One of North England's richest archaeology areas – boasting over 6,500 sites – is being thrown open for widespread exploration, thanks to a £171,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The lottery windfall means that a treasure trove of archaeological wonders can be shared with the public for the first time. The information is held within the Lake District Historic Environment Record and features information on more than 6,500 archaeological sites, features and areas of interest.
     The Lake District's 2,292 square kilometres is rich in history and boasts world acclaimed sites, including 275 scheduled monuments, 1,740 listed buildings and structures and 21 conservation areas.  The area is currently nominated for World Heritage status, and the project will allow local people to develop a better understanding and appreciation of their local area and the importance of conserving it for future generations to enjoy. The money will fund the creation of a website dedicated to the Lake District's wide-ranging archaeology with information on the prehistoric landscapes, medieval monastic sites and extensive industrial remains.
     National Park Authority archaeologist Eleanor Kingston said spiralling national curiosity in the past meant interest in the Lake District had never been as intense. Eleanor said: "Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, we can now share our wonderful records, which range from entries such as one of the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Britain, Castlerigg Stone Circle, near Keswick, to the chance find of a coin. "As part of the Access to Archaeology project, we want to create an exhibition which can be taken out on tour, update our website, produce a series of leaflets on archaeology in the Lake District, design education packs and develop activities," she added.

Source: Lakeland Today (2 February 2006)