Surface excavation of Middleton Lodge.
Run by Martin Roe of Merestone Archaeology Consultants revealed a lot of demolition debris and a wall.

  
A wall in a trench                Trench 2                          Trench 1
  
Measuring up a trench               Overall Site                 Trench 3 Site    
Drawing up a trench section

The year started well with a larger group, new people and a new strategy fro the extended surveys of the shaft mounds. This was to include 'Total Station' surveys which accurately measure the size and height of total shaft mound. This is the same method used for making new roads.

see photos

	Book details ISBN 978-0-9559477-0-4 Format A4, 46pp, 26 Full colour figures Retail price £9.95 plus p&p Order direct from the Friends of Middleton Park, Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, Leeds, LS10 4HX For further details contact: Gayle Graham 0113 2706903 extension 23, mobile 07914 729051 or email: gayle.graham@fomp.co.uk
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History

END OF YEAR 1 SURVEY

As well as its rich natural history, Middleton also has a fascinating local G history including coal mining and the Middleton Railway.

The bowl-shaped pits you will see in the woods are the remains of an early form of coal mining. Over 120 of these coal pits have been found in Middleton Woods!

The oldest steam railway in the world, once used for transporting coal, still runs between Hunslet and the North East end of the park. The train now transports visitors from the city to the edge of the park. Middleton`s ancient woodland is only a stones throw from the railway terminus.
Courtesy of FOMP

A section of the woods is already designated a 'Scheduled Ancient Monument' because of the mining remains. This means it is of national importance and has the same status as Stonehenge. This survey will probably show that there are equally important remains in the rest of the park.

What Have We Found Already?

Over 250 features have already been recorded in only a small area, which include Earthworks, Shaft Mounds, Tracks and Holloways! As well as coal mining remains we have also found evidence of historic woodland management.

Shaft Mounds

This shows the type of 'feature' that the survey is finding.
The 'sunken' area in the middle is the shaft with the high circular bank around the edge.  This Shaft Mound is in good condition although many have decayed leaving a large slump where the shaft once was.

The shaft is approximately 3 meters in width.

Earthworks

An earthwork was initially recorded proved to be much bigger than originally thought. Initially it looked like a small Iron age enclosure but by expanding the survey, although not finished, it appears that end runs up to the Middleton - Beeston boundary ditch and contemporary with that. The other end finishes at a stone wall that only survives as footings. In conclusion the enclosure probably medieval and may be a woodland compartment to protect an area of coppice. Coppice?

Desk Top Work

During the week we have been busy with collecting documentary information about the history of the area which I will summarise when we get back to the lakeside centre at lunchtime.

How Can I Get Involved?

Come along on the following dates and just join in.  You do not need any training, and we will go through things with you in the friendly atmosphere.  We all meet at the Lakeside center, (next to the pond), at 10am and finished for 3pm, so bring some lunch with you.  Remember to bring adequate footwear and waterproofs, just in case!