What started as a standard planning permission project for a barn conversion on the outskirts of Settle has turned into a major archaeological dig. During the initial groundworks, contractors unearthed a series of circular post-holes indicative of an Iron Age roundhouse. Subsequent excavation by the North Yorkshire Archaeological Trust revealed pottery shards dating back 2,000 years. The site suggests a permanent settlement, potentially predating the Roman occupation of the Ribble Valley. The developers are now working with National Park archaeologists to "integrate" the find into the barn’s new floor, preserving the site for future generations.
Source: Craven Herald