'Overwhelming response' to Hull community dig

Part of the lost Harcourt Street was uncovered during an archeological dig on the site earlier this year

Applications to take part in a community dig near Hull city centre have been closed after an "overwhelming response".

The dig is planned on the former Clarence Mill site where the East Bank Urban Village project will see up to 850 new homes built along the River Hull.

A statutory exploration was undertaken by Humber Field Archaeology (HFA) earlier this year as the site was prepared for the development.

Applications for the public dig, due to begin on Monday 2 September, were closed within 48 hours of it being announced, due to demand.

The East Bank Urban Village will include 850 new homes

Hull City Council said visitors would be able to uncover the "hidden history" of the Drypool area for themselves, including how it was at the heart of an important medieval village and a stopping point for people before they crossed the River Hull, by ferry, en route to the bustling port of Kingston upon Hull.

HFA archaeology manager Peter Connelly said: “We’ve already had tantalising glimpses into the past of this site, including a lost street that has its origins in the 18th Century, part of Henry VIII’s defences, pottery that is 700 years old and the infilled remains of a pool that may represent the origins of the village’s name.

“Now, we want the people of Hull to help us uncover more of the story of Drypool as we journey into the past of this important part of the city.”

The community dig is due to last seven weeks.

After it closed applications, HFA said in a statement: "We are sorry (and also amazed) to say that due to the overwhelming response for places on the dig, registration is closed whilst we work through the applications we have received so far."

It said it might reopen the registration process at a future date.

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