Archaeological investigation and charcoal analysis of charcoal burning platforms, Barbon, Cumbria, UK

Abstract In October 2013, small-scale excavations were undertaken at Barbon Park, Cumbria, on a series of features interpreted as former charcoal production sites. This formed part of Historic England's National Archaeological Identification Survey (NAIS) Upland Pilot: Lakes and Dales . The charcoal burning platforms were identified initially from aerial survey using a combination of aerial photographs and airborne laser scanning (lidar) data. Charcoal samples were recovered and chronological modelling shows the production sites to be post-medieval in date. Analysis of the charcoal recorded the dominance of Fraxinus , together with Maloideae/ Prunus type, and lesser contributions of common woodland taxa, including Ilex and Hedera . Documentary research into the possible uses of the charcoal has proved inconclusive, although it seems that gunpowder and lime production can be reasonably discounted.