We are excited to announce the recent publication of a new collection from Dig Ventures! Between October 2019 and August 2020, DigVentures undertook a community-focused archaeological investigation at Pontefract Castle.
Pontefract Castle, located in West Yorkshire, is a Scheduled Monument and has a rich and nationally important heritage. One of England’s strongest fortresses throughout the medieval period and beyond, it played a crucial role in politics and the balance of power in the North of England. Although the castle is mentioned in numerous historical sources, relatively little is known about the archaeological resource and the recent discovery of a previously unidentified gate house indicates that much is still to be learned about the physical structure of Pontefract Castle.
Archaeological investigations were undertaken in 2019 by Wessex Archaeology to define and characterise the physical extent of the site and obtain baseline data to facilitate the future management.
The primary goal of the investigation was to define and characterise the physical extent of the site through a mix of non-intrusive and intrusive methods, complemented by an integrated public engagement program.
The excavation unfolded across three phases:
- Phase I: Professional archaeologists conducted a three-week excavation using both hand and machine techniques.
- Phase II: A two-week program involving local community members in excavation, recording, and processing of finds.
- Phase III: A three-week targeted investigation of the drawbridge pit, undertaken exclusively by professional archaeologists.
This archive, published on the ADS in June 2024, contains an extensive array of material related to this project that is available to download and reuse under a Creative Commons Licence. The download section of the archive includes:
- Grey literature reports.
- Site data including photos, GIS files, databases and section drawings.
- 3D models of the excavation areas.
- Specialist reports
- Community Engagement materials
The collection not only documents the rich history uncovered at Pontefract Castle but also emphasises public participation, allowing locals, schoolchildren, and visitors to actively engage with their heritage. This publication is a significant step in preserving and interpreting the historical and cultural significance of Pontefract Castle for future generations.
Internet Archaeology
This collection is related to three open access article published in Internet Archaeology
- Jago, I. and Forster, M. 2023. Archaeological Excavations and Social Impact at Pontefract Castle (data paper), Internet Archaeology 61. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.61.9
This is a data paper describing project data from the community focused archaeological investigation undertaken by DigVentures at Pontefract Castle between September 2019 and August 2020.
- Jackson, N., Casswell, C. and Forster, M. 2023. A Medieval Drawbridge Pit and the Stories it Tells Us, Excavations at Pontefract Castle, 2019–2020, Internet Archaeology 61. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.61.4
This article focuses on the archaeological evidence recovered during the excavations, and the conclusions drawn about the construction and chronology of the gatehouse at this part of the site.
- Wilkins, B., Casswell, C., Eno, M., Hannis, J, Pina-Dacier, M., Tatton, H. and Ungemach, J. 2021. Social Impact Archaeology: Pontefract Castle and the Gatehouse Project, Internet Archaeology 57. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.57.18
This article analyses the social impact of the archaeological investigations, including project outcomes for heritage, for people and for the community.
This archive is available from the link below:
DigVentures (2024) Data from the Gatehouse Community Archaeology Project at Pontefract Castle, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, 2019-2020 [data-set]. York: Archaeology Data Service [distributor] https://doi.org/10.5284/1113009
