An archaeological Watching Brief was undertaken by AOC Archaeology Group during November and December 2004 on Holy Island, Northumberland. The evaluation was intended to identify and record any significant archaeology that may have been affected by the replacement of the overhead power cables with underground cables. The work undertaken comprised the digging of four main trenches, in two main areas in the main settlement of Holy Island. The trenches were of varying length but were generally approximately 0.35m wide and 0.6m deep. Two sondages were also excavated; the first in order to remove an electricity pole and concrete anchor in Belmont Gardens, and the second around the substation to the south-west of Atholl Brose House. The archaeological remains encountered included two fairly narrow ditches of uncertain antiquity, which possibly functioned to demarcate ground and provide drainage. Several possible 18th and 19th century pits and middens, with the primary purpose of rubbish disposal being recorded. Medieval pottery was recovered from three secure contexts and a subsoil deposit. Several of the pits that were recorded had been disturbed by previous development including service pipes and trenches.
Wilson et al. (Sat,) studied this question.