Prehistoric Occupation and Burial on the Wold-Edge: Excavations at Melton Quarry, North Ferriby, East Riding

Abstract

Archaeological excavations ahead of the enlargement of Melton Quarry, in 2003, 2012 and 2015, have provided a regionally significant dataset which will aid better understandings of prehistoric occupation and burial on the south-eastern Yorkshire Wolds. Bayesian radiocarbon modelling has identified three main phases of occupation on the site, during the middle Neolithic and Beaker periods and the later Bronze Age. The character, dates and settings of the features share similarities with examples identified in the central and northern Wolds, which were investigated by antiquarians, and in the mid-twentieth century. In addition to providing comparative evidence for these better-known (but less well-understood) sites, Melton Quarry has provided an important suite of radiocarbon dates, scientific analysis of burials and evidence for prehistoric occupation and agricultural practice. A large Romano-British ditch also crossed the site, its upper fills containing a tenth- or eleventh-century AD inhumation.