Medieval ‘head’ discovered at dig

3:29pm Tuesday 8th April 2008

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Archaeologists working on the changing face of York have unearthed a remarkable medieval find.

This ancient carving was found upside down in the foundations of a building at the massive Hungate site, east of the city centre.

The building dates back to the 16th century, but the object - known as a corbel - is believed to be from the late-13th to mid-14th century.

Peter Connelly, Hungate excavations project director, said: "It really is rather an impressive find. We don't know much yet but our research on the corbel is proving very interesting."

A corbel is a stone bracket that projects from a wall or corner, either to support a beam or for decoration. This one is being analysed by York Archaeological Trust to determine its full story.

It is thought to have been a carved stone used as part of a religious building before being re-used as part of the foundations of the Cordwainers Guildhall, which was built sometime between 1548 and 1589.

The corbel would not have been visible in the building, which suggests it was not of importance to the constructor.

Facial features on the corbel can be easily identified and some original carving marks can still be seen. The archaeologists have also found faint traces of a substance, which may be paint.

Mr Connelly said: "Whoever constructed the Cordwainers Guildhall has treated it with no more intrinsic value than other non-carved foundation stones. All in all it is a very evocative object."