Unearthing Windermere’s hidden industrial heritage

Volunteers are invited to step back in time on two archaeology-themed projects which aim to unearth Windermere’s secret industrial history.

The Reflections on History project aims to reveal the undiscovered industrial history of this area and provide opportunities for volunteers to work alongside professional archaeologists to find out more about some fascinating aspects of the Lake District’s forgotten heritage.

Reflections on History is one of 19 projects being launched this year as part of Windermere Reflections, a £1.6.9m initiative to improve water quality in England’s largest lake. It is a three year project, part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The first phase of Reflections on History will focus on the industrial archaeology of the woodlands on the Graythwaite Estate at the south-western end of the lake. Volunteer archaeologists will be invited to search for the remains of industries such as charcoal burning and bark peeling, which was used for leather tanning, which were once common throughout the Lake District. The teams will also be investigating the impact on the landscape of the blast furnace at Cunsey.

The second phase will investigate and record four early watermill sites in Grasmere, Easedale and Great Langdale. These watermills are believed to have functioned as ‘fulling’ mills, in which raw wool would be cleaned and softened for spinning.

The Reflections on History project is jointly managed by Jamie Lund, National Trust Archaeologist and John Hodgson, Senior Archaeologist for the Lake District National Park Authority.

Jamie said: “Windermere Reflections is all about improving the environmental quality of this beautiful lake and its catchment, improving public access on the lakeshore and deepening public understanding of the special qualities of this area.

“Anyone with an interest in local history has the chance to take part in our exciting Reflections on History archaeological surveys. Participants don’t need any prior knowledge or experience of archaeology – just a willingness to get their hands dirty!”

Any individuals or groups wishing to take part in the survey of the Graythwaite Estate woodlands should contact John Hodgson, Senior Archaeology and Heritage Adviser at the Lake District National Park Authority, on 01539 792615 or e-mail archaeology@lakedistrict.gov.uk. The archaeological survey itself will take place over four weeks from 27 February to 24 March.

Anyone wishing to take part in the survey of the fulling mills in Grasmere should contact Jamie Lund, National Trust Archaeologist on 01539 463825 or e-mail Jamie.Lund@nationaltrust.org.uk. The survey itself will take place over four weeks from 9 April to 4 May.