Organisers of a public dig which attracted hundreds of volunteers to excavate a 12th century estate in County Durham have been forced to rebury the “spectacular” 800-year-old remains found under the ruins.
Fragments of window panes, coins and pottery were discovered at Muggleswick Grange, a mysterious manor which may have provided cattle to monasteries and served as a mansion until the 16th century.
The North Pennines Partnership’s Altogether Archaeology project will be opening the site to the public with a range of interpretations next year, but Historic Environment Officer Paul Frodsham said the “amazing” finds cannot be put on show.
“Unfortunately there is no way that the fragile 800-year-old remains we are studying can be consolidated and left on display,” he explained.
“Next week, after careful recording, they will be reburied, quite possibly not to see the light of day again until several more centuries have passed. However, they will survive intact within the ground for future generations to study.”
The campaign, led by Medieval expert Tom Addyman, has revealed that the site is far more complex than the dramatic visible ruins suggest.
A full report on the investigation will be published next year, and more fieldwork is being planned across the 2,000 square kilometre Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty during the next 18 months. Call Paul Frodsham on 01388 528801 or email him to volunteer for future projects.
You can also follow the North Pennines AONB team on Twitter.
Source: Culture 24 [November 05, 2010]