Time Team Discoveries in Derbyshire

Submitted by Andy B on Tuesday, 25 June 2002 Page Views: 4282

Archaeologists from TV show Time Team have unearthed prehistoric human remains and bones from extinct species while filming in Derbyshire.

The Channel 4 programme filmed a dig near Carsington Water after receiving help from Derbyshire County Council archaeologists.

The show's producers contacted the council three weeks ago for advice on suitable sites for their latest series.

Council archaeologist Dave Barrett suggested Carsington Pasture, near Wirksworth, which contains a cave and a barrow - the name for a burial mound.

Prehistoric bones had been found in the cave four years ago, while the Pegasus Caving Club was exploring the chamber.

The burial mound was discovered by an amateur archaeologist 20 years ago but no records had been made of the dig.

Nobody had carried out a full dig at either site until Time Team got involved.

County council archaeologists provided Time Team with background documents on the location of the cave and barrow.

They also handed over information about what had been recovered from these locations and other prehistoric sites in the area.

The Time Team archaeologists found prehistoric human remains and animal bones, including some from species that are now extinct.

A prehistoric cremation burial was also discovered in the barrow, with remains buried in a large pottery urn.

The remains, which are believed to be from the Bronze Age and to date from about 2000 BC, have been sent away for analysis and accurate dating.

Councillor Walter Burrows, cabinet member for environment and highways, said that the Time Team and the council's archaeologists were pleased with the finds recovered from the site.

He said: "The finds from the cave are particularly interesting because, when other caves in the county were first excavated, we did not have the sophisticated dating techniques that are available today."

The council plans to seek scheduled ancient monument status from English Heritage for the burial mound and is working with Pegasus Caving Club to find ways to protect the site.

The Time Team programme, which is expected to be broadcast in February next year, was filmed over three days.

It will be fronted by regular presenter by Tony Robinson, also known for his role as Baldrick in the Blackadder TV comedy series.

Mr Burrows said: "I am sure that Derbyshire residents will be interested to see how this archaeological dig was carried out on their doorsteps and the remains that were unearthed from the site.

"We hope analysis of the Time Team finds will shed new light on the people who were buried so long ago in these two fascinating Derbyshire sites."

Shaun

Contributor Bio for Andy B: Megalithic Portal Founding Editor.

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