Find Spot record 0972100000 - 2 test pits in Hilly Field

Two test pits were located opposite The Old Forge to assess whether medieval occuption continued beyond the bridge of the River Leck. The considerable depth of deposits in this TP meant that only a quarter sample could be obtained from the lower stratigraphic horizons. The quantity of finds from layers 9 and below must therefore be considered with this in mind. However, the rpesence of medieval pottery at the lower levels is significant, although they are almost certainly the product of manuring of arable fields rather than occupation at this spot. They were discovered below a considerable depth of sterile deposit (layers 3-8) which may have built up by the dual action of alluviation (from the flooding of the River Leck) and colluviation (the creepage of soil downslope). Any medieval deposits in the river valley are thus likely to occur under deep overburden (B1).