PRESS RELEASE
Release date: 14thJuly 2016
‘Pompeii of the Fens' set to change excavation projects forever
One of the most extraordinary Bronze Age sites ever discovered in the UK is not just delivering insight into lifebetween 1300 and 800BC, but looks set to change the way archaeological digs are set up.
Archaeologists recently uncovered ‘Pompeii of the Fens' after discovering what experts are calling ‘the best preserved Bronze Age dwellings ever found,' at Must Farm in Cambridgeshire. The discovery of circular wooden houses, pots with meals still inside, and sophisticated tools, household objects and textiles is exciting experts' knowledge of the Bronze Age, just as the excavation site looks set to change the way that excavation projects undertaken.
Key to the fast recovery and preservation of the find was a temporary structure provided by industry specialist Spaciotempo. Unlike other archaeological excavations, where marquees or tarpaulin is used for site protection, traditional solutions were not enough for the site at Must Farm, which had been preserved in a water logged environment. The excavation team had to contend both with the sun drying out the site, and wind and rain affecting the surface.
The temporary solution was fully insulated, PVC coated and had translucent roofing, making it both durable and weatherproof. This durability meant that it provided lasting coverage for the entire project, unlike tarpaulin, which often has to be replaced. With the Must Farm excavation particularly challenging and vulnerable to weather conditions, this bespoke solution was key to ensuring that the artefacts were found quickly, and preserved. It is now expected that temporary structures will become commonplace in archaeological projects like this.
Scott Jameson, Managing Director at Spaciotempo, commented: "Temporary structures have been used for similar projects to this for a while, but the work at Must Farm has really demonstrated the benefits that temporary structures provide over traditional solutions.
"Cambridge University approached us with a brief to provide immediate protection for the site, taking into account the fragility of the foundations and the risk of the dig site drying out. Not only did our temporary structure provide weather-proof protection, it is also typically more secure and durable than marquees and large tents."
As part of the excavation at Must Farm, archaeologists uncovered a number of circular wooden houses which were built on stilts, and formed part of a settlement which was destroyed by fire over 3,000 years ago. The houses had then fallen into a river where they were then preserved by silt.
David Gibson, from Cambridge Archaeological Unit, who led the excavation commented: "Projects such as this are challenging enough without the additional issues that had to betaken into account at Must Farm. The temporary structure from Spaciotempo gave the site complete protection and enabled usto get on with unearthing this extraordinary time capsule without having to worry about some of the potential risks of the site. So much has been preserved, we can actually see everyday life from the Bronze Age in our findings."
- Ends -
Managing director of Spaciotempo, Scott Jameson, is available to comment on all aspects of the temporary building industry.
About Spaciotempo
Spaciotempo is a market leader in the design, manufacture, hire and sale of temporary buildings for the industrial, distribution, retail and sports sectors.
With offices and vast stock holdings in the UK, France and Spain, plus more than 40 years of experience, the company is able to provide an extensive range of standard or bespoke temporary building solutions throughout Europe.
Spaciotempo is part of GL events, a company that is fast becoming the global leader in the provision of temporary structures and event solutions. It now has a turnover of more than 900 million euros with offices throughout the world.
For further information, please contact:-
Editorial - Rachel Baker, Marketing Manager at Spaciotempo on 01889 878 633, or John Edden, Bridge PR & Media Services on 024 76 520025, or e-mail john@bridgepr.co.uk.