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SUMMER 2023

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OBP - The Dig

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OBP - The Dig


This summer has seen all sorts of historical & cultural projects popping up for Grimsby, whether it was the Friends, Foes & Good Companions exhibit at the Fishing Heritage Centre or Festival of Sea, even the upcoming return of Grim Falfest, the Viking festival.


But none are quite as physically historical as a recent archaeological dig by the North East Lincolnshire Archaeology & Local History Society in the middle of town. Under the headquarters of Our Big Picture in fact.


While planning for a disabled ramp to increase access to OBP's building, the traditional thing to do would be to survey the grounds in case of potential environmental hazards or otherwise something that would prevent building above ground. While this area is between the train station car park and OBP's building, a survey is still necessary.


Our Big Picture is an organisation which is committed to expanding the cultural sector in Grimsby and getting the entire community involved in culture, both past & future! Thanks to frequent collaboration between groups like the lottery heritage fund and the Grimsby Cleethorpes civic society, Our Big Picture was able to purchase the building down Bethlehem street, in the centre of town. Further discussions between the various heritage groups and the building of a ramp, meant the excavating could be done by local archaeologists from the NELALHS.


So what was found? The first discovery which sparked interest were some Victorian coins, dating 1900, 1908 & 1914 which notified the group that there was at least some historical activity on the site. Some smaller trinkets included clay pipes, artisanal glass and imitation porcelain pottery! They would go on to find a classic midden, which was a kind of designated refuse pile for food and other kinds of waste. Countless chicken bones as well has over 100 oysters, implying plenty of eating on the site, possibly a mess hall with its proximity to the train station.


There was also part of a walled structure found, probably dating around 1200s, putting it roughly around the building of St James, Grimsby Minster. Likely making it another religious building of some sort. These findings along with the previous digs at Cartergate confirm a lot of medieval history about Grimsby, it was a reputable fishing town long before its rise to fame in the industrial era.

Which each new archaeology project hinting at activity in the area from as far back as Roman Britain, for example a recent 'ladder settlement' find in Healing, there has never been a more exciting time to engage with our heritage in Grimsby.


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