The Hull Heat Network project has been giving archaeologists an insight into the city’s medieval past. Recent discoveries dating back up to 700 years have been unearthed during installation works for the new heat network.
As part of ongoing works to lay the 7km heat network across Hull during phase 1, Vital Energi’s civil engineering teams working on Alfred Gelder Street unearthed a fascinating collection of medieval pottery, with some pieces estimated to be between 500 and 700 years old.
Among the discoveries so far:
· A 500-year-old German stoneware jug
· Handles from a 600-year-old pottery cistern
· A medieval jug dating back up to 700 years
· Wooden staves from a barrel
· A well-crafted medieval stone padstone, once supporting a timber post in a medieval house
In addition, archaeologists recovered soda bottles from around 130 years ago, believed to have come from the basement of the Anchor Inn, which was demolished in the early 20th century to make way for Alfred Gelder Street.
Peter Connelly, Archaeology Manager with Humber Field Archaeology, is working with Vital Energi to examine and preserve any historical finds. He explains: “The hidden history we discover in Hull never ceases to amaze.”
“During these digs, we’ve discovered some fascinating artefacts from centuries ago to tell us more about Hull’s past and we hope to be able to display these for the public to see for themselves.”
The archaeologists will continue to work with Vital Energi as they excavate trenches for the heat network and will hopefully uncover more clues about Hull’s rich history.
Soda bottles around 130 years old and recovered from what is probably the basement of the Anchor Inn.
