WHAT lies beneath Stainland?
Archaeologists may soon be able to tell us for they’re digging in a medieval woodland.
An archeology dig will take place in the foundations of the quarryman’s cottages at Fall Spring Wood next Saturday.
It comes almost 40 years after the Greater Elland Historical Society (GEHS) held its first dig at the site.
And it is hoping to uncover some Victorian artefacts this time.
Tim Patterson, the event organiser, said: “When the cottages were demolished the site became a landfill and dump in the late Victorian era.
“There are plenty of artifacts just beneath the surface so it promises to be an interesting few hours.”
The GEHS was founded in 1974 and its founder, Albert Moody, led a dig in what was then believed to be Iron Age walls within the wood.
Tim added: “It was the first field trip undertaken by the GEHS and as we approach our 40th anniversary I got the members back up to woods for a walk last year.
“They thought there were Iron Age walls on the site but they proved to medieval.
“The site we’re going to dig at was a Victorian landfill, and with landfill moving up and down over time we expect there to be plenty beneath.
“The dig will take place in the foundations of the quarryman’s cottages just in the woods with experts and archaeologists present.”
The dig is a joint venture with Calderdale Countryside Services and is a featured event for the Festival of British Archaeology fortnight, which is a national event.
And they’ve also made it possible for children to become budding archeologists for the day.
A simulated dig for youngsters will take place with coins from different eras hidden for children to discover.
Tim added: “We’ll have a tent set up in the quarry itself and have trays of sand for the children, so they’ll be unearthing something and will be able to place it on a timeline of history.”
The event is open to the public and is accessible from the car park at the Red Lion with signposts to the dig’s location.
