Ancient ring ditch unearthed in Derbyshire, UK -- Secret History -- Sott.net

Staff from our Newark office have unearthed some exciting archaeology at a new industrial development at Dove Valley Park in Derbyshire, working on behalf of Orion Heritage and Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd.

Cropmarks on aerial photographs hinted at the presence of several ring ditches and linear ditches on and close to the site. Our team confirmed the existence of these features through trial trench evaluation. We then conducted a strip, map and sample excavation to fully reveal and investigate the remains, leading to the discovery of a complete ring ditch and a substantial linear ditch.

The ring ditch during excavation, with a possible entrance visible in the foreground. There was at least one re-cutting of the ring ditch, suggesting maintenance and possible longevity of use.

The ring ditch is thought to be prehistoric, one nearby was excavated in the 1990s and found to be Bronze Age. The feature may have been a stock enclosure since no artefacts were found within it. However, soil samples were retained for potential radiocarbon dating and to recover small artefacts and environmental evidence and we're looking forward to the results of our post-excavation work.

The long linear ditch is thought to be a post-medieval boundary. These discoveries add to our understanding of the area's rich history and provides fascinating insights into the way our ancestors lived and worked.

Orthophoto (above) showing the post-medieval boundary ditch running west-east to the north of the ring ditch.

Reader Comments

gonexploring · 2023-03-17T01:45:52Z

Although i stated in another topic about britain.. 'I'm glad I left that apathetic stiff upper lip cesspit of an island."

I sure do miss the archaeology/standing stones/ley lines/ castles and saxon churches, to name a few.

Martin Harris · 2023-03-18T04:14:09Z

gonexploring I agree absolutely. i left at age 15 with much enthusiasm (Live in NZ now).

I do miss the archeology and history though and I remember Derbyshire and Dove Dale as magnificent examples of British countryside.

Eventide · 2023-03-17T02:32:01Z

What a poorly-written article. Doesn't even define 'ring ditch' or 'linear ditch.'

danny esq · 2023-03-17T03:10:58Z

Wow this sure will help out with the cost of living. Good job guys, bravo!

Eventide · 2023-03-18T14:05:35Z

Apparently, a 'ring ditch' was created around a mound that could have covered a burial ground. The mound has since flattened. A 'linear ditch' is thought to be a boundary marker.

Winternights3 · 2023-03-18T19:19:12Z

Academia at its best, establish control of site, employ measures that restricted exposure to finds and come out with some lame excuses that are designed to diffuse any interest in what's happened.

Interestingly, if a mound was on site and then flattened, it would suggest a clear removal of evidence that would put into question current narratives.