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THE WORK OF THE NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL HISTORIC ENVIROMENT TEAM - Gail Falkingham (NY Historic Environment Team)
After County councillor W J Fort BEM had welcomed 288 people to the second Historic Environment Day, Gail explained the work of the NYCC Historic Environment Team.
The Heritage & Environment Section covers .5 million hectares. That is, all of N. Yorkshire apart from the N. York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales National Parks, and the City of York. Their roll covers:
a) Advisory.
b) Archaeology & Development
c) Rural Archaeology
d) Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) with the National Parks and York.
e) Building Conservation Grant Schemes
f) Outreach & Publicity
All information including their Newsletter and leaflets, is available on their website: www.northyorks.gov.uk/archaeology
Liz. Foster, who had been awarded a Workplace Learning Bursary in Rural Archaeology , funded by the HLF, then presented her CV and explained her current roll in the Environment Team, which is basically a learning experience.
RURAL ARCHAEOLOGY – Linda Smith
In the absence through illness of Stuart Noon, Linda Smith explained the roll of a Rural Archaeologist. This is essentially to manage existing sites in situ, and to maintain a balance between the natural and cultural environment.
Sites vary from flint scatters, buildings, classical monuments to historic landscapes, and her roll is to persuade land-owners to help to preserve these, by offering advice on management of land buildings and trees, etc.
Ruth Spencer
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THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF GREENHOW HILL - Martin Roe (Meerstone Archaeological Consultancy)
Martin Roe recently has been researching all aspects of the archaeology of Greenhow Hill. Greenhow Hill has a long history, not all of it related to ‘lead mining’. Amongst Martin’s discoveries: 38 ore dressing locations, three smelt mills, water leats, track ways and paths. A great deal of this information has come from an ancient map of Craven which Martin found in the Public Record Office at Kew. It has been suggested that this map could be dated to 1530 which would make it the earliest known map.
The second part of his talk was related to work which he had undertaken for Hansons – Pateley Bridge Quarry Archaeological Mitigation. Martin’s job was to survey an area prior to the extension of the quarry. Amongst the features discovered were two ring cairns, an Iron Age corral-style enclosure surrounding a spring and a linear feature which turned out to be the footings of a wall but unfortunately no artefacts were found that could date this feature. Of particular interest was an assemblage of 40 timbers, comprising mostly of silver birch lying vertically and horizontally, possibly to form a barrier to hold clay back, were uncovered. One of the timbers has been identified as a bucket stave dated to 1660.
Janis Heward
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RECORDING HISTORIC BUILDINGS IN NORTH CRAVEN - Phil Hudson (North Craven Historical Research Group)
The North Craven Historical Research Group carried out a desk-top survey to locate early buildings in Giggleswick and Settle. They consulted early documents from Rentals, and the Lodges & Vaccaries of the 14th Century.
Their aim was to then measure and photograph the buildings, and to obtain access to property deeds, and the inside of the buildings, etc. Unfortunately, this was impossible; little was recorded, never mind published, as many of the owners were not prepared to co-operate.
Phil showed us photographs of a number of the buildings, recorded mainly from the outside! These ranged from a 14th Century dwelling to several dated from the early 1600’s - a later building often being constructed on the original foundations, as could be seen from corner padstones. Where access could be obtained, timber rafters or cruck blades in the roof, gave evidence of older buildings, (although these were sometimes re-used). The discovery of the remains of stone fireplaces, bread ovens and early cellars, discovered on renovation of the property, also gave evidence of early buildings.
Ruth Spencer
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MORE GRAVE NEWS FROM SPOFFORTH: THE MORTUARY RITUAL AND PALEOPATHOLOGY OF A MID ANGLO-SAXON PERIOD POPULATION – Paul Johnson (Northern Archaeological Associates) & Lizzie Craig (University of Sheffield)
During the preparation of foundations for a new housing estate at Spofforth, between Harrogate and Wetherby a number of corroded iron strap like items turned up. Closer examination suggested that they were the straps used on mid Anglo-Saxon wooden coffins, so called chest burials, which are usually associated with either monastic or aristocratic burials. Such burials being common in Denmark.
