Bradford archaeologists investigate 6,000-year-old secrets hidden beneath Yorkshire moorland
Archaeologists from the University of Bradford are coming to the end of a two-week investigating evidence of some of the earliest known human activity in the South Pennines.
Staff and students are taking part in a major field project at Bridestones Moor, near Todmorden, until August 14, exploring traces of Mesolithic hunter-gatherer communities who lived in the area more than 6,000 years ago.
The project combines archaeological survey, landscape investigation, test-pitting, environmental sampling, geophysical survey and digital recording techniques in a bid to better understand how people interacted with the landscape thousands of years before farming became established in Britain.
Secrets beneath the soil
Researchers hope the work will reveal new information about early human activity on the moor, while also helping to protect archaeological remains preserved within its peatlands.
The excavation is being led by Dr Jodie Lewis, Associate Professor in Archaeology at the University of Bradford.
Dr Lewis said: “Bridestones Moor is an extraordinary landscape with a rich archaeological and environmental history. Previous discoveries show that people were using this landscape thousands of years ago and we’re excited to investigate what further evidence may survive beneath the peat.
“What makes this project particularly exciting is the combination of archaeology, environmental science and digital technologies. We’re not simply looking into the past, we’re also helping to inform the future management of an important upland landscape.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain hands-on experience in the field while contributing to genuine research. Archaeology is all about asking questions and uncovering stories, and this project has the potential to reveal new insights into the lives of some of Yorkshire’s earliest inhabitants.”
University of Bradford archaeologists at the Bridestones site. All credits: University of Bradford.
Public open days
The research is being carried out in partnership with Bridestones Rewilded Community Interest Company, which is working to rewild and restore the moorland landscape. The project aims to generate new data on peatland development, identify archaeological remains potentially at risk from environmental change and support sustainable landscape management.
A public open day at the dig site will be on August 12, from 1pm to 4pm, with tours at 1pm and 3pm. Find it using What Three Words: cycles.squabbles.markets
Inspirational landscape
The Bridestones are among the South Pennines’ most distinctive landscapes and have recently attracted wider attention through their appearance in the latest Wuthering Heights film adaptation, as well as artwork associated with pop act Florence + The Machine.
The project showcases the University of Bradford’s expertise in archaeology, geophysics, landscape investigation and digital heritage, bringing together students and researchers to explore how people lived, travelled and thrived in Yorkshire more than six millennia ago.