Dr Ryan Prescott, project lead, looks at what the excavations at Newhouse have uncovered, now the final report is in.
In June 2024, a team from Humber Field Archaeology completed a trial excavation at the presumed site of Newhouse Castle in Brocklesby, North Lincolnshire, generously funded by the Castle Studies Trust. The fieldwork, which followed a geophysical survey conducted in 2023, aimed to uncover evidence of the castle which was soon replaced by a monastery during the period known as ‘The Anarchy’. The results of the excavation, now available in the post-excavation report, have provided fascinating insights into the site’s more complex history.
Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter
What We Found
Two trenches were carefully excavated, revealing a narrative that spans many more centuries than what had previously been understood about the site:
- Prehistoric Activity: Flint tools and pottery fragments hinted at Neolithic and Bronze Age activity, suggesting the site has held importance for millennia.
- Anglo-Saxon Origins: A potted cremation burial, complete with grave goods like a knife and a decorated glass bead, was unearthed in Trench 1. This burial, dating back to the mid-6th century, suggests the site was already significant long before the construction of the castle and abbey at Newhouse. Nearby, leather and woven textile fragments were recovered, providing a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship of the era.
- Medieval Ditches: Sections of a moat-like ditch encircling the earthwork were excavated. Their sharp cuts and rapid infilling suggest limited use. Although devoid of finds evidence (very frustrating!), a post hole was recovered near to the ditch within the interior of the earthwork, possibly tied to the short-lived history of Newhouse Castle.
Post-Medieval Activity: Traces of later use included 17th-century brick deposits, potentially linked to landscaping efforts attributed to Capability Brown when it would appear that material was moved across the site in this new phase of occupancy.
Summary
The findings from Newhouse underline the site’s long-term occupation and its ongoing significance in the landscape of North Lincolnshire. Although no definitive structural remains of the castle were identified (this was always going to be tricky!), the excavation enhances our understanding of how the site evolved—from its prehistoric roots, to its medieval prominence, and beyond.
The full post-excavation report is now available, offering a detailed account of the discoveries and their importance. Perhaps inevitably, we have sparked potentially more questions than answers. However, we have nonetheless helped to advance the debate and our understanding of this intriguing site. We extend our gratitude to the Castle Studies Trust for their support.
The final report is on the project page of our website.