The construction of the Asselby to Pannal natural gas pipeline has provided an important opportunity to investigate the early landscapes of North and West Yorkshire. A combination of non-intrusive and intrusive archaeological techniques has been employed, over a five-year period by Oxford Archaeology North and Network Archaeology Ltd, in order to explore the archaeology along the pipeline.

The archaeological investigation included the large-scale excavation of 14 archaeological sites, and 136 evaluation trenches. The results of this work will greatly enhance understanding of the archaeology of the southern part of the Vale of York, the Magnesian Limestone areas of North

and West Yorkshire, and the eastern margins of the Pennine uplands. Within these distinct landscapes, evidence for early prehistoric through to post-medieval period activity was discovered. However, the majority of excavated remains date to the Iron Age and Roman period, and relate to the creation of field systems and schemes of land division, as well as settlements and enclosures. In addition, parts of the South Dyke and Becca Banks, which form elements of the Aberford Dykes complex, were examined, and this has provided fresh insights into the chronology and use of these important monuments.

The volume arises from a multi-disciplinary approach to the archaeology, with the emphasis placed on interpreting the sites within their wider landscape context. It includes the work of a range of authors, drawn from Oxford Archaeology and Network Archaeology Ltd, and also several external specialists.