Prehistoric human remains found near Full Sutton!

The excavation, conducted as part of a £5 million sewer construction project by Yorkshire Water, has revealed a trove of archaeological treasures, including a burial monument, remnants of a Roman road, and traces of a burnt mound. Each discovery holds valuable clues about the lives of those who inhabited the land thousands of years ago.

Among the most striking finds is a small circular burial monument dating back approximately 4,500 years. Despite centuries of ploughing, the human remains found within the monument are surprisingly well-preserved. The individual, laid to rest in a fetal or crouched position, was surrounded by burnt stone and charcoal, indicating elaborate burial practices of the time. This monument, likely from the Later Neolithic or Bronze Age, was covered by a dome-shaped mound, echoing the reverence and rituals of ancient societies.

Photo Credit: Yorkshire Water

Adjacent to the burial site lies remnants of a burnt mound, offering insights into early cooking techniques and daily life. Archaeologists uncovered a small earth oven and a well-like pit, preserved by waterlogging. The well's wooden lining and soil samples promise valuable data about ancient plant and insect life, shedding light on environmental conditions and human interactions with the landscape.

Further afield, closer to Stamford Bridge, traces of a Roman road have been revealed, accompanied by drainage ditches suggesting a route towards the Roman town of Derventio in Reckondales. This discovery not only highlights the area's strategic importance in Roman times but also hints at the extensive network of roads that once crisscrossed the region.

Photo Credit: Yorkshire Water

Adam Ellis, project manager at Yorkshire Water, expressed enthusiasm for the project, describing it as "fascinating." He emphasized the importance of archaeological investigations preceding modern construction efforts, recognizing the significance of preserving and understanding the region's rich heritage.

As the analysis stage of the project begins, researchers eagerly await further revelations from these ancient sites. In the meantime, the construction of the new sewer continues, poised to serve the needs of the present while honoring the legacy of the past.