More than 700 years of history unearthed at community dig

HISTORY: A 1640 map of Hull, showing the defensive wall built on the orders of Henry VIII a century earlier. Picture credit: Hull History Centre

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

A glimpse of medieval Hull and 18th-century workers’ houses were among the discoveries at a community archaeology dig.

The six-week dig on the east bank of the River Hull uncovered more than 700 years of the history of Drypool, including the infilled remains of the pool that gave the ancient village its name.

Members of Humber Field Archaeology (HFA) were joined by enthusiastic volunteers on the former Clarence Mill site, discovering artefacts from as far back as the reign of Edward I when Hull got its royal charter.

The careful excavation and identification of objects found at the site began in early September.

Highlights included a view of part of the east bank defensive wall built by order of King Henry VIII between 1541-43; 18th century workers houses; and Harcourt Street, which received bomb damage during the Second World War and was subsequently covered over.

Peter Connelly, archaeology manager for HFA who led the project, said: “We have unearthed some amazing artefacts at the site, over 700 years’ worth of stories. We’ve found a much longer period of continuous habitation than we initially expected, right back to when Hull received its royal charter 725 years ago.

“There’s evidence of Henry VIII’s history in Hull, including a moat around the wall he had built, right through the Georgian and Victorian periods to the early-to-mid 20th century.

“It’s fantastic that HFA has been able to access the site and the information uncovered will go some way to helping Hull City Council with its future developments.”

About 120 volunteers discovered their own bit of history across the six weeks, including Ursula, who was part of the final group of volunteers. She said: “This is my first archaeological dig and I didn’t really know what to expect. I’ve met so many like-minded people from different walks of life and it’s been brilliant.

“The HFA team has been so helpful and very generous in taking their own time to explain what we have come across. You really don’t know what’s going to come out of the ground, so for them to describe what’s being found in such great detail has been amazing.

“I’ve found items from 14th century pottery to Victorian waste. This was a great opportunity and I was sad to see it finish. I hope the council and HFA are able to host more community digs as they’re fascinating and very inclusive.”