Walking in the footsteps of Richard III Excavations
The Walking in the Footsteps of Richard III project offers a rare opportunity to take part in an archaeological excavation directly connected to one of the most famous kings in British history. Richard III—immortalised by Shakespeare as one of literature’s greatest villains—lived and died in a period that reshaped the future of the nation.
This excavation, located on land once owned by Richard’s chief adviser and close friend, provides a unique chance to shed new light on his life, his reign, and the turbulent rise of the Tudors.
The site just outside the village of Sheriff Hutton survives as a substantial moated enclosure with internal subdivisions, associated earthworks, and adjacent settlement remains. It is historically documented as a fortified manor house, supported by a royal licence to crenellate issued in 1262, which formally recognised its defensive status and elevated social standing. The site also includes The site including the Deserted Medieval Village.
The site itself consists of a large rectangular moated enclosure, measuring approximately 160 m (NE–SW) by 110 m (NW–SE), placing it among the more substantial moated manorial sites in Yorkshire. The scale of the enclosure reflects the high status of its medieval occupants and the administrative and residential functions it likely served.
A heavily silted east–west ditch subdivides the interior of the platform. This internal division is characteristic of high‑status moated sites, where the manorial residence was often separated from service yards, agricultural buildings, or administrative areas. The presence of this subdivision suggests a complex internal layout, now obscured by later activity and modern farm structures.
The moat itself remains visible on all four sides of the enclosure It is partly water‑filled, with extensive areas of wet silt, although the southern corner is now dry.
Traces of an inner bank survive on the northern side, indicating that the moat was originally accompanied by additional defensive or structural features. The waterlogged conditions within the moat offer excellent potential for the preservation of organic materials and environmental evidence.
Access to the site was provided by a north‑east causeway, which continues across the internal ditch. This arrangement is typical of fortified manorial complexes, where controlled access was an important element of both defence and status display.
The August excavations will concentrate on two trenches, both positioned over what appears to be a high‑status medieval building. Previous work has already revealed substantial wall lines, floor surfaces, and associated structural features, indicating a well‑constructed and possibly economically important building within the settlement.
The structure has produced a notable assemblage of artefacts, many of which suggest strong connections to the local wool industry as well as long‑distance trade networks reaching the Baltic region. The density and variety of finds point to sustained occupation and specialised activity on the site.
Key Finds to Date
Amber melon‑ball beads – high‑value imported items commonly associated with Baltic trade routes.
Large quantities of medieval pottery – including domestic wares and higher‑status ceramics, providing insight into daily life and economic standing.
Butchered animal bone – evidence of food preparation, consumption, and possibly on‑site craft or industrial processes.
Trade weights – indicating regulated commercial activity, likely linked to wool or textile exchange.
Jetons (trade tokens) from northern Europe – used for accounting and tallying, further reinforcing the site’s commercial connections.
Medieval stained glass fragments – suggesting a building of status, possibly with ecclesiastical or manorial associations.
Musket balls – later-period activity hinting at continued use or reoccupation of the site.
Other unique finds – currently under analysis, contributing to a growing picture of a complex and economically active location.
Interpretation
Taken together, the architectural remains and artefact assemblage strongly suggest that the building served as a centre of trade, administration, or high‑status domestic activity. The presence of imported goods, accounting tools, and specialised materials aligns with a site deeply embedded in regional and international economic networks.
The applicaton phase for this project is now closed