ARCHAEOLOGISTS have unearthed what appears to be a medieval grange farm in Silloth.
The unearthed site has been brought to light after a three-week excavation at the High Tarns Farm involving more than 50 volunteers along the way.
The dig, which began on July 22, was spearheaded by Grampus Heritage and Training Ltd, an experienced group with three decades of experience in running archaeological training programs and digs throughout Europe.
The group's continued investigation of Abbeytown's Holme Cultram Abbey (a Cistercian Monastery), established back in 1160, led them to High Tarns Farm.
Back in 2022, lead archaeologist Mark Graham identified unusual crop marks on the site that hinted at the presence of a large unrecorded building.
Following the discovery of the crop mark, a geophysical survey of the site followed over the winter.
Mark said two trenches had now been excavated to 'amazing success', revealing 'fascinating results'.
"Evidence from the excavation suggests that we have found a medieval grange farm belonging to the medieval Cistercian monastery of Holme Cultran.
"In the areas targeted, we have found evidence of a very large timber structure, which is likely to have been an aisled barn - measuring 50 metres by 15 metres," he said.
In addition, an 'impressive' stone-built structure was discovered, cut deep into a sandy mound.
It was potentially used for drying grain, indicating agricultural practices of that time.
"A drying kiln on this scale has never been found before in Cumbria," Mark said.
Mark said these findings give an insight into the farming, agriculture, and rural economy in Cumbria from potentially 700 years ago.
The site's exact age is still to be confirmed with further carbon dating.
The project has been funded by DEFRA through Solway Coast National Landscape’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.
Recognising the contribution of the volunteers involved, Mark previously praised their interest in uncovering untold history: "The volunteers are so interested in finding these gaps in our history they give their time for nothing in all sorts of weather."
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