CASTLE Hill will be giving up some of its secrets next month.
The results of a detailed archaeological survey will be released by experts.
And their findings will hopefully explain a lot more about the significance of Huddersfield’s most famous landmark.
The survey was commissioned in the summer by Kirklees Council and was made possible with initial backing of a £14,300 development grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
The information gained may be used to plan further archaeological investigations and to develop a full application for an £850,000 Lottery grant to undertake a conservation project at the site in the interests of archaeology, wildlife and recreation.
Space-age technology was used by the archaeologists and their early studies revealed evidence of farming and possible fortifications.
Sam Harrison, project archaeologist from the West Yorkshire Archaeological Services (WYAS) said they had identified a previous agricultural system and also possible ditches that may have been additional defensive earthworks.
Now the experts are putting together a full report which will be unveiled on January 15 at Huddersfield Town Hall.
News of the findings comes at a time when the landmark is very much in the spotlight.
Huddersfield businessmen the Thandi brothers have submitted a third planning application to build a new pub on top of Castle Hill, having had two previous applications rejected.
And earlier this week, the Examiner revealed ideas for a futuristic visitor centre on the site.
Click on the link to view a gallery of images of the visitor centre
The project is the work of an architect and a design studio and their ultra-modern vision for the site has prompted a massive response from people interested in any possible developments on Castle Hill.
Dozens have contacted the Examiner’s website with their views on the ideas.
Castle Hill Ranger Julian Brown said: “Earlier this year we received a Development Grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to commission the archaeological research, which included a geophysical survey of the entire ancient monument and an analysis of the Varley Archive, which is housed in Tolson Museum.
“The results of this research should be used to inform further archaeological investigations at Castle Hill”.
The Varley Archive includes results of previous studies at Castle Hill.
The presentation by the archaeologists will be at the Town Hall at 7.30pm on January 15 and anyone interested in attending should contact Grace Wood at Kirklees Museums and Galleries on 01484 223800.
Read the comments from our website and Facebook about the visitor centre idea on the next page
