Summary

The buried remains of a Roman cremation cemetery comprising the remains of at least eight burials and a probable grave marker, flanking a possible Roman road. Two additional excavated cremations illustrate the range of archaeological and environmental material contained within the individual cremation pits.

Source: Historic England

Details

Principal elements: The buried remains of a Roman cremation cemetery flanking a possible roman road.

Description
The cremation cemetery is situated on a low, flat-topped knoll and includes the buried remains of at least eight burials and the base of an upright stone interpreted as a probable grave marker. It is adjacent to a linear hollow traditionally thought to be the remains of a roman road leading to the south east entrance of Maryport Roman fort. The burial pits are on average 0.7m in diameter and 0.3m deep with evidence of cremated bone and pottery on their surfaces. The two excavated cremations illustrate the range of archaeological and environmental material contained within the individual cremation pits.

Extent of Scheduling
The scheduled area of the monument is trapezoidal in shape and at its greatest extent measures approximately 65m SW to NE and approximately 75m SE to NW. It includes the excavated remains of the cemetery and the undisturbed adjacent areas to the south and east, in which further remains of the cemetery are expected to survive.

The area to the north was not subject to archaeological evaluation and it is considered that tree planting will have compromised further remains of the cemetery in this area. Evaluation trenches in the area to the west failed to identify archaeological remains.

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

This Roman cremation cemetery is of national importance for the following principal reasons:
* Rarity: although there were large numbers of Roman cemeteries across England, far fewer examples are known to survive and this is a rare confirmed example in North Britain.
* Period: cemeteries are one of a relatively large range of monument classes known to characterise the Roman period, but are one of the most informative for the period.
* Potential: the archaeological information within this cemetery will contribute to our knowledge and understanding of society and the expression of its funerary rites during the Roman period.
* Survival: despite the fact that the full extent of the cemetery is uncertain, significant archaeological deposits have been demonstrated to remain within the area of the monument.
* Group value: the cemetery has spatial and functional group value with Maryport Roman fort and vicus, already designated as a scheduled monument.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
CFA Archaeology Ltd, Land off Netherhall Road, Maryport, 2011,

Source: Historic England