[T]here is excitement in the Duddon Valley as the second excavation at a site of another medieval longhouse is due to begin on Saturday 10th June at Longhouse Close near Seathwaite.
Last year, members of the Duddon Valley Local History Group, and over eighty volunteers, worked under the supervision of archaeologists from Oxford Archaeology North, to unearth the remains of a medieval longhouse in the hills near Seathwaite Tarn. The site was discovered by members of the History Group while conducting archaeological surveys of the Duddon Valley on behalf of the Lake District National Park Authority.
That excavation has shown that the longhouse evolved over a considerable period of time and was initially a hut for shepherds grazing animals in the summer but then developed into a more permanently occupied farmstead.
Ken Day, Chairman of the History Group, said, “Our three year project is a major achievement for a small group of keen, but amateur, archaeologists. We are very excited at being able to contribute to this important historic aspect of the Lake District. Particular thanks must go to Eleanor Kingston, the National Park archaeologist who has advised us every step of the way. Stephe Cove, one of our members, is doing a magnificent job in coordinating all the volunteer activity.”
Last year, over 150 children from local schools had practical activities in archaeological techniques in school and were able to visit the site. This year more children from Year 6 in five primary schools will be taking part in the dig at the new site. There will be an open day on Saturday, June 17th for the public and signs on the waterboard track will encourage passing walkers to come across to see what is going on.
Jaimie Quartermaine, lead archaeologist in charge of the excavation, said “This has been a fantastic opportunity to examine well preserved longhouses that could be up to 1000 years old and to reconstruct the life style of medieval Cumbrian farmers.”
The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Copeland Community Fund, Copeland Council, CGP Group, Sir John Fisher Foundation, Mick Aston Archaeology Fund, The Robert Kiln Trust and LDNPA.
