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The Archaeological Dividend
Quarrying at Nosterfield since 1995 has provided the opportunity for professional archaeologists to explore the landscape on a wide scale. It has provided circumstances where archaeology has been rescued from the plough and preserved by record.
The map below shows the results of the watching brief at Nosterfield (see news & updates for most recent results). The watching brief has allowed a finer understanding of the landscape than would ever have been possible through non-invasive techniques. The use of the landscape is formalised into areas for living, for worship and for burial. The results include features, finds and environmental information which amount to one of the most important and coherent assemblages recovered from northern Britain to date.
Interactive Map: Cumulative results of watching brief. View
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A comprehensive programme of specialist analysis on the materials from the watching brief has also been ongoing since 1995.
Stone tools, manufacturing waste and raw materials have helped define areas of activity. Pottery has provided information about date and settlement areas. Soil sampling regimes have enhanced recovery of important environmental information. These have been refined by full conservation and scientific dating programmes all of which provide a detailed picture of prehistoric Nosterfield.
A preliminary report on the watching brief archaeology is currently in preparation funded by Tarmac. The report will include detailed maps and plans of all the features defined and excavated. Full specialist reports on pottery and flint including illustrations, animal bone, human bone, conservation, scientific dating and environmental evidence will also be included. These reports will be made available via the specialist reports section of this web site as and when they are completed.