Further examination of the area revealed a large cemetery, as the the area was away from the church it had been machine dug and therefore a number of the burials had been damaged
There were four zones of burial with both articulated inhumations and charnel, with initial assessment suggesting 180 burials. As the area was originally on farmland there were also a number of recent animal burials mixed in.
Some of the burials were multi-occupancy, a few showed signs of a violent death, one was prone and had been decapitated. There was no evidence of rigid orientation of the graves.
Full ostelogical reporting followed later and identified 308 burials with a possible 100 additional burials represented by the disarticulated bones.
The graveyard population was equally divided between male and female, about 25% being juvenile, this being a normal demographic distribution for a mid Anglo-Saxon cemetery.
There appeared to be no segregation of areas based on sex, suggesting that this was not a monastic community.
The pathology of the population showed an above average number of cases of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) which is often associated with Type II Diabetes, a high incidence of osteoarthritis and spinal degeneration both associated with heavy manual work. There was also evidence of Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) which is an unusual finding for Anglo-Saxon cemeteries. There were also three cases of cranial trauma with sharp weapons. There was also a child burial which had a gross facial deformation, however it was buried in amongst the other occupants suggesting that no exclusion was exercised toward deformed members of the community unlike has been noted in other mid Anglo-Saxon cemeteries.
Alan Williams
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A VIKING AGE HOARD FROM THE HARROGATE AREA - Gareth Williams (British Museum)
Gareth Williams of the British Museum spoke about the importance of metal finds in our historic and archaeological environment, particularly covering the January 2007 hoard located by two extremely responsible metal detectorists, David and Andrew Whelan.
The pair found some pieces of torn lead and below that they saw a special object – was it a ball cock? No, it wasn’t but eventually it was found to be a beautifully decorated silver bowl filled with coins, jewellery and various other pieces of precious metal.
As they could see what might be the edges of some coins sticking out of the top, they contacted the local Portable Antiquities Scheme representative for that area who came straight to the location and who, from then on, supervised the excavation of the vessel and examination of its immediate surrounding area with York Archaeological Trust. They resisted what must have been an almost impossible temptation to investigate fully the contents of the bowl and it was taken to the British Museum with everything intact. These prompt actions meant that, for the first time, this Museum was able to Xray the bowl whilst it was still intact and take out the infill very carefully 1cm at a time. Initially it was thought that it was filled with an estimated 400 coins but there were in fact 617 in the bowl with no discernable pattern of deposition.
It is very unusual to find a mixture of gold and silver objects in a collection but merely 2cm into the bowl both of these metals were found and the gold included a 9-10th century Scandinavian arm ring of which Gareth knew of only one other which had been found in the Isle of Man.
The bowl and 4 coins came from northern France (Carolingian) with other coins from Germany and Scandinavia and even 15 from the Middle East. Because of the large cultural mixture of items collected before the British ones, it would appear that the river and water systems from the south into Europe, through Russia and Scandinavia may have been used. There was a fragment of a neck ring from northern Russia which is known to have traded with the Arabs who turned thousands of coins into heavy rings of a particular weight for use as status symbols, and which would be far too heavy for extended wear.
In the early 10th century, coins were not needed for the northern Danelaw so it was a political decision to adopt them. Two economies were in force, a status one using large amounts of silver/ gold in jewellery and a bullion economy which weighed the coins and adjusted them if inaccurate. Coinage Romanised kingship so the Christians began to use them but not in Viking England with the exception of York where there may have been a deliberate assimilation incorporating Thor’s symbols with St Peter’s.
