Long-lost ancient village with mysterious past unearthed amid wind farm dig
Share and Follow

In a remarkable find, archaeologists have unearthed the remains of a medieval village that had long been lost to history. This discovery emerged during pre-construction excavations related to an offshore wind farm project.

Announced on December 9 by Wessex Archaeology, the team revealed the unearthing of an Anglo-Saxon settlement near the present-day village of Friston in East Suffolk, England. This site had previously been unknown to historians and archaeologists alike.

The excavations were a collaborative effort with the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), providing a deeper insight into the region’s historical landscape.

The newly discovered settlement consisted of a “small community living in wooden longhouses,” according to officials involved in the project. These structures were not only residential but also served as social centers, complete with central hearths used for cooking and heating.

“These weren’t just living spaces … [They] also acted as social hubs, with a central hearth for cooking and keeping warm,” the press release said.

“Although the wooden buildings have long rotted away, the remains of post holes show they were substantial structures, up to 19 meters [62 feet] long by 6 meters [20 feet] wide.”

Pictures from the excavation show archaeologists holding some of the ancient artifacts that were uncovered, including flint tools and pottery fragments.

Some of the finds date before the Anglo-Saxons, including an arrowhead made between 4,000 and 6,000 years ago.

“Designed to cover long distances for hunting, [the arrowhead’s] sharpened edges and point are incredibly fragile and usually break in the ground, making this a rare find,” Wessex Archaeology said.

The excavation was carried out ahead of the development of East Anglia TWO and ONE North Projects, an offshore wind farm being built by ScottishPower Renewables, a spokesperson told Fox News Digital. 

Matthew Ginnever, senior project manager at MOLA-Wessex Archaeology, said the most interesting finds included medieval kilns and fragile, ancient flints that include arrowheads and an axe head.

“An exciting discovery for the team once the settlement began to emerge was that a modern public right of way is perfectly aligned with the early medieval buildings, suggesting the footpath has been in use since the Anglo-Saxon period — and possibly before,” Ginnever added.

The settlement was abandoned in the 1300s, though the cause is still unknown, the expert said.

“Excavations have been taking place at key points where there are onshore development areas, [like] substations,” said Ginnever.

“Our team will be exploring this during the post-excavation analysis phase of [the] work, and we hope to share more in the future.”

Researchers are slated to share more findings in a webinar on Jan. 23.

The latest discovery isn’t the first time that modern construction projects have yielded historical treasures in Europe.

Last year, archaeologists unearthed 1,000-year-old treasure at a construction site for a nuclear power plant in Suffolk.

More recently, Czech excavators found multiple military graves during highway construction, both linked to the Austro-Prussian wars.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
My depression is getting in the way of my hygiene

Struggling with Hygiene? How Depression Could Be the Hidden Cause

DEAR ABBY: As someone who has been divorced for years and is…
Teen gets stuck in 11-inch wide drain pipe while sledding on Kansas golf course

Teenager Rescued from Narrow Drain Pipe During Sledding Incident at Kansas Golf Course

A Kansas teen found himself in a precarious situation after a sledding…
Joseph D. Johnson charged with murder in Garnsey Avenue shooting deaths of Joselynn Diaz-Garcia, son in Joliet: police

Tragic Joliet Shooting: Joseph D. Johnson Faces Murder Charges in Garnsey Avenue Double Homicide

A tragic incident unfolded in Joliet, Illinois, as a 29-year-old man has…
Patriots fan Shelly Sepulveda dead after cancer battle — weeks after team owner Robert Kraft surprised her with Super Bowl tickets

Beloved Patriots Fan Shelly Sepulveda Passes Away After Cancer Battle, Following Heartfelt Gesture from Team Owner Robert Kraft

In a poignant turn of events, a devoted New England Patriots fan…
'Doomsday Clock' ticks closer to midnight over global threats, group says

Global Threats Push ‘Doomsday Clock’ Closer to Midnight, Experts Warn

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has issued a stark warning, suggesting…
Georgia assistant principal accused of stealing nearly $1K in Walmart merchandise at self-checkout

Georgia School Leader Caught in $1K Walmart Self-Checkout Scandal: A Shocking Tale of Theft

An assistant principal from a Georgia elementary school found herself in legal…
Eliza Morales, pregnant woman killed in Downers Grove, suffered 70 stab wounds; Nedas Revuckas charged: court docs

Tragic Murder in Downers Grove: Pregnant Eliza Morales Fatally Stabbed 70 Times, Suspect Nedas Revuckas Charged

A tragic incident in Downers Grove has led to the arrest of…
Minn anti-Border Patrol riot backfires as agitators allegedly hurl objects at cops, arrests expose rap sheets

Minnesota Protest Against Border Patrol Turns Chaotic: Arrests Reveal Agitators’ Criminal Histories

In Minnesota, multiple protesters detained outside a hotel where they assumed Border…