Archaeology: The Archaeology of Grimsby

What do we know and what lies waiting to be discovered?

We know from late Prehistoric artefact distribution that there was

significant Iron-Age and Roman activity around the promontory upon

which historic Grimsby subsequently developed.

Given that much of the historic town's area has not been subjected to

archaeological survey or excavation it is possible to make some informed predictions of what may lie below the surface.

Evidence for the Augustinian and Franciscan friaries, the Medieval church of St Marys and its churchyard probably does remain. Within the former area of the medieval port we might expect to find evidence of the 'mud docks' in which the trading Cogs were built, as well as dock-wharves, dock- side crane bases, back-filled cellars and warehouse foundations. Deeper layers will undoubtedly be waterlogged, helping to preserve wooden structures and organic artefacts. There could well be the remains of abandoned medieval ships' hulls lingering in the now backfilled creeks below the present streets.

This day-school at the Minster with Archaeologist Simon Tomson will

present a synopsis of what we know of Grimsby's Prehistoric and Historic Archaeology, while attempting to to suggest what may still be preserved below ground within the town.