On the western Wolds overlooking the Vale of York are two hilltops within sight of each other which display strange crop marks.  Dr Peter Halkon, a prominent archaeologist and Bridlington School old boy, described the surveys, excavations, and finds made on these sites over recent years.

At the Kiplingcotes hill site Peter was particularly interested in a “D” shaped feature that proved to be part of a Bronze Age ring fort similar to one found at Thwing. A magnetometry survey found a previously unknown large circle within. Clever use of infrared photography using a drone confirmed this even though the field had a potato crop in it at the time.

Peter revealed the results of excavations across the ring features and a nearby square feature. There were deep ditches and tumbled ramparts, and evidence for wooden palisades and massive gate posts. There was a strange find on the southern side. 58 cow skulls were found with mandibles in place suggesting they had been buried together as bloody intact heads.

The second hill near Nunburnholme included an Arras culture burial site.  Peter reported that DNA samples confirmed the locals had closer ancestral links to northern France than to other local tribes. Peter showed photographs of the several finds including, red deer antlers, a beautiful miniature bronze axe head, possibly used as a broach or votive offering, and clearly defined wheel ruts in an excavated drove way.

In her vote of thanks Sarah Ryalls’ said Peter had opened our eyes to nearby archaeology.