Week 3 - Young Archaeologists Dig In

Richard Newman School saw the opening up of 9 pits along the edge of the sports field.  The first group of 50 appeared on the horizon and immediately swarmed down to their pits.  With a brief explanation the young community archaeologists got straight to work reducing the pits in depth and learning and questioning as the went.  The enthusiasm was limitless the volunteers in stunned shock.  However after a revitalising brew with Greek honey we got back to our feet ready for the afternoon session with another 50 young community archaeologists.

Athersley North School allowed us to dig across a corner of the field which unfortunately had been recently landscaped and consisted of made ground of modern building materials.  7 test pits were opened up, but none were completed.  However again the enthusiasm was enormous as was the children’s ambitions to get down to Australia.

Athersley South School was incredible privilege to work at with facilities laid on and the weather was perfect.  Yet again the children were very keen on using all the tools, digging and sieving the spoil.  Beryl’s granddaughter Sophie got a real taste for archaeology, clearly a ‘chip of the old block’ (sorry Beryl). 

setting out the test pits in the morning

Yet again the children were very keen on using all the tools, digging and sieving the spoil.  Beryl’s granddaughter Sophie got a real taste for archaeology, clearly a ‘chip of the old block’ (sorry Beryl). 

We had no real expectations of significant archaeology until during the afternoon Cole turned up a Georgian piece of jewelry.  

Cole's find of the month (TP40)

This was confirmed by the Portable Antiquities Officer for South Yorkshire, Ms Eleanor Cox, as a fob seal of late Post-medieval date (AD 1700-1800).  Fob seals were used to mark the wax that used to seal envelopes and hung round the writer's neck, and evidences just how aspirational and communicative Athersley folk were during the Late Post Medieval period.

So an exhausting but deeply rewarding time had by all, more anon - Chris Scurfield 2013

week 2 (down the pits)

Week 2, saw the targeting of 10 test pits right across the ward, but concentrating on Beryl's garden due the excellent catering.

 TP 13 within the church grounds revealed evidence for the made ground which was characterised by at least two tipping episodes.

 TP 15 was significant as it encountered a dog burial which we were able to confirm, after detective work within the local community, was called ‘Chippy’.  Also still lurking in the TP15’s garden is a ‘Blue Peter’ time capsule so a possible target for next year?

 

TP15: ‘Chippy’ RIP

The Finds comprised mainly of brick and tile associated with house construction with pottery and glass, iron and glass slag.  Some pits we found evidence for clay pipes. Clay pipes survive as either round fragments of stem or the actual bowls many of which were decorated.  The presence of clay pipes probably related to the areas agricultural fields during the 19^th century with farmers stopping for a smoking break.  On a more modern note across many of the pits small quantities of asbestos were encountered, evidence of the original garden sheds erected at each property.