Shoulthwaite Hillfort, Thirlmere, Cumbria. Stratigraphic Survey Report

In 1998 LUAU undertook a detailed survey of Shoulthwaite Hillfort (NY 2998 1884) as part
of a wider survey of the Thirlmere Estate, on behalf of Lake District National Park Authority
(LDNPA) and North West Water Limited (NWW). Shoulthwaite Hillfort is a promontory fort
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
presently being occupied by a substantial mire. It was believed that this mire obscured
earthwork evidence of further ramparts.
In the light of the survey it was recommended (LUAU 1998) that a stratigraphic survey be
undertaken through the area of mire at the entrance in order to investigate the possibility of
buried ramparts and to assess the potential for further environmental investigation. As a
consequence LUAU was commissioned to implement the study.