Dig hopes to unearth area history

Archaeologists hope to unearth more of the history of a Teesside town when they start a week-long dig.

The excavation by Tees Archaeology starts on Monday on Hartlepool's Headland on the grassed area of Croft Gardens, opposite Borough Buildings.

It is hoped it will reveal the remains of medieval buildings, traces of which have been found in previous excavations in surrounding areas.

The dig is before work is due to start later in the year on a town square.

Tees Archaeology project officer Rachel Grahame said: "We know that during medieval times the headland had a bustling quayside town.

Diverse heritage

"We might find the remains of the merchants' houses as well as the 'backyards' of houses which were always a hive of activity for small traders such as shoemakers and butchers.

Ms Grahame added: "We are keeping our fingers crossed that any remains of the medieval town weren't destroyed by later building work in the 19th century."

The dig is being supported by the North Hartlepool Partnership, which is using money from regional development agency One NorthEast to revitalise the area.

Partnership board member Dave Wise said: "Headlanders pride themselves on their rich and diverse heritage.

"I hope that this exciting project will help us learn more about how Headland people lived centuries ago."