Article - Prehistoric and Roman remains are discovered (South Yorkshire)

GRAVES from a Roman cemetery and buried prehistoric artefacts are among the discoveries identified in the latest searches by theSouth Yorkshire Archaeological Service.

Experts from the service carry out examinations of proposed development sites around the county to ensure secrets from the past are not misses.

One of their latest discoveries involved checking aerial photographs of land earmarked for a new school and gospel hall on Todwick Road, North Anston.

In their report, archaeologists said: “A study demonstrates the application area sits within a landscape of later prehistoric and Roman features visible as crop marks.

“There is, therfore, potential for archaeological remains relating to these periods to exist on site.”

The report recommends a search of the site for remains.

Meanwhile, excavations at Waterdale, Doncaster town centre, have found evidence of a Roman cemetery.

Archaeologists reported: “Between 20 and 30 individual burials were identified, along with a number of complete cremation urns, pottery, glass vessels and oil lamps. Bulk samples indicate evidence for feasting and votive offerings and some burnt material is suggested to be the site of a funeral pyre.”

Other findings include evidence of a possible iron age settlement and fields on a site at Goldthorpe Industrial Estate.

A trackway and Romano-British field boundaries, dating back about 2,000 years, were found buried beneath land at Outwood Academy, Doncaster.

In Sheffield, archaeologists have asked for a record to be made of the history of the former Abbey Glen laundry, Coniston Road, Abbeydale, in case it is demolished for redevelopment, because of the building’s ‘importance as a local historic structure’.

Archaeologists will also record the condition of a historic waterwheel site at Kelham Island Goit, before a new wheel is built there to generate electricity. There are currently features from the 17th-19th centuries at the site.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/local/prehistoric-and-roman-remains-are-discovered-1-4339119

Event - Visitors flock to step back in time (Doncaster)

More than 1,000 people whose imagination was sparked by the discovery of a rare Roman glass jug visited Doncaster’s latest town centre archaeological dig.

Seven archaeologists from ArcHeritage were on hand to conduct tours and to talk about the artefacts unearthed on the site of the new civil and cultural quarter.

Visitor Louella Chesterman of Bennetthorpe, said: “I found the event and tour extremely interesting and was impressed to hear that this site is now the largest Roman burial site in South Yorkshire. Listening to the archaeologists about how a dig takes place was fascinating.”

Ms Chesterman plans to visit Doncaster Museum in Chequer Road where the finds will go on display.

Jessica Worth, age 11, from Balby, said: “It was really interesting. The best bit for me was seeing the Roman glass bottle which was found here. I’m amazed it has survived all these years. I’ll definitely go and see it at the museum when it goes on display”.

As well as the rare Roman glass jug dating back to about AD150, several cremation urns and five oil lamps, which accompanied the burials, were discovered during the dig.

Four of the oil lamps discovered in a large cremation pit are in near perfect condition and carry the makers’ names ‘Fortis’ and ‘Strobili’, which indicates they were probably created in Modena in Northern Italy.

David Aspden, who is leading the ArcHeritage excavation, said the team has been delighted to find artefacts in such good condition: “When you are excavating a Roman cemetery you expect to uncover some significant finds, but to find two intact cremation urns, which can now be preserved and displayed, has been tremendous.”

Andy Lines of South Yorkshire Archaeology Service added: “This site is special and is going to make an important contribution to our understanding of Roman life and death in Doncaster 1,850 years ago.”

First World War practice trenches were also found on what was the Waterdale Central Car Park.

ArcHeritage worked with archaeological consultants Scott Wilson under the supervision of Doncaster Council’s development partner Muse Developments and advisors, South Yorkshire Archaeology Service.

To continue the celebration of Doncaster’s Roman history, Roman soldiers will be setting up camp in the grounds of the Minster on Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4. The soldiers will march through town and displays will be available. This Roman camp is part of the St Leger Festival Week which runs between 2-11 September.

Work on the next stage of Doncaster’s £300m CCQ scheme is due to start shortly. 

from: http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/community/nostalgia/visitors_flock_to_step_back_in_time_1_3631329