Items found in dig reveal town's medieval past

An archaeological dig has uncovered items from a leather workshop that existed more than 500 years ago, experts believe.

Leather, pottery and fish bones were found by York Archaeology during redevelopment work at Grimsby's Freshney Place.

North East Lincolnshire Council said they painted a unique picture of the town's history and said it planned to put them on display in the future.

Councillor Hayden Dawkins, the council's cabinet member for tourism and heritage, said: "This is wonderful to see. Knowing that a whole world is right under our feet is truly fascinating."

Grimsby developed into a fishing and trading port in the 12th Century and the area of the excavation is thought to be the "probable ground level" of the area in the years 450 to 1600, the council added.

Experts believe the leather workshop was surrounded by a busy market place in the heart of Grimsby.

Louise Jennings, the council's heritage officer, said the discovery was "really adding to the history of our town".

She said: "Being so close to the sea, it's understandable that people would have fish and shellfish as a big part of their diet, so the appearance of oyster shells and fish bones isn't surprising.

"You can imagine people working in the workshop, having fish for their lunch."

Phil Moore, principal archaeology consultant from BWB Consulting, which has co-ordinated the work, said the wet nature of the site could lead to the discovery of preserved organic materials, such as those made of wood or leather.

The dig, which started in October 2025, took place on the site of flood prevention measures that are being installed.

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