Bronze age life by airport runway

From BBC News:

Archaeologists have published findings of an important Bronze Age settlement at Manchester Airport.

The dig, which was part of the multi-million pound development of Runway 2, uncovered Early Bronze Age artefacts at Oversley Farm in Styal.

The finds – which include flint arrowheads, pottery and tools – will go on display at Chester Museum.

Experts at the dig said they had made a ‘significant discovery’ about pre-historic life in Cheshire.

The site is the first excavated example of Neolithic and Early Bronze Age life in the county and the details have been published in a report by archaeologist Dan Garner.

Pottery pieces
The artefacts were discovered during runway redevelopment works

Speaking about the finds, Mr Garner said: “The building of the second runway at Manchester Airport created a unique opportunity to excavate a 3km long corridor.

“We made some exciting finds such as Bronze Age pottery, a tanged flint arrowhead and other tools and, of course, the footprint of the farmstead.

“We were very pleased to discover a prehistoric site of regional significance.”

The artefacts have been radiocarbon dated to confirm their authenticity.

Manchester Airport supported the archaeological investigations as part of a £17m package of environmental works.

The report is available from British Archaeological Reports (B.A.R).