Medieval secrets uncovered at quarry site
Quarry work uncovers evidence of life in Northumberland more than a thousand years ago. Tony Henderson reports
Soil stripping at a Northumberland quarry site has revealed evidence of a community living at the location up to 1,300 years ago.
During the operation at Divethill Quarry in Capheaton near Great Bavington, remains of around 10 timber buildings, pits and possible ovens or kilns are now being investigated by archaeologists.
Radiocarbon analysis has provided dates from the sixth to seventh centuries and a later date of the 11th to 12th century, shedding light on how people from the early to mid-medieval period lived and worked.
Matt Wells, project manager with Archaeological Services WYAS, which is conducting the excavation, said that the structures “closely paralleled” the reconstructed buildings at Jarrow Hall and Museum, formerly known as Bede's World, in Jarrow.
He said that the discovery was significant because little is known about life after the end of the Roman occupation.
Series of post holes have enabled the experts to trace the outlines of the settlement’s timber buildings.
“We don’t know a great deal about what is going on at this time so anything from this period is rather rare and archaeologists tend to get very excited about something so elusive,” said Matt.
The team will return next year to continue investigating the quarry site.
Coun John Riddle, cabinet member for environment and rural at Northumberland County Council and Chairman of the Divethill Quarry liaison committee, said: “Northumberland is rich in history and it's always fascinating when new archaeological sites are revealed.
“Developer-funded archaeology is so beneficial to our county and is beginning to fill in our knowledge of people who lived and worked at a key time in history.
“These excavations tell the stories of everyday life, from farming and trade to family and community life. It’s a reminder that history isn't just about kings and castles, but about real people.”
The excavation is being led by Breedon Group and Archaeological Services WYAS, the archaeological contractor. Once excavation is complete, the area will then be quarried by Breedon Group.
Niall Kelly, planning and estates manager at Breedon Group, said: "Breedon is proud to be working with Archaeological Services WYAS and Northumberland County Council on these regionally significant discoveries.
“Following consultation with Northumberland County Council, a series of archaeological studies have been carried out, revealing the potential for significant findings which will help us discover more about Northumberland’s past.”
Planning permission for the northern extension to Divethill was granted in June 2022.
In line with local and national policy, a programme of assessment, geophysical survey and trial trenching has been carried out as part of the quarry's planning application.
The site will be excavated in phases over the next two years and post-excavation work will continue to provide information about the site after excavation has finished, leading to a final report and publication.