Last chance to see city’s Roman dig site

The excavations overseen by the York Archaeological Trust at the Hungate development are the most extensive in the city since the famous Coppergate dig more than a quarter of a century ago.

The five-year project comes to an end in December and visitors will have a final opportunity on Saturday to meet archaeologists, who will talk through some of the remarkable finds.

Roman Jet jewellery, a carved medieval stone corbel, a rare 14th century gold coin and 1,000-year-old ice skates made from bone are among the discoveries.

But among the most significant finds are the remains of seven cellar buildings dating from the Viking period. The find has given archaeologists a clearer picture as to the true size of the Viking town of Jorvik, which now appears to have spread down to the banks of the River Foss.

A tiny Middle Eastern glass bead which was also discovered during the dig has provided an insight into the importance of York as an international market, as it was traded and transported across thousands of miles at the end of the first millennium AD.

During the course of the dig, the York Archaeological Trust has welcomed more than 23,000 visitors to the site, while 1,800 volunteers aged from 10 to 70 have helped with the excavations.

The project director for Hungate Excavations at York Archaeological Trust, Peter Connelly, said: “These people have been instrumental in helping us uncover and record a slice of history.”

The archaeological dig has been carried out ahead of the Hungate development which will see hundreds of homes built within York’s historic Bar Walls and will also include cafes, restaurants and shops.

The open day will be held on Saturday between 10am and 3pm.