Chariot find of ‘international significance’
THE REMAINS of an Iron Age chariot and two well-preserved horses, which have been discovered on a building site in Pocklington, are of “international significance”.
The chariot, which is only the twenty-sixth to be excavated in the country, was found in an ancient cemetery off Burnby Lane in Pocklington. Archeologists say the deliberate inclusion of horses as part of the burial rite is “highly unusual.”
The site has already yielded fascinating finds, including the remains of a warrior ritually buried with his sword and four spears placed in his spine and one in his groin, which may have been an attempt “to release his spirit”.
The excavations represent one of the largest and most significant Iron Age findings and insights of recent times into the Arras Culture - a group of people who lived in the region in the Middle Iron Age. Further analysis is expected to reveal more information including whether the local population was indigenous or had continental connections.
Paula Ware, managing director at MAP Archaeological Practice Ltd, said: “The chariot was located in the final square barrow to be excavated and on the periphery of the cemetery. The discoveries are set to widen our understanding of the Arras culture and the dating of artefacts to secure contexts is exceptional.”
Archeologists have been working together with David Wilson Homes. Development director Peter Morris said they were liaising with the Pocklington Historic Society to ensure the findings remain in the locality alongside the original artefacts.
The fact the remains survived is a minor miracle. All the artefacts were found in a former grazing field, but there were none in a neighbouring field, which had been ploughed.