The Anglo-Saxon coins formed the largest collection ranging from 899-928AD with a short gap early in Edward’s reign until 920. The collection included coins, ingots of precious metal, damaged jewellery and twisted silver of late 9-10th century. It is unknown who the very rich person was who deposited the bowl shortly after 928 and who, no doubt, expected to return and reclaim it.
It is considered that the Frankish bowl may have originally been intended for use as a Church product as in the mid 9th century the vine scroll decoration and animals were used to symbolise Christianity. This raises the question of how a valuable Frankish Church product ended up secreted in North Yorkshire - was it taken in a Viking raid or ‘gifted’...?
The British Museum hopes to purchase the collection but is still awaiting the final valuation. They will need funding not only to cover the purchase but also to develop a programme around it so that replicas can be seen in other museums, notably Harrogate and York, whilst the original objects are elsewhere.
N.B. In Issue 1 p.18, Feb. 2008, North Yorks. Historic Environment News, handed to us on the day, there is an article on the Roman Coffin which the same pair of detectorists found last August ‘in a field near Boroughbridge’. See www.northyorks.gov.uk/communityheritage for newsletter.
Pauline Dodsworth
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THE EARLY MEDIEVAL SITE AT BURDALE: RECENT FIELDWORK AND ITS IMPLICATIONS - Steve Roskams (University of York)
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The work at Burdale forms part of the Wolds Project, investigating early medieval socio-economic transitions and intensification of agriculture. The Burdale focus: to evaluate the spatial organisation and function of the site using previous knowledge from APs, geophysics and metal detecting and to combine this with a teaching programme for York University students covering all aspects of fieldwork from feature identification to final presentation.
The site extends for about 1 km along a dry valley near Wharram Percy. Evidence showed an extensive site of possible early medieval date. Fieldwork would include evaluation of sedimentation and the extent of 8-9th C activity and development.
Fieldwork in 2006 and 2007 included two 50x20m excavation trenches, a kite-flown camera, geophysics and metal detecting. Early medieval features were found, with earlier underlying features, late prehistoric or Roman and late Roman. There was no clear relationship between the earlier and later phases.
Early medieval features; a complex pattern of curvilinear enclosures along the site, some of which extended beyond the trench, with hearths and scoops clustered in certain enclosures; sunken structures containing two opposing postholes and hints of burning and occupation; evidence of quarrying for chalk. Functions varied with activity apparently zoned and assumed to be industrial and organised. Intensity of activity and the character of the scoop fill awaits analysis of the residues.
Earlier features: late prehistoric or Roman, including a pit containing horse and cow bones; late Roman linear and rectilinear features and pits.
Finds: not clear what came from where but most apparently from the early medieval period. Good finds survival but there were contextual and visibility problems: intrusions into the chalk, no ground surface survival; truncation of deposits. Finds included animal bones, whetstones, bonecombs, tweezers - probably Roman, a bell fragment, a silver ring, Anglian and other coins plus off-cuts from Islamic coins.
Settlement evolution showed clear separation between the earlier and later periods; early medieval economic development, indicated by prestigious artifacts; coin evidence of a general exchange system.
Helen McKinlay
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SHERIFF HUTTON CASTLES AND THEIR DESIGNED LANDSCAPES - Ed Dennison (Ed Dennison Archaeological Services)
This paper focussed on the development of the castle from being a secure area of safety in an unsettled time to a place which could also be used for pleasure. He illustrated his talk with numerous photographs illustrating both of buildings and layouts which became highly desirable status symbols and enabled the nobility to impress one another! Ed has been involved with the WI and local historians at Sheriff Hutton for many years and has worked on each of the existing castles, two greens, village plans and deer park.
Ed showed illustrations of castles where the baileys had been converted into gardens and where visitors travelling along access routes had to pass long ponds – water features were now becoming visually desirable rather than being primarily for the supply of fresh fish.
