‘Glimpses of the past’: Community dig to take place at former Clarence Mill site in Drypool
THE WAY IT WAS: A cobbled street unearthed at the site of the former Clarence Mill in Drypool. Picture credit: Hull City Council / Humber Field Archaeology
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
People interested in archaeology are to take part in a community dig on a historic Hull site next month, but all available places have already been filled.
A free archaeological dig on the site of the former Clarence Mill will take place from Monday, September 2.
A statutory exploration was undertaken by Humber Field Archaeology (HFA) earlier this year as the site is prepared for the East Bank Urban Village development.
SECRETS TO UNEARTH: The site near the River Hull
Visitors will help uncover the hidden history of the Drypool area for themselves, 725 years after Hull received its royal charter, including discovering how it was at the heart of an important medieval village and a stopping point before crossing the River Hull by ferry, on route to the bustling port of Kingston upon Hull.
The dig supports the Hull City Council’s ‘Our Culture, Our Heritage, Our City’ ambition within Hull’s new community plan and will be led by experts from HFA.
Peter Connelly, archaeology manager for HFA, said: “We’ve already had tantalising glimpses into the past of this site, including a lost street that has its origins in the 18th century, part of Henry VIII’s defences, pottery that is 700 years old, and the infilled remains of a pool that may represent the origins of the village’s name.
“Now we want the people of Hull to help us uncover more of the story of Drypool as we journey into the past of this important part of the city.”
Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration and housing at the council, said: “I’m proud that the council has been able to arrange this free activity for the people of Hull to get their hands on history.”
Organisers say that are “sorry and amazed” that places on the dig, which will take place over seven weeks, have already been taken.