17 Oct Iron Age Settlement Excavated in Brenkley Lane Surface Mine
We are delighted to currently be working on the post excavation and publication of a site within Brenkley Lane Surface Mine, to the north of Newcastle upon Tyne. The excavation of this 4.2 hectare site was undertaken on behalf of Banks Mining in order to meet a planning condition that would allow coal extraction.
The site lies close to the medieval village of Brenkley, within a countryside known for its Iron Age settlements. These are typified by multi-phase enclosed roundhouse sites. The site at Brenkley Lane formed a similar settlement pattern with several roundhouses identified within a rectangular double-ditch enclosure and others within contemporary field systems. Radiocarbon dating has confirmed Iron Age occupation between 350BC and 90AD.
Given that the excavation was taking place within an active coal mine our team cooperated closely with Banks Mining to ensure that archaeological excavations were carried out safely and that our work did not interfere with the operational workings of the mine. Working to a strict deadline our team completed the excavation with minimal impact on the mine operations and to the satisfaction of both the local authority archaeologist and client.