272 
DAVIS : EXCUESION TO HOLDEBNESS. 
comparatively rare occurrence. Proceeding from the coast past the 
church, which possesses a beautiful little porch erected in the reign 
of Queen Anne, the stronghold at Skipsea Howe was visited. These 
are very extensive and perfect, and, without 'doubt, afforded means 
of defence and protection to its inhabitants and those of the surround- 
ing district. An interesting description of the site and its historical 
associations was given by the director ; but as the members were 
more concerned in geological than archaeological research, we pass 
them over, merely remarking that the original earthworks seem to 
have been erected by the ancient Britons far back in remote antiquity, 
and that their works have been greatly enlarged and strengthened 
by succeeding tribes or peoples. 
Mr. Boynton next conducted the members along the side of the 
Skipsea and Barmston Drain to Ulrome, where the Rev. E. M. Cole, 
the author of a popular treatise on the geology of the East Riding, 
recently issued, and others from the neighbourhood of Driffield and 
Malton, joined the party. It is at Ulrome that the pile dwelling, 
discovered and excavated by Mr. Boynton, is situated. Whilst 
deepening the drain three years ago, a number of bone tools and 
rotten timbers were discovered, wdiich had evidently been worked 
and used by some former inhabitants of the country. They were, 
in some instances, sharpened at one end in a rough and rude manner, 
and appeai'ed to have been used as piles. Mr. Boynton's curiosity 
was excited, and he commenced an excavation on the east bank of 
the drain in the first instance, and afterwards on the opposite side, 
A rectangular surface is now exposed about 20 j^ards by 30, and the 
whole of this is covered by trunks of trees laid horizontally, and 
fastened and held in position by pointed piles driven into the ground 
on each side or at the ends. The general construction, as explained 
by Mr. Boynton, is as follows : — The structure was erected on the 
edge of a lake, with rising ground eastwards and westwards. The 
bed of the lake was composed of sandy gravel, above which about 
2ft. of peat had been deposited. On this the builders placed the 
tree trunks, crossing each other horizontally, and for the most part 
without any definite arrangement. The largest trunks measure 
about 18in. in diameter and perhaps 20ft. in length, except in rare 
