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

Event - Doncaster’s Roman culture on show in new cultural quarter

Archaeologists working on the site of Doncaster’s Civic and Cultural Quarter (CCQ) have uncovered a rare Roman glass jug dating back to about AD150 on the site of a former Roman cremation cemetery.

The vessel would have been filled with rich goods like oils and placed next a high status burial. The neck of the jug may have been deliberately broken off when placed in the burial. At about 15cm in height and in excellent condition it was found close to the planned site of the new performance venue. A similar vessel was found in the 1960s when the Arndale Centre, now the Frenchgate Shopping Centre, was being built. This vessel has been restored and is on display at Doncaster Museum.

To coincide with the ‘Festival of British Archaeology’, the archaeological site on Waterdale Central Car Park is being opened up to the public on Saturday, 23rd July between 12 and 4pm.

During the open day there will be tours of the excavation. People can talk with the archaeologists about their work and what has been found in the Roman cemetery. It is also an opportunity to learn about Doncaster’s Roman history which dates back nearly 2000 years. A Roman Fort was established close to the Market Place around the site of Doncaster Minster in about AD71.

Staff from Doncaster’s Tourist Information Centre (TIC) and Museum will be on hand with interesting displays and artefacts found in Doncaster dating back to this period. Visitors are asked to wear stout footwear.

Andy Lines of South Yorkshire Archaeology Service said: “The cremation cemetery appears to have been in use from about AD140-180. Careful planning by the council is allowing us to really enrich our knowledge of this period of Doncaster’s past.”

The archaeological works are being carried out by ArcHeritage in conjunction with consultants Scott Wilson under the supervision of the council’s development partner Muse Developments and advisors, South Yorkshire Archaeology Service.

The archaeological works are part of the preparation works for Doncaster’s public square and new performance venue, which form part of the council led CCQ development. Work on these two key developments will start later this summer.

A series of practice trenches dug by soldiers as part of a recruitment exercise during World War One have also been revealed on the site. After the excavation, experts will analyse all the remains including the glass jug, cremation urns and burnt bones to add to the story of Doncaster’s Roman past. The finds will then be deposited in Doncaster Museum.

Doncaster’s TIC offers a popular heritage walk around the town centre on the first Friday of the month starting at 10.30am. More details about this and other attractions can be found at: www.visitdoncaster.co.uk

The CCQ project is supported financially by the European Union, as part of the European Regional Development Fund’s support for the region’s economic development through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.

From: http://www.doncaster.gov.uk/Leisure_and_Culture/Museums_and_Galleries/Doncaster_Museum_and_Art_Gallery/Doncaster_Museum_and_Art_Gallery.asp

Event - Roman jug unearthed at site of new theatre (Doncaster)

They came, they saw, they conquered - and they left behind some fascinating artefacts.

Archaeologists working on the site of Doncaster’s new civic and cultural quarter have unearthed a rare Roman glass jug dating back to around AD150.

The area is believed to have been the site of a Roman cemetery where cremations took place.

And on Saturday visitors will be able to tour the excavation site in the company of archaeologists to learn about the jug and other finds, as well as about the town’s important Roman history.

Andy Lines of South Yorkshire Archaeology Service added: “The cremation ceremony appears to have been in use from about AD 140-180. Careful planning by the council is allowing us to really enrich our knowledge of this period of Doncaster’s past.”

The unearthed vessel, which is 15cm tall and was found close to the site of the new performance venue, would have been filled with rich goods like oils and placed next to a high status burial with the neck of the jug deliberately broken off to be placed in the grave.

A similar vessel was found in the 1960s when the Arndale Centre - later the Frenchgate Shopping Centre - was being built. Now restored, the piece is on display in Doncaster Museum.

Doncaster’s Roman history dates back nearly 2,000 years and the town was then known as Danum. A Roman fort was established close to the Market Place near the minster in around AD71.

Saturday’s event, which coincides with the Festival of British Archaeology, runs from noon to 4pm on the site of the former Waterdale car park.

As well as chatting to the archaeologists involved, visitors will be able to see displays of other artefacts found in Doncaster and staff from the tourist information centre and museum will be on hand. Stout footwear is recommended.

From: http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/community/roman_jug_unearthed_at_site_of_new_theatre_1_3603555