A COMMUNITY archaeology project has been uncovering the past and exploring the rich history of Ravensthorpe.

The project has involved local school children, resident groups and volunteers.

Archive research into the area surrounding the proposed dig site led to the discovery of the history of the Tattersfield family, former occupants of Brick House.

This house stood on the land of the Greenwood Centre until the first half of the 19th Century. The name ‘Brick House’ suggests it was the earliest building in red brick in an area otherwise characterised by buildings made of stone.

The first phase of the project involved consulting with local community groups, discovering their stories and recording oral histories and personal memories, sharing objects and artefacts with others as part of a community cohesion activity.

An archaeological dig has been scheduled, working with Archaeological Services WYAS. It will start on July 2 and run for two weeks and is taking place on the land in front of the Greenwood Centre. Residents are likely to notice a range of archaeological activities taking place including conducting a geophysics survey and digging test pits.

The archaeologists will use the results of this work to inform on the best area to site an archaeological trial trench which will hopefully reveal evidence of Ravensthorpe’s past.

Oral history and archiving will continue until the end of July working with local groups and members of the community who live or have lived in Ravensthorpe. Project workers from West Yorkshire Joint Services will be visiting schools in and around Ravensthorpe, providing a background to the work which will be completed over the summer and running workshops where young people will have the opportunity to create personal archives and start a “dig diary” leading up the summer activities. Some of the schools involved include Ravensthorpe Junior School, Ravenshall School, Westborough High and Earlsheaton Technology College.

The archaeology team will also be working with Kirklees Young Archaeologist’s Club.

Alongside work in the community, oral histories, postcards and photographs will be uploaded on to the West Yorkshire Archives ‘Now Then’ website.

The community archaeological project has been funded by Kirklees Council, the Dewsbury Area Committee and the near neighbours Church Urban Fund.

Community updates and news of any finds will be available on the My Place blog http://myplacewy.wordpress.com/ and our Twitter feed http://twitter.com/#!/MyPlaceWY