ARCHAEOLOGISTS from the University of Sheffield have unearthed an ancient cemetery, which is the first of its kind to be discovered in South Yorkshire.
The site, which contains 36 bodies, was discovered by the University's Archaeological Research and Consultancy (ARCUS) experts during routine test trenching, prior to building work at a school in Adwick-le-Street, near Doncaster.
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ics of the cemetery suggests it dates back to a pre-Christian society when the area was populated by Vikings and Anglo-Saxons.
ARCUS Project Manager, Richard O'Neill, said: "If it turns out to be dated between the fifth and ninth century it will be a very significant find as there hasn't been one of its kind found yet in South Yorkshire. It's a period we know a lot about from historical sources, but have very little archaeological evidence to back it up."
Forensic experts from ARCUS are undertaking the dig after recommendations from the South Yorkshire Archaeology Service (SYAS) were aired to Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council Planning Department. They hope to determine the health, lifestyle and age of death of the individuals, and whether they were natives, or migrated to the area. They have also found a small amount of pottery at the site.
O'Neill said his team would be using radio carbon dating to determine the age of the bones. The process can take up to three months and gives a date to the nearest 100 years based on calculating the amount of carbon in the skeletons and the amount of carbon in the earth's atmosphere at that time. After analysis the remains will be placed on display at Doncaster Museum.
"We have also agreed to do a talk to school children and have arranged with Doncaster Council to organise an educational pack for the children," he said. ARCUS will issue Doncaster Council with a formal report of the findings within six months.
Doncaster Mayor, Martin Winter, said: "I am delighted to hear that one of our schools is at the heart of such an impressive archaeological find – this is a real coup for Doncaster and a welcome addition to the Borough's rich archaeological heritage. I am especially pleased that Doncaster's school children will be able to benefit from this exciting discovery."
Previous remains in the area have included the burial of a ninth Century Viking woman within a mile of the current site. Chemical tests of her bones suggested she had been born in Norway, or north east Scotland. Other noteworthy finds have included older Romano-British burials.
his story is from the University of Sheffield's student paper, the Steel Press.
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