Cheshire Memories: Chester University students unearth Iron Age houses in Kelsall

By Chester Chronicle on Nov 24, 09 09:11 AM in Country areas

ARCHAEOLOGY students from the University of Chester have joined forces with Cheshire West and Chester Council's Habitats and Hillforts project to investigate the Iron Age hillfort of Kelsborrow Castle, near Kelsall.

Students used geophysical survey techniques to catch a glimpse of what may be hidden underneath the surface of the ground, under the training and supervision of Dr Meggen Gondek, a senior lecturer in archaeology.

The survey has given archaeologists more information on the defences of the hillfort and has revealed the characteristic round footprints of Iron Age homes.

Dr Gondek said: "We suspected there would be evidence of houses and other buildings within the hillfort, but they were probably made of timber and, of course, would not have survived. By using geophysical survey techniques, we can see traces of these structures without having to disturb the ground surface."

The students working on the survey were pleased to volunteered their time to help with the project and take advantage of an opportunity to gain valuable experience.

Nick Window, a second year archaeology student, said: "I really enjoyed working on the survey. It is great to gain some new skills and get to grips with different types of archaeological techniques."

Dan Garner, Cheshire West and Chester Council's archaeological project officer, added the partnership was a great bonus for the Habitats and Hillforts Project.

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