Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Archaeologists to explore Cawthorne Woods for signs of medieval industry

Local people are being invited to explore South Yorkshire’s medieval past in an exciting new project starting next Monday.

The two week project is being organised by Woodland Outreach Learning Foundation (WOLF), Heeley City Farm and the University of Sheffield´s Department of Archaeology. The general public are invited to discover the fascinating history of the medieval working landscape that is now hidden within Cawthorne Woods in Barnsley.

It is known that the site hides mining features, slag heaps and other evidence of iron smelting – the process used to turn iron ore into iron and steel for weapons, tools and other artefacts. It is hoped that surveying the site, with the help of the general public, will reveal greater insight into the area during medieval times and provide the community with a connection to their local heritage.

Click here to read this article from Medievalists.net