THE 2007-2010 EXCAVATION THAT CHANGED HISTORY
Photo compilations of the HDAS excavation at Slack fort that radically changed our understanding of the Romans in Huddersfield; they cover some of the events and remarkable discoveries.
The images capture the enthusiasm of the members involved, some of them, sadly, no longer with us.
More details of the discovery of the Roman water supply system.
Discover where the water came from – with sound commentary.
VIDEO ARCHIVE
David Cockman’s informative and comprehesive review of excavations at Slack Roman fort over many years and how HDAS has been uncovering surprising new evidence.
VIDEO RECORD OF 2008 SLACK EXCAVATIONS BY BRIAN HOWCROFT
This is a three part video showing the daily activity on the ‘follow up’ dig at Slack fort in 2008 which showed the extent of occupation and activity in the civilian area (vicus) of the site.
VIDEO RECORD OF 2010 SLACK EXCAVATIONS BY BRIAN HOWCROFT
This two part video shows the successful attempts to find one of the sources of the fresh water supply to the fort. During the exploration other puzzling archaeological features were uncovered which gave rise to much speculation but no convincing answers. More exploration and excavation is required.
SLACK AND CAMELOT
Claims have been made recently that the legendary King Arthur established his castle and court of Camelot on the site of an abandoned Roman fort at Slack, near Huddersfield. HDAS has been asked to comment on this speculation.
Below are answers to some of the questions we have been asked, which, based on our long experience of this site, should help to clarify the facts and help towards a reasoned assessment of the claims being made.
Click here for information addressing the questions:
Is there any evidence for ‘Camelot’ being located at Slack?
Were any object found that could be related to ‘Camelot’?
What happened to the site after the Romans left?
Click here for a response pertaining to the following queries:
What about the Roman amphitheatre that could have become part of ‘Camelot’?
What does HDAS think of the ‘Camelot’ theory?
Finally, click here for an answer to the question:
What was the Roman name for Slack fort?
BAR REPORT
The Society’s report “The Romans in Huddersfield – A New Assessment’ has been published as a British Archaeology Report, BAR British Series 620. The report presents strong evidence that the vicus area, next to the fort, was occupied and active long after the fort was demilitarised. There is a review of all the excavations on the site in recent times and a detailed, illustrated report on the HDAS excavations in 2007, 2008 and 2010.
Radiocarbon dating and pottery analysis show convincingly that there was considerable late activity adjacent to the fort and the nearby Roman road from Chester to York.
The volume is available from the publisher Hadrian Books Ltd and other booksellers.