St Andrew’s Church, Dacre, Cumbria Archaeological Watching Brief Report

Oxford Archaeology (OA) North were commissioned by St Andrew’s Church (NGR NY 45998 26659) to undertake an archaeological watching brief during ground works for a replacement oil tank and associated oil delivery pipe along the northern side of the church. The work was undertaken as a Faculty (number 78.2018). The Faculty required that the works on-site be overseen by an archaeologist, as such, Steve Huddart commissioned OA North to produce a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI; Appendix D) and maintain a watching brief during the works. The fieldwork was undertaken on 05th July 2019.
No archaeological features were identified during the watching brief and the finds recovered were likely of modern date. A rubble filled French drain, identified within the area of the oil tank base, is likely of modern date. The lack of archaeological features is likely due to the ground works being excavated through an existing service trench and also not breaking through the topsoil.