Cartergate dig

Evidence of Roman occupation in central Grimsby has been unearthed for the first time. A ditch with infill which includes Roman deposits has been discovered off Cartergate where a dig has been going on ahead of redevelopment of the site. They opened up the site to locals for the day yesterday. It appears to show a farmstead rather than a settlement, and the likelihood is that (in addition to settlements known at Caistor and Kirmington) this level of occupation was widespread.

There is also, as expected, substantial mediaeval remains on the site. A prosperous row of houses may have stood where St James’ House now is, facing St James’ church. The site would be across the long plots behind those houses. It would also be across the plots at right angles behind later houses facing onto Chantry Lane.

The darker ring represents burnt remains from a single semi-industrial activity; the pit was then filled in with earth. Among huge number of specific finds is this thirteenth century jug of a style associated with Beverley but, since it shows signs of having been broken in the kiln, possibly evidence of similar style pottery being made locally.