Member Article

Roman settlement discovered at Barratt Homes’ Ashmeade Park

An archaeological investigation at the site of Barratt Homes’ new Ashmeade Park development in Pontefract has led to the discovery of a regionally significant Roman settlement on the outskirts of the town.

Archaeologists from Archaeological Services WYAS were given the chance to investigate the land off Cobbler’s Lane, revealing an extensive landscape of fields, enclosures and occupation activity, including a roundhouse and other structures. The finds from the site help to illustrate the daily life of our Romano-British ancestors, which include a bone needle, tweezers and part of a brooch and are easily recognisable today.

The investigation also revealed a large amount of pottery, such as the broken remnants of bowls and jars used for cooking, and a surprising number of ovens were also found at the site, with at least 12 identified so far. Once analysed and recorded, the discoveries will be deposited at Pontefract Museum for the local community and visitors to enjoy.

Nansi Rosenberg of Prospect Archaeology, who is overseeing the project on behalf of Barratt Homes, commented: “The aim of our excavation is to identify and record the archaeological features and artefacts, I’m very excited by the results so far and delighted that this work is adding to our understanding of West Yorkshire’s heritage”.

Gavin McCarthy, Sales Manager at Ashmeade Park commented:

“It’s very exciting to have discovered so many interesting objects that help highlight the daily life of our Romano-British ancestors. As with any significant findings at our sites, the key priority is to work with the archaeological team and investigators so we can ensure the preservation of the artefacts, which are incredibly useful for piecing together the history of a local area. It is great these objects will be on display at Pontefract Museum for the whole community to learn about its history.”

Ashmeade Park will offer a collection of stylish two, three and four bedroom homes situated in an ideal location with great transport links and a range of amenities close by. The homes will be situated a short 5 minute drive east of Pontefract’s historic town centre and located within easy reach of Pontefract Monkhill railway station, the A1 and M62 motorways providing easy connections to Wakefield, Leeds and Doncaster. Prices start from £159,995.

For more information Barratt Homes please visit http://www.barratthomes.co.uk/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Savage .