Traces of medieval Grimsby unearthed during excavation in Freshney Place
Archaeologists have uncovered medieval workshop remnants
Archaeologists have unearthed rare traces of medieval Grimsby during works at Freshney Place.
Experts found leather shoe fragments, pottery and fish bones 2-3 metres below ground, believed to be remains of a workshop and market near historic Flottergate.
It's thought that to be the probable ground level of Grimsby in medieval times (approximately 450AD to 1600AD).
The dig, carried out ahead of flood prevention work, is offering fresh insight into how the town lived and worked in medieval times.
The items found have been moved to York Archaeology’s conservation lab for cleaning and examination, and could go on public display in the future.
“This is really adding to the history of our town,” Louise Jennings, the Council’s Heritage Officer, said.
She continued, “On first inspection, it looks like this might have been a leather working area – a bit like some of the areas we’ve found in previous digs in the past in other areas of the town.
“You could imagine that people are making leather aprons or shoes on the site, for example. Being so close to the sea, it’s understandable that people would have fish and shellfish as a big part of their diet, so the appearance of oyster shells and fish bones isn’t surprising.
“It may be that this area was home to a leather working workshop, and you can imagine people working in the workshop, having fish for their lunch.”