TWO horse skeletons and the remains of a chariot dating back to the Iron Age have been found on a building site.

Believed to be of “international significance”, the findings will shed light on Britain’s Arras culture more than 2,500 years ago.

Workers at The David Wilson Homes’ Pavilion Square development in Burnby Lane, Pocklington, initially found artefacts including a sword, shield, spears, brooches and pots, dating back as far as 500 BC to 00 AD in a number of burial sites.

The developer then enlisted the help of MAP Archaeological Practice and volunteers to explore the site, who scientifically excavated one of the first chariot burials with accompanying horses.

The chariot was the rare possession of a high status individual, but the deliberate inclusion of the horses as part of the burial rite is highly unusual.

Paula Ware, managing director at MAP Archaeological Practice Ltd, said: “The chariot at Burnby Lane is only the twenty-sixth one to be excavated in the country and the inclusion of horses raises the significance of the burial.

“The discoveries are set to widen our understanding of the Arras culture and the dating of artefacts to secure contexts is exceptional.”

Cllr Stephen Parnaby, who is the leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The finding of a chariot burial site at Burnby Lane is of international significance and is an example of the rich history of East Yorkshire.

“This discovery is really exciting and, as the local planning authority, we would like to place on record our thanks and appreciation to David Wilson Homes for halting their works and allowing experts to study the site in detail and record this for future generations.”

The site is said to be of national and international significance because of the current lack of studies on the Iron Age taking place.

A major focus area of the archaeological analysis will concentrate on the origins of the Iron Age population, to show whether they were indigenous or had continental connections.