Pit Alignments in the Milfield Basin, and the Excavation of Ewart 1

Extract

The pit alignment at Milfield North, discussed in the preceding paper, is one of six alignments revealed in the Milfield Basin within the last decade. All discoveries have so far been confined to the sands and gravels of the former delta surface, and whereas additional examples, as well as their extension onto the heavier loams overlying the sandstone series, remain to be found, so crisp has been the definition by means of intensive aerial survey in this valley, that only a limited enlargement of the present distribution pattern by this means is anticipated. The characteristics of the individual alignments are as follows:

1. Ewart 1. NT95343209 to NT96103162

An irregular line of closely spaced pits that for most of its observable course follows the crest of a gentle but marked elevation in the sand and gravel-terrace. Two interruptions are visible towards its eastern end before it angles southwards to disappear into a wood. Observed over 1100 m.

Source: Cambridge University Collection. BDE35, BDE36, BKC40.

Museum of Antiquities, Newcastle upon Tyne. A1656–1662.

2. Ewart 2. NT95353165 to NT95803159

Lying to the south of Ewart 1 and running broadly parallel to it. The pit sizes and spacing is similar to Ewart 1 although their inter-relationship is obscured at their eastern end by a plantation. Ewart 2 fades away at its western extremity. Observed over 300 m.

Source: Cambridge University Collection. BDE35, BDE36.