Digging into Doncaster's dim past reveals ancient finds

South Yorkshire Archaeological Service conducted excavations at Parrott’s Corner on the A638 - which is close to Rossington Roman fort.

In a report, the service said: “As well as the expected Iron Age and Roman field boundaries and trackways, work has revealed two prehistoric pits.

“One was full of fire-cracked stone, some metal slag and pottery that has provisionally been identified as decorated beaker ware.

“The other pit contained undecorated pottery of a similar fabric, provisionally dated to the Bronze Age. Pottery of this age is rare in South Yorkshire.”

Also discovered was a smaller gully containing pottery and charcoal, which is believed to date back to the Iron Age. The service is hoping to determine its age using radiocarbon dating.

The dig was carried out as part of a scheme of archaeological evaluation, so a detailed strategy to minimise the impact of the proposed new development can be devised.

n A further excavation could also take place at a site in Tickhill, which is close to the location of a medieval manor house.

Existing houses have been demolished at the site in Pinfold Lane and developers want to construct two new detached homes.

The archaeological service says ground disturbances associated with the project could ‘destroy finds and features of archaeological interest’.