Digging up the past: an archaeological dig at the UKCMRI site
14 April 2011
The archaeological exploration is taking place ahead of the construction of the UKCMRI. Before building commences, archaeologists will be excavating the site to unravel its rich industrial history. The public open days are an opportunity for locals to visit the archaeological site and see the dig in full swing. There will be a chance to speak with the archaeologists about their work and what has been discovered. Objects from the dig will be on display, and children will get the chance to don a hard hat and try their hand at digging.
Before the goods yard was constructed in 1887, the land was occupied by slum housing. In its time, the goods yard played an important part in the everyday lives of Londoners; it was a massive centre for the distribution of fresh products such as milk and fish. The goods were brought into London by train, early each morning, from the countryside in the east of England and the Midlands. The yard was heavily bombed in World War II and eventually demolished in the 1950s and 1960s.
Paul Nurse, Chief Executive of UKCMRI, said: "This area has an interesting history and it is important that it is fully explored archaeologically before UKCMRI is built. We very much look forward to seeing the results of the Museum of London explorations on the site."
Louise Davies, Museum of London Archaeologist, said: "The excavation at Somers Town Goods Yard will offer a more complete picture of the fascinating industrial history of the Kings Cross area. The community activities on the site give Londoners a chance to see the excavations up close. Aspiring young archaeologists will have the opportunity to find out more about how archaeology works in London and can even have a go themselves."
For times, directions and more information, see the ‘Digging up the past’ page at the UKCMRI website.
Image: Delivery vans waiting outside Midland Railway’s Somers Town Goods Offices, London, 23 May 1922. Image credit: © National Railway Museum/Science & Society Picture Library.
