SCRCA Location Variant: Spoil Tip

For the purposes of the SCRCA Project, the term 'Spoil Tip' refers to a clearly defined area of raised ground formed by the systematic tipping of 'spoil', i.e. the rock and / or earth extracted during the process of excavating cuttings and constructing tunnels (and associated access shafts) as part of the construction of the Settle-Carlisle Railway between 1869 to 1876.

These by-products of the construction process are recognised as important archaeological structures in their own right because they help us to deduce and understand key aspects of the railway's construction story. In many cases, the spoil tips have a distinctive radiating form (often appearing hand-shaped) and this reveals the methods that were used to create them. Where 'spoil tips' are concerned, archaeology really is rubbish, albeit very interesting rubbish.

For more information, please refer to the related article "What are spoil tips and how were they formed?".

Examples

The following examples from the SCRCA Project database illustrate this location variant. Locations are only displayed here if they have been 'assessed' and if a default image is available.   Show / hide tips

  • The locations are grouped by 'type' (where appropriate), then sorted by Location ID.
  • To view the full Location Summary for one of the sites or structures, click on the relevant location name / description.
  • To view a larger version of one or more of the images in a slideshow format, click on one of the thumbnail images.

    NB: The slideshow will NOT run on devices with a screen width of less than 400px, or if you attempt to open it in a new window.
  • To view details of ALL the locations of this type in the database (regardless of their status etc.), use the Gazetteer.

SCRCA Location Type: Archaeological Site

 

Errors and omissions

Reasonable efforts are being made to ensure the accuracy of the information obtained and uploaded as part of the SCRCA Project. However, it is possible that a few errors will have crept-in. If you notice any such errors, we would be grateful if you would bring them to our attention using the SCRCA Project Contact Form. The Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line and the members of the SCRCA Project Team do NOT guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in this database. If you intend to use and / or act upon any of this information, you are advised to verify its accuracy BEFORE doing so.