Project Introduction

This project aims to investigate the section of Roman Road  running through the civil parishes of Downham and  Rimington. This is part of the roman road running from Ribchester (Bremetennacum Veteranorum)  to Ilkley via Elslack  and then to York. This road was designated as road 72a by Ivan Margary who pioneered research into Roman roads.

Please contact Barrie Tyrer barrie@ribblesdale.net if you would be interested in getting involved with this project.

Volunteers on this project will gain training and experience in a range of archaeological activities from documentary research, landscape archaeological surveying and even excavation.

Aims of the project

To evaluate the current physical condition of the monument and assess any current and possible future threats especially those that might arise from changes in farming practice and land use. We will also be evaluating if the current projected line of the road is correct and looking for other sites along the line of the road.

To increase local awareness of this important local archaeological site and create a comprehensive record of this section of the road.

To provide opportunities for people to gain an understanding of and practical experience of archaeological investigation techniques.

The first stage of the project will be to conduct familiarisation visits to the sections of the road accessible from public rights of way. Subject to landowner permission this will be followed by a walkover survey in particular to compare the extent of current upstanding earthworks with that recorded in the past.

This preliminary survey will also be used to identify potential sites for more detailed survey.

The second stage again with landowner permission will comprise a Topographical survey across sections of the road and where appropriate test pits to confirm the existence of the road on its proposed course and to ascertain its physical condition.

The third stage will involve geophysical surveying and limited excavation if appropriate.

The project length will be split into 4 sections.

Section One will run from the East side of the A59 to Hey House Farm.

Section Two will run from Hay House Farm to Stopper Lane.

Section Three will run from  Stopper Lane to the A682.

Section Four will run from the A682 to Coal Pit Lane.

View early OS maps of the project area

View Lidar images of the project area

All maps and text by Barrie Tyrer

The Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership Community Archaeology Project supported this project with training and resources.