Archaeologists uncover haul of artefacts on A1 in Yorkshire

A huge haul of artefacts dating back to the Middle Stone Age, Iron Age and the Roman era have been uncovered by archaeologists working at the A1 in Yorkshire.

A Roman brooch, made in Eastern Europe, human remains and a miniature sword were among thousands items archaeologists unearthed at the stretch of the A1 between Leeming Bar and Barton, in North Yorkshire.

Experts have been working at the site for two years alongside Highways England, which is carrying out an upgrade scheme to install an extra lane in each direction of the road.

They have uncovered more than 177,000 artefacts and sieved more than 50 tonnes of sediment during their time at the site.

Dr Hannah Russ, from Northern Archaeological Associates, said: “The quality and preservation of the artefacts and environmental remains from this scheme is outstanding.

“We are learning so many new things about the people who were living in the vicinity of the A1 in the past.”

Ceramic pots, thought to be gifts for the dead, were also found alongside human remains at a Roman cemetery in Bainesse.

And a miniature sword with an iron blade, copper alloy scabbard and bone handle was recovered during excavations at Scotch Corner.