Nether Poppleton's Monastery, Yorkshire | FULL EPISODE | Time Team

Time Team Classics・2 minutes read

Locals in Nether Peton near York conduct a three-day project to determine the village's origins, uncovering Saxon and Norman pottery finds, a Tudor mansion, and a potential monastic enclosure near the church. The community spirit is evident as residents dig test pits in their gardens, leading to the exploration of distinct phases of archaeology and the unveiling of a Tudor house layout with ornamental ponds and landscaping for high-status visitors, showcasing the historical significance of the area.

Insights

  • Locals in Nether Peton near York engage in a three-day project to uncover the village's origins through test pits, revealing a mix of medieval, Saxon, Norman, and Roman archaeological evidence.
  • The discovery of Saxon pottery concentrated at number 20 suggests a focal point of Saxon settlement in the village, sparking discussions on potential monastic enclosures and unveiling a Tudor mansion, leading to further exploration plans and historical significance for the area.

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Recent questions

  • What is the history of Nether Peton village?

    The village of Nether Peton near York has a mix of modern, Victorian, and older houses, with a traditional medieval layout visible from above. The Earthworks near the church are believed to be older than officially registered, possibly tracing back to the Normans or Saxons. A three-day project is initiated to determine the true age of the village through test pits dug by locals in their gardens. The goal is to uncover the village's origins, whether it started as a Saxon or Norman settlement, by analyzing pottery finds from test pits. The community spirit is evident as locals dig in their gardens, helping each other and bringing finds to be analyzed.

  • What is the significance of the church in Nether Peton?

    The church, built in Norman times, is a focal point for investigation, with geophysics and landscape surveys conducted around it. The church is dedicated to St. Everilda, a 7th-century saint, suggesting the presence of a nunnery on the site. Analysis of written history from the Domesday Book and other sources reveals early references to the village. The first day concludes with test pits yielding medieval pottery finds, hinting at the presence of medieval archaeology in the village. Locals gather to learn about test pit results, with frantic activity in the incident room.

  • What archaeological discoveries were made in Nether Peton?

    Discovery of no Saxon pottery at one end of the village, increasing as one heads west. Significant amount of Saxon pottery found at number 20, indicating a focus of Saxon settlement in that area. Lack of findings at the West end, particularly around the church area. Proposal to expand test pitting strategy to new areas like the old Stables and Granary. Opening of test pits around the church to potentially find Saxon material. Discovery of distinct phases of archaeology, including 18th-century wall overlying an earlier cobbled surface.

  • What structures were uncovered in Nether Peton?

    Unearthing of Saxon pottery in a ditch, indicating a possible early Saxon period presence. Discussion on the significance of the Saxon ditch, potentially indicating a monastic enclosure. Excitement over the discovery of multiple pieces of Saxon pottery, hinting at a monastery and a Tudor mansion. Uncovering of a well-built brick wall, suggesting an unknown Tudor building with surrounding Earthworks. Deliberation on whether the site is a garden terrace or part of a larger building, leading to further excavation plans.

  • What is the overall historical significance of Nether Peton?

    The grand Walker is a display showcasing an impressive building with an open landscape view, including ponds, rivers, orchards, and ornamental gardens, away from the village and peasants. Archaeological findings reveal a massive ditch dating back to the early medieval period, possibly associated with a Norman church and manor house, indicating past human habitation in the area. The discovery of Anglo-Saxon and Norman pottery suggests a long history of occupation, including a monastic settlement with a church, houses, and workshops, leading to the unexpected finding of a Tudor mansion, promising continued exploration and historical significance for Nether Poppleton.

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Summary

00:00

Uncovering Nether Peton's Medieval Origins

  • The village of Nether Peton near York has a mix of modern, Victorian, and older houses, with a traditional medieval layout visible from above.
  • The Earthworks near the church are believed to be older than officially registered, possibly tracing back to the Normans or Saxons.
  • A three-day project is initiated to determine the true age of the village through test pits dug by locals in their gardens.
  • The goal is to uncover the village's origins, whether it started as a Saxon or Norman settlement, by analyzing pottery finds from test pits.
  • The community spirit is evident as locals dig in their gardens, helping each other and bringing finds to be analyzed.
  • The village is divided into sections for systematic exploration, with archaeologists overseeing the process.
  • The church, built in Norman times, is a focal point for investigation, with geophysics and landscape surveys conducted around it.
  • The church is dedicated to St. Everilda, a 7th-century saint, suggesting the presence of a nunnery on the site.
  • Analysis of written history from the Domesday Book and other sources reveals early references to the village.
  • The first day concludes with test pits yielding medieval pottery finds, hinting at the presence of medieval archaeology in the village.

15:00

"Saxon pottery concentration in Ian's area"

  • Concentration of Saxon material currently at the other end of the village in Ian's area.
  • Need to review finds from all test pits before making a decision on where to focus.
  • Locals gathering to learn about test pit results, with frantic activity in the incident room.
  • Discovery of no Saxon pottery at one end of the village, increasing as one heads west.
  • Significant amount of Saxon pottery found at number 20, indicating a focus of Saxon settlement in that area.
  • Lack of findings at the West end, particularly around the church area.
  • Proposal to expand test pitting strategy to new areas like the old Stables and Granary.
  • Opening of test pits around the church to potentially find Saxon material.
  • Discovery of distinct phases of archaeology, including 18th-century wall overlying an earlier cobbled surface.
  • Chronological order of pottery finds showing Roman, Saxon, Norman, and medieval periods in the village.

29:34

"Excavation reveals ancient structures in orchard"

  • Discovery of a potential ancient structure in an orchard, initially thought to be a simple field wall.
  • Intriguing bricks found in the orchard, leading to speculation about the structure's significance.
  • Unearthing of Saxon pottery in a ditch, indicating a possible early Saxon period presence.
  • Discussion on the significance of the Saxon ditch, potentially indicating a monastic enclosure.
  • Excitement over the discovery of multiple pieces of Saxon pottery, hinting at a monastery and a Tudor mansion.
  • Uncovering of a well-built brick wall, suggesting an unknown Tudor building with surrounding Earthworks.
  • Deliberation on whether the site is a garden terrace or part of a larger building, leading to further excavation plans.
  • Exploration of the area for evidence of a monastic settlement near the church, with a focus on Earthworks and ditches.
  • Unveiling of a potential layout of the Tudor house, including a hall, chambers, and service buildings.
  • Detailed examination of the Tudor house's grand facade, ornamental ponds, and landscaping for high-status visitors.

43:08

"Medieval Ditch Unearths Tudor Mansion Mystery"

  • The grand Walker is a display showcasing an impressive building with an open landscape view, including ponds, rivers, orchards, and ornamental gardens, away from the village and peasants.
  • Archaeological findings reveal a massive ditch dating back to the early medieval period, possibly associated with a Norman church and manor house, indicating past human habitation in the area.
  • The discovery of Anglo-Saxon and Norman pottery suggests a long history of occupation, including a monastic settlement with a church, houses, and workshops, leading to the unexpected finding of a Tudor mansion, promising continued exploration and historical significance for Nether Poppleton.
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