Ladybridge Farm: Excavation (Site Code lbf07 Intervention 03)
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Intervention location on OS. This intervention green, others purple (in prep)
| Investigation Type: | excavation |
| Undertaken By: | AD Archaeology & Archaeoscope |
| Year: | 2007 |
Following the submission of a revised planning application to extend quarrying into an area east of Nosterfield Quarry known as Ladybridge Farm, a scheme of archaeological works was agreed by English Heritage, North Yorkshire County Council and Mike Griffiths & Associates, the consultants employed by Tarmac Northern Limited. The work outlined in that scheme is currently in progress, the haul road linking the existing quarry to Ladybridge Farm, Area 1 and Area 2 having now been investigated.
After the removal of topsoil covering an area of approximately 3.33 hectares, three prehistoric pits and one possible prehistoric pit (though undated), have been encountered along the route of the haul road. Areas 1 and 2 have revealed no prehistoric material, but a system of post-medieval boundary ditches are evident along with a possible though isolated posthole, and a possible pit thought to be of recent origin. The remaining anomalies visible on cleaning the exposed natural were all of non human origin, consisting of root and animal disturbance, and a number of geological sinkholes.
When compared with the topography of the site, on which a predictive model has been created in an attempt to define areas of high and limited archaeological potential, the one probable and three definite prehistoric pits all fall within the bounds of the model. The absence of prehistoric archaeology in those areas thought to be of low potential would appear to corroborate the hypothesis of that model.
17th December 2007 - topsoil strip continues in earnest
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