Report on our meeting held 18th October 2016

The Sub-Prior Garry Sunley welcomed members and guests and introduced our speaker Dr. Peter Halkon who spoke to us on the subject of the Parisi-Britons and Romans in Eastern Yorkshire. Peter is a lecturer in archaeology in the Department of History at the University of Hull. 

Peter explained in his illustrated lecture that the first written record of the Parisi in this area was made in Ptolemys Geographica of around 150AD. This map shows the Parisi Tribe occupying what is now the East Riding. 

Earlier, during the Bronze Age, it is believed that the Parisi had established links with the continent. The discovery of suitable trading boats in the Humber basin at North Ferriby such as Hasholme logboat supports this theory, as does metal work such as brooches and bangles found in the East Riding which are similar to ones found in France. 

Peter gave details of Parisi activity in the Iron Age. In the Foulness Valley one of the largest slag heaps to be discovered was found at Moores Farm. There are traces of square barrow burial grounds in the Burton Fleming area and also a number of Chariot and Spear Burials. In addition there are dyke systems and hill forts in other parts of the East Riding and as far as the North Yorkshire moors.  

Then the Romans arrived. The speaker gave details of the discoveries of a Roman fort, Roman roads, and roadside settlements in the Hayton area, plus villas at Langton, Brantingham and Rudston with their fine Mosiac floors and other artefacts. These all provide evidence of Roman occupation in the area and helped to develop our knowledge and provide a fascinating insight into the lives of a local Parisi tribe and the impact that the Romans had on their development.

The vote of thanks was given by Maureen Bell who thanked the speaker for his very informative talk and that his book on the subject had pride of place in her guest room.