Everyday artefacts discovered alongside old roadway
THEY were a slice of everyday life for Brummies who happened to live more that 200 years ago.
Now historical objects unearthed during the extension of the Midland Metro tram network have gone on display in the city.
The artefacts were discoverd on a historical cobbled roadway found under Victoria Square in June by workers constructing the extension from New Street station to Hagley Road.
The items include domestic pottery, building materials and the remains of animal bones found by archaeologists.
The 12 objects selected for the exhibition reveal the personal tastes of people who lived in Birmingham 200 years ago such as their eating and drinking habits and the cooking vessels used for meals.
They will now be on display during the summer at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, together with a short video highlighting the findings and how they were discovered.
Laurence Hayes, archaeologist at engineering consultancy RSK, helped to date the discovery.
He said: “The objects date to the post-medieval period at the time the cobbled surface was in use, located close to Christ Church on New Street, end of Pinfold Street.
“In the coming months, we will be analysing the objects in detail to find out their date and function, which will help piece together the story of the road.”
Ellen McAdam, director of Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “The exciting thing about archaeology is the way it reveals hidden histories.
“We are grateful to the Midland Metro Alliance and RSK for enabling us to show our visitors these finds from Birmingham’s past.”
Natalie Cropp, sustainability manager at Midland Metro Alliance, the public-private partnership delivering the extension, said: “These items are truly fascinating and make for an interesting display at the museum just a stone’s throw from where they were found.
“It’s fantastic that we were able to capture this piece of forgotten history during the construction of the Metro extension.
“Given the interest in the footpath by the public, it is great that these findings are now on display for all to see.” at the