Excavation unearths fresh look at town's history

An excavation near Chesterfield's crooked church spire has unearthed a "new perspective" on the town's history, archaeologists have said.

Work to renovate Rykneld Square off Church Way in the Derbyshire town was paused after early discoveries were made on the site.

The University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) team has completed its work, uncovering evidence of a sequence of buildings - belonging to former almshouses and a row of cottages that once stood beside the crooked spire.

John Thomas, deputy director of ULAS, said "well-preserved" 17th Century remains found offered a new view on the town's archaeological history, which previously focussed on Roman and medieval periods.

"What we learn from the results that we've got from this excavation will add differently dated information," Thomas said.

The council said the row of former almhouses was built alongside part of the churchyard in the 17th and 18th Centuries.

According to the authority they were built to provide accommodation for the poor and were funded by local benefactors.

The council added the buildings had gone out of use and were largely demolished by the 19th Century, however their below ground remains appeared to be well-preserved.

The current archaeological work exposed a small area of the walls, the authority said.

Pottery fragments ranging from the medieval period to the 19th Century were found, and the borough council said samples would be given to Chesterfield Museum, along with an account of the findings.

The team also uncovered skeletal remains from a disused part of the historic churchyard which would be re-buried on site, the council said.

The structural wall remains will be preserved in situ and covered over, the authority added.

The council started work to modernise the square with new grassy areas, more plants and replacement paving in July.

It is part of the authority's £10.28m Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield scheme to regenerate the wider town centre - funded through the government's Levelling Up Fund.

The council said the project was now being "refined" in order to protect the remains.

It said the updated plans retain features such as new paving, seating and a wider pavement while replacing trees with smaller shrubs and planting to avoid disturbing the archaeology.

The revised design will be submitted to Derbyshire County Council as the local highways authority, the authority said.

Thomas added: ''The archaeology is very well-preserved and shows a long period of occupation next to the church of St Mary & All Saints.

"Our work now will be to carefully examine the artefacts and records we have gathered to tell a detailed story of life in this part of the town.''

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for the town centre at Chesterfield Borough Council, said the authority was "working to restart our regeneration" of the area.

"It's interesting to get a glimpse of what life was like for people who lived in our town hundreds of years ago and we'll make sure we preserve this knowledge for future generations," she added.

Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.