Newsletter
Newsletter, 3 March 2009
Dear All,
Despite the weather of the last few weeks that has been very February-ish, it's been quite a month, with several talks, a display and some great fieldwork days producing amazing finds ...
There have been several great discoveries - not least, a remarkable Iron Age furnace site (our second) and what looks like an entire area of ancient lead working with hearths and dribbles of lead dross all over the place. There's no traditional treasure here, but something just as valuable from the archaeological point of view is surfacing - just what was going on here centuries (or maybe millennia) ago? We shall continue to investigate in the coming months ...
And a scattering of new finds have shown us that life, or at least work, continued on this hilltop in medieval times. A chunky medieval horseshoe and a fantastic and beautifully-made metal tool (possibly a wood chisel) from a likely medieval stratum have given us valuable clues about who was up here sometime between 500 and 800 years ago.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on the great success of the Family Day in the half term: the practise metal-detecting for "planted" finds discovered more than we bargained for - an entirely new collection of iron slag was found! Our experimental archaeology (ie. a tactical attack on Mansion Knoll by mini screaming barbarians) was followed by a scenic picnic and a carboniferous fossil hunt. All in all, a wonderfully relaxed and enjoyable day.
Chisel?
We have also spent a Saturday strutting our stuff at the North Yorkshire Historic Environment Day in Northallerton on 21st February and it was good to see some of our members there amidst the "networking" that went on between the talks and cups of tea.
Tuesday 10th March : After the excitement of our latest Feature Digs (the Iron Age hut circle), a second Iron Age furnace site and then signs of another metal-working patch), this Tuesday is set to be another Feature Dig day, meeting at 10am at the Schoolroom at Dacre Top. Do come along and see what we can make of another metal-working site: this one might be from another era and previous exploratory scratchings show that it will certainly have fresh evidence tucked away for us to unearth.
Advance Notice: Our AGM will be held on Wednesday 13th May in the Schoolroom at Dacre Top, 7.30-9.30pm. As well as the (brief) official part of the evening it will include a photographic show and a display of actual finds from the site, a spot of virtual archaeology in a presentation (no chill winds or mud this way!) and the all important refreshments as well as a chance to chat. Do join us.
Gill
Gillian Hovell
Secretary, Iron-Age (Nidderdale) Project
As ever, may we remind you all that the site is on an exposed hillside and waterproofs/suncream and stout footwear are definitely required.
May we stress that the site is on private property with no public right of way - access must be accompanied by a group leader at all times.
