Affordable housebuilder, Orbit Homes, recently unearthed over 18,800 historical artefacts after excavations at its Calthorpe Gardens development discovered archaeological evidence dating from the Prehistoric Mesolithic, Late bronze Age-Middle to Late Iron Age, and through to early Anglo-Saxon times. 

The site is now considered one of significant regional importance after Border Archaeology, Orbit Homes’ archaeology partner for the site, discovered the remains of what is thought to be a small sized settlement from the Late Bronze Age to Middle/Late Iron Age along with a later Anglo-Saxon cemetery containing the remains of at least 52 individuals.

Amongst the artefacts recovered were finds from the prehistoric settlement (handmade pottery and textile tools) and rich grave goods from the Anglo-Saxon burials (bead necklaces, pendants, personal objects and weapons) in addition to the 9,310 litres of paleoenvironmental samples also taken to help shed light on the human activity of the past.

A selection of the artefacts were also recently put on display to the public for the first time during an exclusive event hosted by Orbit Homes and Border Archaeology.

Colin Dean, Sales and Marketing Director for Orbit Homes in the Midlands, commented: “The finds at Calthorpe Gardens are fascinating. It’s been an incredible experience for the whole Orbit Homes team to watch the archaeologists undertake excavation at the site and see the sheer number and quality of the artefacts that were discovered. We’re delighted that the location has been declared as ‘significant’ and after all the work to excavate and study the finds it was wonderful to finally share some of these discoveries with the local community as well as be able to help piece together the history of the people living in the area over centuries. We look forward to finding out more about what life was like in the area as Border Archaeology continue their investigations.”

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