Excitement at surprise 'medieval' discovery at village near Harrogate

'Medieval' discovery at a building site outside Scotton. (Picture Gerard Binks)

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Scotton, which lies seven miles from Harrogate and Knaresborough, is steeped in history; its Main Street, for example, includes Guy Fawkes House, parts of which hail from the 16th century with links to the most famous historical figure involved in the Gunpowder Plot.

But builders were still surprised last week when, in the course of a development for four to five houses outside the village, they uncovered earthworks which suggest a possible medieval dwelling of some sort.

Surprise discovery near Scotton. (Picture Gerard Binks)

The find has stirred up great excitement in Scotton itself with villagers Sam Roberts, who is an archaeologist himself and Mike Baxter who lead the village archaeology project via Claro Community Archaeology Group, both taking an interest.

But the discovery is thought unlikely to turn out to be of the same historical significance as the remains of a 'high-status' Roman villa and bath house complex found recently beneath a building site in Eastfield near Scarborough.

Although work at the site halted for a spell last week, it is believed that builders will be resuming their activities tomorrow, Tuesday.

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