mire obscures earthwork evidence of further ramparts.
At the northern end of the fort is a large natural prominent knoll which was further defended
by a possible palisade base. There are a series of terraces both on the knoll and on the main
plateau of the fort which could have accommodated structures. In addition a single, subrectangular
feature within a flat bottomed quarry ditch may have been a hut structure.