Digging at Fulford, 2015
Chas Jones has kindly sent details of this year’s commemorations of the battles of Fulford and Stamford Bridge. Fulford was the first and arguably largest of the three battles in the autumn of 1066. Five days after the battle of Fulford the Vikings were caught off guard at Stamford Bridge by King Harold II and badly defeated. These two Yorkshire battles contributed to the defeat of King Harold a few weeks later at Hastings because his army was no longer fresh after its long march up to Yorkshire and back.
The archaeological digs of 2014 and 2015 on the site of the 1066 battle of Fulford yielded many fragments of bone, which appeared to be human. Sadly it was not possible to extract collagen for a carbon date or to do isotope analysis on these bones.
The work will resume this summer with more trenches where the bones were found. Another trench will expose a further section of the ancient road leading to the ford which was discovered last year.
Chas recently launched a ‘Crowdfunder’ appeal, featuring a film by Dan Snow, to get the money to open the site to visitors. As a part of the 950th anniversary of 1066 the site, which is on public land, will be open for families during the summer holidays to visit and dig some of the intriguing archaeology that was uncovered last year.
There will be a number of events to commemorate the Fulford and Stamford Bridge battles, culminating in a battle re-enactment at Stamford Bridge on 25th September, the 950th anniversary date of that battle before the trek south to Hastings. This is being organised by English Heritage.
Chas has spoken to Medieval Section in the past. Chas hopes some of our members might venture over to Fulford to do some digging or just to come and have a look. He also runs newsletter to which you can sign up.
July
- As a part of the Council for British Archaeology, festival of archaeology, starting on Saturday 16 July we will be digging at the ford to expose more of the ancient road and land surface of 1066
- When the dig is over on 31 July the site will be covered over to protect it from the weather and prepared to allow visitors to inspect the battle surface
August
- Open Fulford site with free public access to the archaeology.
- Site is open 11-4 every day but accessible outside these hours for unguided access
- Access is free but a £10 family ticket is planned for those wanting to take part in the dig
- A living history camp will be making items and talking to visitors
- Prepare tableaux of three battles with panels to explain the history and the battles
September
The site will remain open to visitors as long as weather conditions permit. The hope is to keep them open until the battle of Hastings in mid-October, weather and floods permitting, to maximise visitor opportunities
Saturday 17
- Riccall Rampage – 9.00 Talk at Riccall and Viking ‘breakfast’ when the walk reaches Fulford. The walk takes about 3 hours and is along paths and bike tracks
- Living history and site open all day with several battlefield walks during the day
- Workshop for school children make armour and paper weapons for the battle, 1-4
- Private feast for supporters and sponsors on the site starts at 5
Sunday 18
- 00 Judging the best dressed Viking prior to Children’s re-enactment of the battle
- 10 – 12.30 Battle on the playing fields with children and some Viking leaders. Parents must stay behind the barriers. Only children and Vikings allowed on the battlefield. Great photo opportunity as the battle moves back and forth on the surface where the battle was fought
- Living history and site open all day with several battlefield walks during the day
Monday 19
- Site will be configured to receive field trips from local schools
Tuesday 20 (950 anniversary)
- Dedicate the memorial for the warriors of the battle.
- Mid-day walk round the battlefield
- Focus will be on attracting media attention in the build up to the Stamford Bridge weekend
Wednesday 21
- 11-4 Brainstorm Conference “Where did the 1066 battles actually take place”
- Themed Poetry and music evening in Fulford
Thursday 22
- Tadcaster to Stamford Bridge ride & stride
Friday 23
- Embroidery day with dye workshop on site
Saturday 24
- Full day of events at SB including a battle
- Victors feast and celebration for warriors in the evening
Sunday 25 (950 anniversary)
- Second day of events at SB
- 5pm English Heritage ride to Hastings sets off from central York
October 15
- English Heritage commemorates 1066 at Battle Abbey with a massive re-enactment
Medieval Section of the Yorkshire Archaeological and Historical Society 