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| Churchill
pupils dig deep into the past |
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| Pupils
at a County Tyrone primary school in the Southern Education
and Library Board area are enjoying a living history
lesson literally on their doorstep.
Archaeologists have been digging deep into the past
on a former playground at Churchill Primary School,
Caledon.
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| Among
the items, which have been unearthed over the last fortnight
are an axe-head, dating back to the Neolithic period
(roughly 3000BC), and a 1742 coin from the reign of
King George II. |
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The
SELB is undertaking a £300,000 improvement scheme
at Churchill and a condition of planning approval
for the development was that archaeological surveillance
of the site be carried out. This resulted in the dig
which Colin Dunlop of Northern Archaeological Consultancy
Ltd said has revealed some unusual findings. Mr Dunlop
said a hearth has been discovered where pottery and
the axe-head relating to the Neolithic period were
found. The foundations, possibly of a turf or sod
house from about 500 years ago, have also been uncovered.
The coin from the 18th Century was found in a small
section of a ditch.
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“To
find all this together is unusual,” said Mr
Dunlop, “The fact that it has survived is also
unusual.”
Among the pottery pieces found in the ditch were examples
of Dutch and Italian ware. Mr Dunlop said the artefacts
uncovered would be offered to a museum after they
have been recorded and the archaeologists’ report
completed.
Mrs Phyllis McWilliams, principal of Churchill Primary
School, said it has been a great experience for the
children to see an archaeological dig.
“We plan to link it in with our history programme,”
said Mrs McWilliams.
“Early man is part of the Key Stage II history
programme so this will all tie in. We hope to develop
a timeline to chart the different finds.”
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| The
£300,000 scheme at Churchill Primary School is funded
under the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative.
The project is part of an SELB programme of works aimed at
improving facilities at small rural schools. The contract
will include a new multi-purpose hall, principal’s office
and staff room. New toilet accommodation will also be provided.
The school building will be rewired and new windows will be
fitted. Already a new play area has been provided as part
of the scheme.
Pupils of Churchill Primary School, Caledon, are pictured
with some of the artefacts found in an archaeological dig
outside the school where a site is being cleared for a £300,000
development.
Pupils of Churchill Primary School, Caledon, are pictured
on the site of the dig with archaeologist Colin Dunlop and
principal Phyllis McWilliams.
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