Prehistoric artefacts found in town centre Greater London

Submitted by PaulM on Thursday, 17 March 2005 Page Views: 2466

Country: England County: Greater London
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Excavations on the site of the PalaceXchange shopping development in Enfield Town have revealed a collection of prehistoric relics. The exciting finds, which include 3,000-year-old flint cutting tools and the remains of a medieval pot, were unearthed on a site adjacent to Woolworths and opposite the Independent's office, in London Road.

Sean Steadman, of Gifford Archaeology, said: "It was clear there was archaeological potential in Enfield Town, and we have been working with the developer to establish that potential.

"We want to preserve a record, and have already found some interesting things."

After initial digging, investigators were amazed to find two trenches dating from different periods in such close proximity to each other one from prehistoric times and the other from the 12th-century.

Archaeology supervisor Chris Mayo said: "We have more than 3,000 years of activity in one place, which is quite unusual."

The two-and-a-half week dig, due to finish on Friday, is the culmination of three years work by Mr Mayo and his team, which also included investigations in Town Park and Genotin Road.

The final stage of work will take place following the demolition of the former Millets store, in Church Street, where Mr Mayo is hoping to find remains of the Tudor palace which stood on the site. The Palace Gardens shopping centre, and the new PalaceXchange is named after the 15th century building.

When all excavations are finished, the artefacts will be sent away for analysis and become the property of English Heritage.

Source: Enfield Independant 7 March 2005

Contributor Bio for PaulM: Based in Macclesfield, contributing since 2002. Favourite site: Hordron Edge. Occupation: Something in waste and recycling.

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