The lithic industry: fieldwork and surface collections in the Borwick area

Extract

The area known as Dock Acres, almost immediately due west of Manor Farm, Borwick, was variously reputed to have been the site of a Roman dock, Medieval castle and/or Medieval dock. Initial field survey when the area was still permanent pasture was carried out in advance of gravel extraction by Mr B.J.N.Edwards. Subsequent observation of the first stages of quarrying was undertaken by the author (as a student) and led to the recovery of some lithic material. It is perhaps worth noting in passing that observation of a later stage of mineral extraction by the author and the newly formed Moorholme Local History Society led to the recording of the vestigial remains of the Medieval castle.

The lithic material was recovered from the top and in the vicinity of the largest topographical feature; a flat topped mound some 150 m by 50 m. This ‘mound’ was separated from a similar more extensive area to the south by a broad channel whilst flat, low lying ground lay to east, north west and north where there were two small rectangular mounds.