24th November 2023
Hull City Council is celebrating after the South Blockhouse Archaeology engagement project was recognised at an award ceremony on Friday 24 November.
The South Blockhouse project was shortlisted for the Council for British Archaeology’s 2023 Archaeological Achievement Awards, in the Engagement and Participation category.
The project started out in July 2022, with a major community archaeology excavation, which undertook an 11-week dig to expose the South Blockhouse’s buried remains, with more than 120 community volunteers working alongside professional archaeologists from Humber Field Archaeology at every stage of the excavation. Over 1,500 people visited the dig during those 11 weeks and the project also reached out to various communities, including young people, ex-servicemen and refugees.
The fieldwork was carried out to gain a better understanding of the South Blockhouse’s condition and the tell the story of the 16th century fortress, which played a key part in the city’s maritime history for over 300 years.
Since the dig ended, Humber Field Archaeology have continued working with local people and community organisations across Hull and East Riding to explore the history and heritage of the South Blockhouse and help raise awareness of the long-term plans to develop a visitor attraction on the site. Altogether this work has generated storytelling, theatre performance, podcasts, digital and tabletop games and much more - all inspired by the hidden history of South Blockhouse.
Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: “We’re proud of the work that’s gone into raising awareness of the South Blockhouse historical site and its engagement opportunities.
“Being shortlisted for the award and to be recognised for our continued commitment to engaging with local communities and our maritime history.
“Congratulations to all the winners.”
The South Blockhouse Project, led by Hull City Council complements the Hull Maritime programme, a key regeneration scheme that will protect and celebrate 800 years of Hull’s heritage.
