THE discovery of an Iron Age Cemetery at the Pavilion Square homes site in Pocklington, has been nominated for Current Archaeology magazine’s Rescue Project of the Year 2018 award.

The remarkable find that included the first chariot burial with horses to be unearthed in 200 years is the only nominated project from the North of England, and the discoveries on the site are of international significance.

Paula Ware of MAP Archaeological Practice, nominated for the award, said: “We worked closely with David Wilson Homes to ensure the site was recorded to its full potential and the artefacts preserved for future generations."

The excavation has also revealed a sword, shield, spears, brooches and pots, all items of material culture associated with the Iron Age dating from 300 BC to 1 AD.

It sheds new light on the rituals accompanying burial rites, and is set to enhance our understanding of the Iron Age culture.

David Wilson Homes is working closely with MAP Archaeological Practice Ltd, the Pocklington Heritage Partnership, and other local organisations to ensure the finds are cared for and preserved.

MAP is collaborating with numerous specialists and academics including York Osteology, the Conservation Lab at York Archaeological Trust and Professor Malcolm Lillie and Dr Peter Halkon from the University of Hull.

The discovery is facing stiff competition from excavations across the UK, and Yorkshire residents are being encouraged to cast their vote for the project named ‘An Iron Age Chariot Burial: Excavating a Square-Barrow Cemetery at Pocklington’, before the deadline on February 5, link: https://www.archaeology.co.uk/awards/rescue-project-year-2018.htm

Peter Morris, development director at Barratt Developments Yorkshire East, said: “These finds have unveiled the fascinating heritage of the local area, which is incredibly exciting for the community. The findings are vital clues to aid our understanding of Iron Age Britain, and by casting our votes we can help put Pocklington on the historical map.”

Phil Gilbank, chair of the Pocklington Heritage Partnership, added: “We’re over the moon the dig has been nominated for such a prestigious award. The discovery is great both for Yorkshire and the UK as a whole, and we encourage people in Yorkshire to support this amazing local find by casting their vote online.”