The harsh reality of life – and death – in the Hartlepool area in medieval times is coming vividly under the spotlight at one of two upcoming events from Tees Archaeology.
This year's Tees Archaeology Day takes place on Saturday 3 October from 9.30am to 4pm in the Jim Cooke Suite at Stockton Central Library, Church Road, TS18 1TU.
The event will feature a number of guest speakers and explore exciting new research into the Early Medieval period in Northern England carried out over the last five years. Topics will include Hart, Yeavering, Lindisfarne, York, Norton and Ingleby Barwick.
A particular focus – including two hours of talks - will be on the Hart Manor site near Hartlepool where a 2016 excavation by environmental consultancy Cura Terrae uncovered 365 burials, including children, adults and unusual multiple graves. Their skeletons provide a remarkable glimpse into health, diet, work, disease and violence.
More than half of those buried were children, particularly infants and young children.
Their remains reveal evidence of childhood illness and nutritional stress, including scurvy and rickets, while several burials highlight the dangers surrounding pregnancy and childbirth.
A grave marker showing the name Glaethild, from the Hart Manor excavations
For those who survived childhood, many lived into mature adulthood, although their skeletons record the physical demands of everyday life, including manual labour, accidents and repeated injuries.
The Hart population also experienced striking evidence of violence. Thirteen adults had injuries sustained around the time of death, including blade wounds and decapitation. The unusual pattern of these injuries may provide clues to a violent event or raid.
Together, these skeletons reveal a community whose lives were shaped by childhood vulnerability, hard work, disease, age-related conditions and conflict.
Tickets for Tees Archaeology Day cost £25 for adults and £15 for students, including tea and coffee and a buffet lunch.
To book, contact Hartlepool Art Gallery in Church Square on 01429 869706, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, or visit in person. (At the same time please also advise of any special dietary requirements).
There is also a chance to take part in Tees Archaeology Fieldwalking on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September at Marsh House Farm, Greatham.
Fieldwalking involves collecting every item you find on the ground within a gridded area for later archaeological assessment. No experience is required and full training will be provided.
This is a once in 30 years opportunity to fieldwalk 16 hectares of agricultural land at Greatham with the Tees Archaeology team and the Environment Agency.
The fieldwalking is free and is open to ages 16-plus. To book, click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1998951830736?aff=oddtdtcreator
For more information about either event, email Tees Archaeology Team Leader Emma Watson at emma.watson2@hartlepool.gov.uk