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Villagers go back to Iron Age for project
YORKSHIRE archaeologists are about to start to build a replica Iron Age roundhouse of the type inhabited by our ancestors over 2,000 years ago.
The circular house is being built at Great Hucklow, a Derbyshire Peak district village, in a project led by Sheffield University archaeologists.
It will become a place where schoolchildren and others can learn about life in Iron Age Britain, which ended when the Romans arrived.
The roundhouse is being built at the Nightingale Centre, a charity-run holiday, conference and activity centre.
Local groups, schools and villagers will be placing time capsules in the foundations of the replica roundhouse from 2pm on Sunday, November 25.
There will be other activities such as pot making and bronze casting and opportunities to help build the house itself.
Dr Roger Doonan, senior lecturer in archaeology at the University, said: “It might seem odd that we are marking the start of project by burying things in the ground, but it seems this is exactly what some people did in the Iron Age. By placing objects in the foundations, a real tangible attachment is made to the building – it is what makes a house into a home.
“We want this to be a community space used by many groups and it seems fitting to involve everyone, not just in its use, but also in its making. “I hope many will want to place a little special something in the time capsule pit. Making a foundation deposit creates a nice connection with Iron Age communities. I only hope that nobody comes along intending to bury deceased family members under the house as they did in the Iron Age — that might take some explaining when the capsules are recovered!”
Stella Burney, Nightingale Centre director, said: “It will form a really important addition to the centre and provide a peaceful space for individuals and groups to enjoy.”
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Weather for Yorkshire
Sunday 26 May 2013
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