Archaeologists uncover bones, Teesdale Mercury

Archaeologists uncover bones

Apr 4, 2006

HUMAN remains have been found during an archaeology dig in Barnard Castle.

Four archaeologists from Durham University have been working on a site between St Mary's Church and Newgate as part of the second stage of potential development.

The team was commissioned by St Mary’s Parish Hall Association to complete an archaeological survey so building work can be carried out in the future. Peter Wise, chairman of St Mary's Hall Association, said: "We approached the university as part of the planning permission stage we need to go through and we instructed the team where to dig."

Initially Archaeological Services at Durham University undertook a desk-based assessment, researching the history and archaeology of the site in Barnard Castle.

Some walkways surrounding the village hall and the Church were closed during the five-day dig as many interesting features were discovered, including bones of humans and animals, cobbled paths and post-medieval pottery.


The human bones were found along the public footpath to the north of the church.

Janice Adams an archaeologist from Durham University said: "Finding bones is expected especially if there is a church close by. I think we may have been digging near an old grave area.

"During the dig we ensured least obstruction as possible for members of the public, with safety measures put in place and we were off site within the instructed time."

Plans to revive the parish hall include improving disabled access. Mr Wise said: "It is certainly something worth developing and we are open to suggestions. It is to address the issue of accommodating the many people we have using the facility."

The human remains will not be removed from the site and other finds will be taken to Durham University for specialist identification.