From an Ancient Eden to a New Frontier: An Archaeological Journey along the Carlisle Northern Development Route

The Carlisle Northern Development Route (CNDR) was constructed with extensive archaeological excavation, revealing Mesolithic and Neolithic remains dating to c. 6000-4300 cal BC, including a seasonal encampment with domestic features and a flaked-lithic assemblage. Neolithic activity began in c. 3800-3700 cal BC with the construction of a wooden platform and intentional deposition of tree-felling debris. Palaeoenvironmental remains suggest elm decline, herding, and small-scale arable farming. Chalcolithic and Bronze Age activity was also evident, with a sequence of burnt mounds at Stainton West used until approximately 1600 cal BC. Settlement and agriculture dating between the twenty-third and ninth centuries cal BC were also found, including structures, roundhouses, boundary ditches, ceramics, and plant remains. The construction works also revealed evidence for early medieval activity, including five rectangular posthole buildings dated to the early eighth to mid-tenth centuries AD.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 642 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2024
Publisher: Oxford Archaeology

The Carlisle Northern Development Route (CNDR) is a significant roadway that encircles the western periphery of Carlisle. Before its development, a comprehensive archaeological excavation program was undertaken by Oxford Archaeology between May 2008 and April 2011, along the route of the CNDR. The excavations uncovered various archaeological and paleoenvironmental remnants at several locations (referred to as "parcels") along this route, including notably noteworthy discoveries dating back to the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods at Stainton West (Parcel 27 North), a site situated on the floodplain north of the River Eden. These findings pertained to a Mesolithic seasonal, aggregation encampment, spanning approximately between 6000 cal BC and 4300 cal BC. This settlement was situated on an island between two ancient river channels and was associated with domestic features and an in-situ flaked-lithic assemblage of over 300,000 pieces, predominantly characterized by a narrow-blade lithic technology. Additionally, waterlogged deposits of organic sediment and the remains of a beaver lodge and dam in the main palaeochannel, which formed the western edge of the island, yielded a wealth of paleoenvironmental evidence pertinent to the earlier phase of the encampment's occupation. Neolithic activity commenced around 3800-3700 cal BC, marked by the construction of a wooden platform in the main palaeochannel, accompanied by the deliberate placement of tree-felling debris, coarse-stone tools, flaked lithics, pottery, and wooden artifacts, including a paddle and two "tridents." Palaeoenvironmental remnants associated with this activity were also recovered, offering insights into the decline of the elm tree, as well as herding and small-scale arable farming. Subsequent Neolithic activity was further evident through the presence of two burnt mounds, established during the first half of the third millennium cal BC. The investigations conducted at Stainton West have provided valuable insights into the ancient human occupation and environmental conditions of the region during the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. The discoveries made at this site have contributed to our understanding of the region's prehistoric past and have shed light on the lives of the people who lived there thousands of years ago.

Weight: 3166g
Dimension: 213 x 310 x 47 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781907686399