A remarkable archaeological discovery has brought medieval Richmond to life, as resurfacing works in the town’s historic market place have uncovered a series of ancient pits. Archaeologists working alongside North Yorkshire Council’s highways team have unearthed bones, clothing, and the remains of medieval structures beneath the cobbled square, halting the roadworks to allow for a full investigation.
Nine pits, thought to date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, were identified. One pit, waterlogged and rich in well-preserved artefacts, contained leather fragments from clothing and shoes, alongside animal bones, including sheep and pigs. The discovery of organic materials like wood and leather is particularly significant, as these would normally have decayed over time but have been preserved by the waterlogged conditions.

Cllr Keane Duncan, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, expressed excitement over the discovery. “This is an incredibly fascinating and unexpected find for us in Richmond’s market place, which has a long and rich history,” he said. “We have rightly paused our roadworks to allow archaeologists to investigate further.”
Peter Rowe, principal archaeologist at North Yorkshire Council, explained the importance of the find. “The market place may have originally formed the outer bailey of Richmond Castle, which could explain its unusual semi-circular shape,” he said. “The remains discovered include fragments of former buildings and waste pits, offering a rare glimpse into medieval life in the town.”

Among the intriguing finds is a dog burial, further deepening the connection to Richmond’s past. The market place has been the heart of trade and life in the town for centuries, and these discoveries are helping historians reconstruct the bustling medieval period in this part of Yorkshire.

Work will continue in the coming days as the team from JB Archaeology expands its search. Meanwhile, the community has been captivated by the findings, with residents keen to learn more about Richmond’s hidden history.
Cllr Stuart Parsons, who represents Richmond, said: “There has been huge interest in the work of archaeologists as these discoveries confirm the rich history we have here. We look forward to seeing what else may be uncovered.”
Once the investigation is complete, the artefacts are expected to be displayed at Richmondshire Museum, offering the public a closer look at these remarkable insights into the town’s medieval past.