Axholme Archaeological

19/10/2026

19/10/2026

Imagine hauling in a fishing net and finding a mammoth bone—or a tool last held by someone thousands of years ago.

Beneath the North Sea lies Doggerland, a vast submerged landscape that once connected Britain with continental Europe.

Where fishing boats now travel, Stone Age communities once hunted, gathered food and followed rivers through a changing landscape of grasslands, wetlands and forests. Across different periods, animals including mammoths, wild horses, deer and aurochs roamed this lost world.

As the last Ice Age ended, melting ice sheets raised sea levels. Over thousands of years, the water advanced across low-lying ground, gradually turning broad plains into coastlines, peninsulas and islands.

Around 6200 BC, an enormous underwater landslide off Norway triggered the Storegga tsunami, striking the remaining shores of Doggerland. It was a devastating event, but research suggests it did not drown the entire landscape in one catastrophic moment. Some areas survived for centuries afterwards.

Today, fishing nets and dredging occasionally recover traces of that vanished world: animal bones, worked flint, antler tools and human remains. Seismic surveys and seabed research have also revealed buried river channels and ancient landscapes.

Doggerland reminds us that archaeology isn’t confined to fields, ruins and burial grounds. Sometimes, an entire inhabited landscape lies beneath the waves.

What an extraordinary moment it must be when a fisherman brings a piece of that world back into daylight.

19/10/2026

19/10/2026

When you visit Epworth Old Rectory, one of the rooms you will see is Samuel Wesley's study. This was Samuel's private space where he could read, write and reflect.
In the centre of the room is a desk with writing materials, including a wax seal, replicating those used by Samuel when he was writing not only his sermons but also his scholarly writing. Samuel wrote many books, including 'The Life of Christ'. You will find a leather bound copy of this, dedicated to Queen Mary in 1693, in the glass case as you enter the room. Near the window is a chair inscribed "used by Revd John Wesley, 1756."
Despite his scholarly writing creating an additional source of income, Samuel Wesley often found himself in debt and in 1705 he found himself in Lincoln Debtor's Prison. On the wall of the study is a letter Samuel wrote to the Archbishop of York, describing his plight.
To see the letter and more, visit Epworth Old Rectory, open Thursday to Saturday, 10.30-3.30 until the end of October.
Don't forget, it's our Apple Day celebration on Saturday 24th October.

19/10/2026

Would you like to get involved in a major excavation in Yorkshire? Then Ethos Heritage have an opportunity for you!

During March and April 2027 they will be running their excavation at Welburn over a Roman Kiln. More information at www.wdhuk.com

13/10/2026

13/10/2026

13/10/2026

TWENTY ONE ROMAN KILNS REVEAL THE WORLD BEHIND ANCIENT POTTERY

What did it take to turn clay into the pots used in homes?
Excavations ahead of the Seine Nord Europe Canal at Sermaize, near Noyon in northern France, have uncovered a pottery workshop containing 21 kilns.

Occupied from the first century BC to the third century AD, the site preserves evidence of clay extraction, preparation, shaping, firing and storage.

Archaeologists identified wheel pits, clay basins, stone pivot sockets and flint tools. Hearths, wells and food waste suggest potters lived where they worked.

Production changed over time, from fine dark tableware and shimmering mica coated beakers to plainer pottery for everyday meals.

The workshop probably stood beside the Roman road linking Noyon and Amiens, offering access to trade routes.

Analysis will test whether the clay came from pits and clarify how the basins were used. Where the pots travelled remains unknown.

🗺️ Find ancient sites near you with ARCHI UK: www.archiuk.com

📺 Learn how to use LiDAR & old maps: YouTube.com/

📷 Image credit: Louis Florin, Inrap

🔗 Full article: www.labrujulaverde.com/en/2026/10/archaeologists-uncovered-a-roman-pottery-workshop-with-21-kilns-in-france-it-ran-for-about-three-centuries-and-left-evidence-of-every-production-step/

13/10/2026

Upstairs at the Old Rectory you will find the Best Chamber. This was the bedroom of Samuel and Susanna Wesley. Here you will find a 17th century 'stump' bed. If you look carefully, you will see holes through which ropes were tightened to support the mattress. It is from this we get the popular saying, "Good night, sleep tight." As well as a place to sleep, this is where Susanna went for quiet reflection and prayer. Despite running a busy household and educating her children, Susanna still managed to find an hour a day to retire to her bedroom for her devotions. In the corner is a fine example of a prayer chair. Susanna would have folded down the back to create a kneeling desk, like in the image. Above the fireplace there is a striking portrait of Susanna Wesley. To find out more, visit Epworth Old Rectory, open Thursday to Saturday, 10.30 - 3.30.