Volunteers are being sought to support a new project that should open up the archaeology of York’s Fishergate to a global audience! Fishergate: A District Unearthed seeks to digitise old records from an archaeological dig in the area in 1989, and fill in the untold history of Fishergate.
The project is being spearheaded by York Archaeology and the Friends of York Archaeological Trust, and is particularly focused on the area of 46-54 Fishergate that housed the former Redfearn National Glassworks. Reports from the 1989 dig feature an incredible array of detailed drawings – all of which need to be digitised. However, it is not a simple matter of scanning images – they need to be ‘traced over’ to create digital plans that will form the basis of comprehensive site mapping.
“Fishergate is a really interesting space – we know there was Roman and Anglian occupation as well as the church and Gilbertine Priory of St Andrew at the site – and we’ve had the opportunity to dig in three neighbouring locations on Fishergate between 1989 and 2023, so we can build a really good picture of the archaeology that has been revealed there – but we need help,” comments Paul Flintoft, regional manager for York Archaeology. “Digitising these site plans is a big job, but once done, we can not only create a detailed overall of the site itself, but also link photographs of the finds to the place where they were discovered.”
Preserving Fishergate’s History
The digitising will be done at York Archaeology’s office in Aldwark. Attention to detail is crucial for this role to ensure that the new digital resources are entirely accurate so volunteers are recommended to undertake some repeated sessions to gain the most from this role. It is hoped that all the resources will be ready for the launch of a new website in Spring 2027 focused on the history of Fishergate.
For those with an interest in local history, there will also be flexible, remote opportunities to tell the story of the excavations and what they have revealed by helping to write content or take photographs for blogs to provide a historical overview of Fishergate from the Roman period onwards. Ailsa Mainman of the Friends of York Archaeological Trust – a notable archaeologist and author in her own right – will assist with the editing to ensure historical accuracy of all the resources.
There are also opportunities for volunteers to help photograph some of the finds from Fishergate that remain in York Archaeology’s curated stores, be that regularly or on one or two sessions.
For more information please visit the Get Involved page on the York Archaeology Research site or contact Dani Shacklock on [email protected].
