More questions than answers?

A fantastic few weeks digging at Dukesfield Arches are coming to a close.  Blessed by sunshine (mostly) and no midgies (mostly) and some fantastic volunteers (absolutely!)

On Friday morning, this is what we thought we’d found :

diagram to photo comparison

 

However this had changed by Sunday lunchtime and the jury is still out – were there two water wheels? Was the original 1670’s mill retained and incorporated within the 1802 mill?

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What are our mystery objects? Any ideas?

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Our open day on Sunday was well attended by over 40 visitors, who all joined in the debate and enjoyed exploring the three dfferent dig trenches, sharing their ideas on how they could be connected to each other.

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The Dukesfield Smelters and Carriers Project aimed to celebrate and discover the heritage of the Dukesfield Arches & lead carriers' routes between Blaydon and the lead mines of Allendale and Weardale. A two year community project, it was led by the Friends of the North Pennines in partnership with Hexhamshire and Slaley Parish Councils and the active support of Allendale Estates. It was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the generous support of other sponsors. Friends of the North Pennines: Charity No:1137467