Roman-Era Farming Discovered at Peak District Site - Civilisation Here for Over 1,500 Years |
Unexpected findings at Under Whitle Farm in Sheen push back the history of human settlement on the High Peak hills to the 4th century. |
 |
Archaeologists working at a Peak District farm have made an unexpected discovery that pushes back the history of human settlement on the High Peak hills by several centuries, to the Roman era.
The findings were revealed at a public open day, 'Shining a Light on Sheen's Past', held at Under Whitle Farm in the village of Sheen. More than 100 members of the public attended to view the evidence gathered by the Tudor Farming Interpretation Group, which has been working on the site since 2009.
Lead archaeologist Dr Ian Parker Heath explained that while previous testing had confirmed medieval farming activity, with crop spores found in the peat bog soil dating from between the 11th and 16th centuries, new analysis has now revealed evidence of farming from the 4th century, placing human activity at the site firmly within the Roman period.
"The new results show that there was evidence of farming from the 4th century which is Roman and not at all what we expected," Dr Heath said, "and shows that on these harsh Peak District hills there has been farming and civilisation for more than 1,500 years."
The site is owned by Elspeth Walker, who purchased Under Whitle Farm in 1982. Her children first discovered what turned out to be the cellar of an old house, sparking decades of investigation that eventually led to the formal establishment of the Tudor Farming Interpretation Group. Students from Buxton Community School have also been involved in recent fieldwork.
Further tests are planned to confirm the Roman-era findings, and in early May a team from Stoke-on-Trent will scan the farm's orchard using ground-penetrating technology to search for building foundations. If successful, the group intends to apply for grant funding to carry out a full excavation.
|
Stay up to date with our local news!
Get articles like this delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe Now