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UPPER "WHARFEDALE EXPLORATION COMMITTEE. 
FIRST ANNUAL REPORT (1893), BY E. E. SPEIGHT, B. A. 
( Communicated January 16th, 1894.) 
For many years back the existence of certain ancient remains in 
Upper Wharfedale has been known to a few inhabitants of the district 
and to interested visitors, but until quite recently no examination 
had been carried out. The character of most of the remains is now 
better understood, and, as far as can be predicted fro m surface signs, 
they consist mainly of barrows, enclosed settlements, defensive works 
and rude monuments. By far the most interesting and extensive are 
the settlements, five of which are situated wuthiu three miles of 
Grassington village, and which are of similar construction in their 
details. The district along both banks of the Wharfe for a stretch 
of three miles, between Grassington and Coniston, seems to have been 
at some early period one great dwelling and hunting ground, ranged 
over by a people hardy and cunning. The wooded knolls and the 
cleared patches on both sides the river bear evident marks of former 
occupation : traces of long since useless walls literally abound, and 
from the earth itself are constantly appearing relics of war and the 
chase. 
In the Summer of 1892 one of the barrows near to Grassington 
was excavated under the direction of Rev. B. J. Harker, whose 
account appeared in contemporary journals and in the Antiquary. 
The success of this first attempt was marked, and had its due effect 
in promoting further investigation into the nature of other suspected 
sites in the neighbourhood. 
After consultation with Prof. W. Boyd Dawkins, of Manchester 
Mr. Wm. Home, of Leyburn, and Mr. Wm. Cudworth, of Bradford, 
I entertained the idea of forming a small Committee for the purpose 
of making a careful examination of the chief of the ancient remains. 
In November, 1892, I met Mr. J. W. Davis, who promised to assist 
in the formation of a Committee ; also to bring the matter before the 
Council of the Yorkshire Geological and Polytechnic Society, and if 
