Contact the Duddon Valley Local History Group
Email: pat@duddonhistory.org.uk
The R2R ProjectFormed in early 1999 to provide talks and information on local history aimed at encouraging and increasing knowledge of the area.
The initial impetus for the project was the discovery of a prehistoric ring cairn in the upper reaches of the Duddon Valley, the desire to understand more about its origin and purpose, and the need to explore whether there are other related sites in the vicinity. This motivation led to a discussion and a verbal contract between the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) and the Duddon Valley Local History Group (DVLHG).
Both were fired by the excitement of discovery and the wish to learn more. From the DVLHG perspective this was an opportunity to get to grips with some real field work on their ‘own patch’, and to explore in more depth some of the things that they were aware of on the fells but of which little was recorded. The project proposal was slowly put together, with the debate majoring on our main objectives which were to look in more depth at previously un-surveyed land and for the group to be involved in an archaeological dig.
As discussion progressed with the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) officials we gradually understood that our desires were only a vehicle for attaining what they saw as the real objectives; the true value would not just be in the activity but what it would produce of a long-term nature and how it would benefit the community as a whole as well as those who took part. Not only would there be tangible benefits such as the greatly enhanced Lake District Historic Environment Record that would be invaluable to LDNPA officers and farmers alike, but there would also be a continuing capability in the form of the project team – now well trained and skilled – who would go on discovering new things over time with further survey and research.
All the people involved will remember the friends they have made and the journey taken together through the different stages of the project, the laughs and the learning, and the incredible landscape that formed the backdrop. It is proof of the foresight of those HLF officials that most of those who have participated in the project are keen to continue, and the most frequently asked question as we conclude our initial work is, ‘what next?’ Also, a positive development is that local farmers are fast understanding that if recorded and managed in the right way, the sites would potentially enhance their income under agri-environment grant schemes.
You may have been wondering exactly how we were going to follow up on the amazing discoveries made by the R2R project, or indeed whether anything at all was happening. In fact, new work will be starting this coming autumn/winter. The ‘What Next?’ planning group has been working hard behind the scenes under John Hoggett’s chairmanship, and has developed several ideas, including work on mapping old track-ways and ancient wall systems, and more detailed studies of medieval longhouses. We will be starting with longhouses, of which we have tentatively identified at least a dozen sites in the Duddon and Lickle valleys. We hope this work will build on the information gained some years ago at the Stephenson Ground longhouse excavation. This autumn, we will be circulating a project plan, and inviting participation in the project from any of you who are interested. We will be needing people with skills in surveying, photography and documentary research, but most importantly with plenty of enthusiasm.
Several of these were found during the R2R project and there is a great article by Janis Heward of Upper Wharfedale Heritage Group about these kilns in Wharfedale - www.uwhg.org.uk/reports/articles/chopwood/chopwood.html
The very nature of the Lake District means that water has shaped its history. The many deep valleys have focused the streams and rivers and have provided opportunities to utilise this natural and abundant resource.
Many examples are well known, the Blast Furnace near Duddon Bridge used water diverted via leats or channels from the Duddon to drive a wheel that powered the bellows of the furnace. This water was returned to the Duddon through a bobbin mill that used its flow to drive pulleys working bobbin lathes. A larger Bobbin Mill has extensive redeveloped buildings on the road between Ulpha and Logan Beck. A natural stream on a steep slope was used as the power source to drive many pulley wheels in the workshop.
Simpler ways of using and controlling this resource were necessary in the farming world. Where it could be used for washing sheep required just the blocking of the flow of narrow becks to provide a small pool, or wash dub. These would normally be located next to a sheepfold where flocks could be gathered and controlled.
Water can also be destructive. If the fell walls near to water courses are examined, you will almost certainly find water yeats, built into the structures to allow water to flow through, instead of undermining the walls. These can be either simple holes with lintels or more substantial gaps with bars if the flow is more powerful.
The management of animals has been an important part of life in the Duddon valley for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
Many aspects are clearly evident in the miles of dry stone walls that divide the low pastures and snake over the high fells. Within these walls is the evidence of stock control, the gathering of flocks into sheepfolds for washing, marking or shearing and the separating of animals for market and breeding.
The shepherds often spent the summer on the higher fells with their flocks as well as the small breeds of cattle that were popular many years ago. This way of life required basic living accommodation in more substantial dwellings and simple shelters using rock faces on the exposed hillsides.
Remains of house structures litter the fells and crude shelters can be found in many rocky outcrops. The experience gained through participation in the Ring Cairns to Reservoirs project allowed us to interpret the relevance of wall remains and become aware of their importance and influence in the history of the valley.
The photographs show examples found in the area between the Walna Scar road and south towards Stephenson Ground in the Lickle Valley