Briggle Beck Pipeline, Cumbria: Evaluation and Watching Brief Report

United Utilities proposed the construction of a c 1.5km pipeline from Langwathby (NGR NY 56483 34255) to Winskill (NGR NY 57822 34865), with an additional c 4km section heading south-eastwards (NGR NY 57115 34357 to NY 60702 32628). Following the results of a rapid archaeological desk-based research and a walkover survey (OA North 2008) the Cumbria County Council Planning Archaeologist recommended that a programme of archaeological works be carried out for the proposed pipeline route. This comprised evaluation trenching within Field 3, where a large area of sub-circular cropmarks had been observed, and in addition, an archaeological watching brief along those sections of the pipeline easement subject to topsoil stripping. The subsequent fieldwork took place in June 2011.
The evaluation trenching comprised four 30m long trenches located along the easement within Field 3. Of these, Trench 3 was targeted to investigate a depression present in the field. The evaluation of this trench revealed a tree-bole, a gully and a posthole. Trenches 1, 2 and 4 were located along the easement within the field and of these, trenches 1 and 2 contained three small postholes. Nothing of archaeological interest was observed in Trench 4.