Early Discoveries:
1960s
Redevelopment in Albion Street/Carlton Street
Substantial redevelopment started in 1963 and included a new bus station and the bowling alley, Crystal Bowl. Suddenly Roman finds were being found in large numbers, and the importance of Castleford’s Roman past began to be recognised. For the first time professional archaeologists were involved in Castleford. Staff from the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments office at York watched the work, but were not able to do detailed recording. Library staff did sterling work rescuing objects from the builders’ spoil heaps.
Excavation at Welbeck Street
The discovery of finds in 1968 at Welbeck Street, which overlay the Roman road, led to an excavation by the Castleford and District Historical Society, which continued until 1971. It found finds ranging in date from the 1st to 4th centuries AD. Nearby amateur archaeologist Ron Jeffries was digging by the railway station in 1969-70. The finds were numerous, including coarse pottery, mortaria with stamps, glass fragments and Samian pottery.