Essential elements of a designed medieval landscape always included the approaches which were manipulated to show the wealth of the owner to the best advantage; 13th century Leeds Castle was an illustrated example sitting in the centre of a lake which beautifully reflected the impressive structures. Other essential elements were the manipulation of water and the creation of parks for deer and pleasure and included gardens with raised viewing beds.
Ravensworth, with its 2 restructured flat topped bank moats for visitors to walk around (the innermost acting as the main drain for the gardrobes), had a formal entrance from the village green. It also had an enclosed garden with a little park divided into three enclosures. It is possible one was an orchard, another a tilt yard, and one had water features. Medieval documents often show raised beds in their castle illustrations and this central enclosure had six separate, possibly remodelled, terraced platforms.
In the 1380’s Bodiam was created especially for display, its landscape impressing visitors advancing along the circuitous approach, and only very gradually revealing the castle’s architectural features.
Hunting reserves for deer, warrens for rabbits and pastures for livestock were all part of the Medieval landscape and were frequently surrounded by ditches. Whole villages were occasionally moved in order to create these features with some castles being built purely as hunting lodges.
Architecturally, windows in the best apartments were usually small and barred as at Harewood Castle for example. Perhaps it was the intention for people to look at the distant views rather than onto the private gardens which were now being created within the confines of the castle.
Sheriff Hutton has gone through complex phases of development especially in the 11th and 12th centuries when the Nevilles had 80 manors in six counties with much power and money. The early 12th century motte and bailey castle built at the east end of the village was primarily used as a hunting base for the deer park. Later in 1378 John de Nevill got a Licence for a market and moved back some of the properties fronting the village green to create a market place which was controlled by the Castle until 1910. A new castle was built four years later.
By the late 14th century the grounds were at their fullest extent and, as views were all important, the Castle could be seen from the whole area of the park. There were 3 courts in the castle precinct with an entrance through middle court. The upper rooms overlook the deer park and were probably the Lord’s apartments with windows and heating. There are 15th century embellishments to the exterior walls.
In the early 16th century two long linear canals were cut across earlier features. There were gardens between the castle and the grounds, with a ha-ha to control the cattle. It is speculated that an 18 yard wooden bridge (removed after about 20 years) was erected just for an anticipated visit by Elizabeth 1st, it is known that at this time such things were done for a single event! The castle was landscaped, got heraldic displays and, to medieval and Tudor minds, now had the very important water gardens.
More information can be found in the speakers book “Within the Pale – The Story of Sheriff Hutton Park”.
Pauline Dodsworth
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HISTORIC PARKS AND GARDEN OF NIDDERDALE - Marie-Anne Hintze and Margaret Waterson (Nidderdale AONB Study Group)
This study was undertaken by the Historic Parks and Gardens in the Nidderdale AONB Study Group, and included desk-top research and site visits, in conjunction with other Community Groups in the area.
At the beginning of the study only three gardens were recorded in the National Gardens Register for the 233 square miles of Nidderdale. As a result of the work of this Group there are now 218 recorded sites of designed landscapes and garden features.
Sites recorded include a monastic deer park at Brimham for Fountains Abbey; 18th Century ornamental parkland at Azerley; a walled garden at Bewerley Park, much of which has now disappeared, also a folly at Pately Bridge built to employ workers on the Bewerley Estate. Ice houses were recorded from Otley, Jervaulx and Bewerley; Municipal gardens such as Sparrow Park at Pateley Bridge; spa wells in the Harrogate and Ripon areas; sun-dials; a 19th Century bandstand; and various water features, including fish-ponds.
Many orchards of the area have now disappeared, as have market gardens and nurseries with occasionally just a few odd trees being left. Others, first mentioned in the 1850’s, survived to the end of the 2nd World War, but are now built over.
The study group hope to produce an up to date data base of features, available on the website, and also in the National Historic Parks and Gardens Records at York and Northallerton. They intend to study 3 sites in detail and are working with Kevin Cale and Primary Schools in the locality, and interacting with other projects.
Ruth Spencer
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