Dig unearths treasures

Harewood Coun Sam Firth recently joined Wessex Archaeology in the final excavation near Morwick Hall, Scholes, part of the new East Leeds Orbital Road (ELOR).

Coun Firth said: “As a local resident, it was a real privilege to get a first-hand insight into the history which has been hidden under the ground until now.

“Since my childhood, I have been fascinated about the local history and activity on Whinmoor and across east Leeds, excited by the stories and battles of Winwaed in 655 AD and Seacroft Moor in 1643.

“I am grateful to have had this unique opportunity, including handling objects buried for generations and following the lost sunken lanes and ridge and furrow patterns created by medieval ploughing.”

Wessex Archaeology are currently completing a several month long survey of the seven kilometer route of the new dual carriageway which is being constructed between Red Hall and Thorpe Park by Balfour Beatty and Leeds City Council.

The road is scheduled for completion in 2022.

The Grade II-listed Morwick Hall was built by two-time Mayor of Leeds, Edward Gray, in the mid-late eighteenth century on Whinmoor.

Archaeologists have so far discovered items including a Bronze Age axe head, a Romano-British farm enclosure and part of the rail link to the former Barnbow munitions factory.