In July 2011, over a period of nine days, a group
of keen Altogether Archaeology volunteers excavated three sections of the
Maiden Way Roman Road which lies immediately to the south-east of Whitley
Castle Roman Fort near Alston in Cumbria, under the supervision of NP
Archaeology Ltd in consultation with the AONB and English Heritage.
The three trenches were located on unscheduled land and therefore
were not subject to Ancient Monument consent.
A great time was had by all despite the fact that it rained and
rained almost relentlessly. On occasions it was necessary to pump water
out of the trenches each morning before the dig could continue but spirits
certainly weren’t dampened as everyone was keen to see what was to be found.
All three trenches contained archaeological features in the form
of metalled road surfaces on the line of the Maiden Way. It was revealed
that there were different forms of road construction in various states of
preservation. The road in Trench 2 had the remains of an earth bank and a
large ditch on its western edge. Crossing the ditch and cutting through
the bank was a stone delineated track way. No Roman material culture was
recovered from the evaluation, all the finds being ascribed to a post medieval
date, which could relate to the later re-use of the road.
It is hoped that as more funding becomes available there may be
further opportunity to continue the work on The Maiden Way but in the meantime
it can be said that this was a very interesting nine days which was enjoyed by
all who took part.
Judith
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