Archaeologists digging at the site of a former bowling alley have unearthed 'significant' finds linked to the medieval past of a popular seaside town. Historians have been examining the area in Weymouth, Dorset, which is known to contain the remains of three 13th-century houses and plots. Medieval walls, early cold stores, as well as coins, tiles, pottery, and personal effects have exposed the 'hidden history' of the town centuries after the items were buried below the surface.
The Dig and Its Discoveries
The dig is expected to last six weeks before the site of the former MFA Bowl in Melcombe Regis is turned into a temporary car park while future development plans are considered by Dorset Council. On Saturday, the site was opened up to the public for free. Dorset councillor Richard Biggs told BBC News: 'This dig is about much more than archaeology, it's about people feeling connected to the place they live.'
Significant Artifacts Found
Among the many items discovered are a medieval well, walls, early cold stores, coins, tiles, pottery, and personal effects. Senior archaeologist Steve Wallis said the dig has uncovered more about how people lived more than 700 years ago in Weymouth. 'Already, there have been significant discoveries and we can expect more to come,' he said, adding that a team from the University of Southampton would be joining the researchers on site in late May to take soil samples. 'These samples will find out what diseases locals of that time had, and include, hopefully, more details about the Black Death.'
Historical Context
Historic records from Melcombe Regis suggest the deadly disease arrived in the area in 1348 and wiped out around half of the town's population. The artefacts will be taken away, cleaned and analysed before going on display to the public at Dorset Museum.
