Archaeologists in northern England have uncovered an early medieval settlement dating back over a thousand years, offering rare insights into rural life during the formative centuries of medieval Europe. The site, located in Northumberland, reveals how communities in this remote region lived, farmed, and traded during both the early and later Middle Ages.
The discovery was made during the expansion of Divethill Quarry in Capheaton, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Excavations have so far revealed the remains of at least five timber buildings, along with pits and possible ovens, indicating a small but active community.
Radiocarbon dating has placed the finds in two distinct periods: the 6th to 7th century and the 11th to 12th century, providing a rare glimpse into how people lived and worked in both the early and later medieval periods.
Life Beyond Kings and Castles
Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs at Northumberland County Council and Chairman of the Divethill Quarry Liaison Committee, noted the importance of such finds for understanding local history.
“Northumberland is rich in history and it’s always fascinating when new archaeological sites are revealed,” he said. “Developer-funded archaeology is so beneficial to our county and is beginning to fill in our knowledge of ordinary people like us who lived and worked at a key time in history. These excavations tell the stories of everyday life, from farming and trade to family and community life. It’s a reminder that history isn’t just about kings and castles, but about real people.”
The site was first identified during a pre-assessment evaluation, which suggested the presence of an early medieval settlement in the north-east part of the quarry.
Excavation and Future Research
The work is being carried out by Breedon Group in partnership with Archaeological Services WYAS. Once the archaeological investigation is complete, the area will be quarried for minerals.
Niall Kelly, Planning and Estates Manager at Breedon Group, highlighted the significance of the project. “Breedon is proud to be working with Archaeological Services WYAS and Northumberland County Council on these regionally significant discoveries,” he says. “Following consultation with Northumberland County Council, a series of archaeological studies have been carried out, revealing the potential for significant findings which will help us discover more about Northumberland’s past.”
Planning permission for the northern extension to Divethill Quarry was granted in June 2022, with archaeological work carried out in line with the UK’s National Planning Policy Framework. This included geophysical surveys and trial trenching, undertaken in consultation with the Council’s Environment and Design Team.
Kelly added: “As part of soil stripping to access additional mineral, monitored by Archaeological Services WYAS and the Council’s Archaeologist, an early medieval settlement has been uncovered, and the teams are discovering more about the site as the dig progresses. We look forward to ongoing collaboration during post-excavation analysis and future soil stripping at Divethill.”
The excavation will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with post-excavation research continuing beyond that. Findings will eventually be published in a final report, adding a valuable chapter to the story of medieval Northumberland.
Top Image: Photo courtesy Northumberland County Council
Archaeologists in northern England have uncovered an early medieval settlement dating back over a thousand years, offering rare insights into rural life during the formative centuries of medieval Europe. The site, located in Northumberland, reveals how communities in this remote region lived, farmed, and traded during both the early and later Middle Ages.
The discovery was made during the expansion of Divethill Quarry in Capheaton, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Excavations have so far revealed the remains of at least five timber buildings, along with pits and possible ovens, indicating a small but active community.
Radiocarbon dating has placed the finds in two distinct periods: the 6th to 7th century and the 11th to 12th century, providing a rare glimpse into how people lived and worked in both the early and later medieval periods.
Life Beyond Kings and Castles
Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs at Northumberland County Council and Chairman of the Divethill Quarry Liaison Committee, noted the importance of such finds for understanding local history.
“Northumberland is rich in history and it’s always fascinating when new archaeological sites are revealed,” he said. “Developer-funded archaeology is so beneficial to our county and is beginning to fill in our knowledge of ordinary people like us who lived and worked at a key time in history. These excavations tell the stories of everyday life, from farming and trade to family and community life. It’s a reminder that history isn’t just about kings and castles, but about real people.”
The site was first identified during a pre-assessment evaluation, which suggested the presence of an early medieval settlement in the north-east part of the quarry.
Excavation and Future Research
The work is being carried out by Breedon Group in partnership with Archaeological Services WYAS. Once the archaeological investigation is complete, the area will be quarried for minerals.
Niall Kelly, Planning and Estates Manager at Breedon Group, highlighted the significance of the project. “Breedon is proud to be working with Archaeological Services WYAS and Northumberland County Council on these regionally significant discoveries,” he says. “Following consultation with Northumberland County Council, a series of archaeological studies have been carried out, revealing the potential for significant findings which will help us discover more about Northumberland’s past.”
Planning permission for the northern extension to Divethill Quarry was granted in June 2022, with archaeological work carried out in line with the UK’s National Planning Policy Framework. This included geophysical surveys and trial trenching, undertaken in consultation with the Council’s Environment and Design Team.
Kelly added: “As part of soil stripping to access additional mineral, monitored by Archaeological Services WYAS and the Council’s Archaeologist, an early medieval settlement has been uncovered, and the teams are discovering more about the site as the dig progresses. We look forward to ongoing collaboration during post-excavation analysis and future soil stripping at Divethill.”
The excavation will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with post-excavation research continuing beyond that. Findings will eventually be published in a final report, adding a valuable chapter to the story of medieval Northumberland.
Top Image: Photo courtesy Northumberland County Council
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