Iron Age Issues in Upper Wharfedale

Archaeological investigations revealing remains dating back to the Iron Age were the topic for IAG's talk on Monday 20 October.

Archaeologist Dr Roger Martlew talked about his research into the prehistory of Upper Wharfedale, where detailed survey and recording of earthworks - the 'lumps and bumps' under present-day fields - revealed what looked like a prehistoric hut circle.

Many aspects, though, were unusual and the investigation that followed uncovered further puzzling evidence along with human and animal remains dating back to the Iron Age. In addition, rescue excavation on the edge of Skipton suggested wider links to rituals and beliefs in Upper Wharfdale over 2,000 years ago.

Dr Martlew has worked on excavations in England, Scotland, France and the Philippines. He began investigating the Yorkshire Dales landscape while teaching archaeology at Leeds University over 30 years ago and is currently the archaeology editor of the Yorkshire Archaeological Journal.

The talk was held at Ingleborough Community Centre and was followed by Ingleborough Archaeology Group's annual general meeting.