The stories of how people lived and worked in the Lake District centuries ago were brought to life at a sell-out, one day conference in Ambleside this month (Saturday, November 9).
Organised by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), and with 131 attendees, the event showcased the latest findings and research carried out by universities and organisations. It also included work that’s only possible through partnerships with local communities and volunteers.
“People have changed and shaped the Lake District landscape for thousands of years. The evidence is everywhere,” said Eleanor Kingston from the LDNPA. Adding: “This rich cultural landscape was recognised as part of the Lake District’s inscription as a World Heritage Site in July 2017”.
Opened by Tiffany Hunt, Chair of the LDNPA, there were updates from Jamie Lund at the National Trust. He spoke about their historic landscape survey at Glencoyne Farm, one of the largest tenanted hill farms in the Lake District. The survey provided evidence of late prehistoric settlement and confirmed no evidence of a Roman fort by the lake, Ullswater.
Discoveries at Bampton Common were the focus of a talk by John Hinchliffe from the Lake District Archaeology Volunteer Network. John spoke about the prehistoric sites and industrial features they have recorded including mines and ‘sledways’ (transport routes).
A second volunteer network update came from Kevin Grice about Swinside Stone Circle, originally known as Sunkenkirk. Kevin was accompanied by Martin Railton from Eden Heritage Ltd. Their talk was about a field survey of the surrounding area by volunteers and a geophysical survey of the stone circle itself. They hope to return in 2025 to look at a circular feature they found.
After lunch, Lowther Castle and village in its wider landscape was the subject of a session by Dr James Morris from the University of Central Lancashire. He outlined a programme of excavation work for 2025.
The penultimate speaker was Sally Taylor from Oxford University. She posed and answered a question about why hundreds of Neolithic axes were left in the Langdale uplands. Sally referenced similar findings from a Neolithic flint mine in Belgium and suggested the Langdale finds were roughouts, not rejects, and part of the early stages of manufacture.
The final talk was by the renowned archaeologist Professor Richard Bradley and Dr Aaron Watson. They provided a captivating insight into recent excavation and survey at King Arthur's Round Table at Eamont Bridge, and the nearby Mayburgh Henge as well as a cairn at Dunmail Raise.
Eleanor Kingston, the Authority’s Lead Strategy Adviser on the Historic Environment said:
“This conference quickly sold out and people seemed to have really enjoyed it. It was a chance for anyone who is interested in local history and archaeology to get the latest updates from those doing key research, including a great team of volunteers.
“Feedback included: ‘pleased to hear professionals and well-informed volunteers…’ ‘very informative on local developments’ and ‘thoroughly enjoyable and interesting conference…subject of talks was varied and enlightening. The presenters were knowledgeable, lively, entertaining and explained things well.’”
Anyone who is interested in finding out about the November 2025 conference, can email archaeology@lakedistrict.gov.uk.
The Lake District Archaeology Volunteer Network carrying out a field survey at Swinside Stone Circle.
