Holly House, Askham, Cumbria. Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment and Evaluation

Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) was commissioned by the Lowther Estate to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment and evaluation on land to the north of Holly House Farm, Askham, Cumbria (NY 51250 23712) (Fig 1). The work took place following an application for the construction of three dwellings on the site, which covered an area of 700m2 (Planning Application no 7/2004/3119). In response to this, the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) issued a brief requesting that a desk-based assessment and visual inspection, followed by an evaluation, be undertaken as the first phase of work. The requirement was due to the site being within an area of high archaeological potential, within the medieval village of
Askham. An assessment of the impact of the proposed development on any archaeological remains was therefore required prior to any development on site. The programme of archaeological work was undertaken in February and March 2005.