Update by Paula Ware on the Burnby Lane Archeology Dig.



Iron Age Sword found at the Burnby Lane Site.

Local organisations are continuing to investigate ways of keeping finds from the recent Burnby Lane archaeological dig in Pocklington, although it could be several years before they will available to be permanently displayed. And townsfolk will have the chance to hear more about them when the head archaeologist gives a talk at Pocklington Arts Centre on the 8th February 2017.

The excavation, which preceded the Horseshoe Crescent housing development on Burnby Lane, stunned experts when it unexpectedly uncovered finds which are regarded as being of international importance and could shed new light on Britain's Iron Age heritage.

Remains of dozens of Iron Age square barrows, a form of burial unique to East Yorkshire and continental Europe, were found on Burnby Lane. They yielded some 975 artefacts and 180 burials, and the Pocklington finds continue to interest and excite academics and archaeologists. The post-excavation analysis has seen most directed to Hull University, but others have gone on to London, Bristol and even Harvard in the United States, as part of the biggest study of Iron Age Britain for 40 years.

The artefacts include a sword and several spears and knives, but the majority are brooches, bangles and glass and amber beads, with further major research bids in the pipeline to fund more analysis and try and discover where they originated or were made. The bones have also been subject to further examination, and DNA and osteology reports are eagerly awaited.

The Burnby Lane developers, David Wilson Homes, are keen to donate the finds to the town and Pocklington & District Local History Group has joined forces with Pocklington Town Council and Pocklington Gateway Partnership to look at the challenge of how the collection could be kept intact and housed in Pocklington.

Town representatives recently met Paula Ware, managing director of MAP Archaeological Practice, who carried out the dig. An archaeologist with 30 years experience in the field, she admitted that MAP were "overwhelmed" once the news broke of the Pocklington finds, saying: "I've never known anything like it, interest in Pocklington is huge."

Paula gave an initial briefing in the Arts Centre in March 2015 when the excavation was only partway through. Almost two years on the dig is nearing completion and she returned to give a update and more information on Wednesday 8 February, 2017.