YORK residents have an opportunity to see historic finds unearthed at a housing development site at an event this weekend.

The discoveries, from pre-construction archaeology at the Germany Beck site on the edge of Fulford, will be on display at St Oswald’s Church Hall in Fulford on Saturday, from 10am to noon.

The Fishergate, Fulford and Heslington Local History Society event will feature a talk by Paula Ware, the archaeologist in charge of the excavations.

The talk, which begins at 10am, will explain the history of the site and provide a glimpse into the lives of people living in the area since the last ice age.

Chris Rainger, chairman of Fishergate, Fulford and Heslington Local History Society, said: “From the society’s point of view this is a fantastic opportunity to learn much more about the origins of our area, which we wouldn’t otherwise get.

“Apart from an open day last year, this is the first time any results of the investigations have been presented to the public.

“Non-members of the history society are welcome to attend.”

One of the most important finds is the remains of a Neolithic pot, which is believed to be the only one of its kind found in York.

Roman pottery has also been discovered, which is from the first or second century.

The pottery includes a piece of a large amphora, the top of a flagon and sections of the rims of two mortaria.

Other pottery found at the site includes pieces of South Yorkshire Grey Ware.

Chris said: “As none of the pottery finds relate to York, perhaps this agricultural site was operating outside the military dominance of the city, looking south down the river Ouse and the Roman road through Fulford, to Doncaster and beyond.”

In addition, a Roman brooch, with its fixing pin still in place, has been unearthed.

Among the more recent finds are dozens of civil war era musket balls.

To learn more about the site, visit www.ffhyork.weebly.com