Campus development to unlock archaeology treasures
Posted on 6 March 2008
A survey by the York Archaeological Trust, in 2003, uncovered traces of at least 2000 years of human settlement, close to the site of the University’s campus extension to the east of Heslington village.
Exciting archaeological discoveries very often follow hot on the heels of planned commercial developments
Steve Roskams
Current excavation work has resulted in the remarkable discovery of an Iron Age waterhole with preserved wickerwork lining, containing a range of wood fragments indicative of the landscape of the time.
Now the University’s Department of Archaeology is planning how best to investigate the discoveries - which include a prestigious Roman building, previously unknown and probably dating from the third or fourth century AD.
The University plans to open the site to local archaeological community groups as well as allowing students access to the live dig.
Steve Roskams, of the Department of Archaeology, said: "Exciting archaeological discoveries very often follow hot on the heels of planned commercial developments. That’s what has happened here. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about what our local landscape was like thousands of years ago, and we intend to make the most of it."
The existence of Iron Age, Roman and medieval remains all on the same site could provide valuable clues about the impact of the Roman conquest on local people. Initial analysis suggests that the only evidence of high-status Roman architecture dates from quite late in the Roman period.
If this is confirmed, it could indicate that York was essentially little more than a military enclave during the early part of the Roman occupation, only developing into the full-scale imperial settlement of Eboracum centuries later.
Steve Roskams added: "The potential for historical discovery is only part of what can be achieved here. Our plan is to run a live archaeological dig for community groups, students and research archaeologists while working hand-in-hand with the University developers on the Heslington East site. We want to demonstrate that, when it comes to this kind of work, academic, educational and commercial interests can be made to coincide."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- More information of the Department of Archaeology is available at www.york.ac.uk/depts/arch/
- More information on the University of York’s campus development is available at www.york.ac.uk/campusdevelopment/