Ancient discoveries reveal fascinating highway through history

The astonishing range of objects is now part of the collection at the Leeds Discovery Centre and was revealed during work on the East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR), the biggest infrastructure project undertaken by Leeds City Council for the past fifty years.

As part of the project, a team of experts from Wessex Archaeology was commissioned to carry out detailed archaeological surveys and digs along the whole of the seven-kilometre route, meticulously searching for evidence of sites of historic significance and ensuring any important artefacts were collected, documented and properly assessed.

Among the oldest discoveries they made was an Early Neolithic, leaf-shaped arrowhead. Carefully shaped from flint around 6,000 years ago, each individual knapping mark, the ancient process used to shape and sharpen stone, is still clearly visible along its keen edges.

Also discovered was a bronze alloy flat axe head, believed to be more than 4,000 years old, a dark blue glass bead from the Late Roman period, pottery from before the Norman Conquest, a Post-Medieval buckle and the remains of objects and structures thought to be associated with the abandoned medieval village of Morwick.

Other unusual finds included an 18^th century set of nutcrackers and a clay pipe bowl featuring the carefully carved, seated figure of Britannia, thought to date from around the 1840s.

Kat Baxter, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of archaeology, said: “What makes this such a fascinating archive is its sheer scope and scale. What we can see is a snapshot of different people and communities who have been in this part of Leeds over thousands of years.

“Whether they lived here in the Stone Age or the Medieval period, archaeology gives us the opportunity to imagine the lives of those who were here before us. It also underlines the importance of preserving archaeological archives for future generations as a record of the city’s heritage and the rich history beneath our feet."

Ashley Tuck, research manager with Wessex Archaeology, added: "There's a great sense of satisfaction in seeing the archive from this project in the permanent collection of Leeds Museum for the local community to care for and explore in the future. Our work has revealed much about the history of the area to the north and east of Leeds, spanning almost every period.

"The project has seen contributions from a range of experts, from field archaeologists, geophysicists, finds and environmental specialists, to researchers, archivists and many others. We look forward to publishing the final results later this year."

A state-of-the-art storage facility as well as a visitor attraction, the Leeds Discovery Centre houses archaeological archives from across Leeds Metropolitan District.

Artefacts and data from the archives are used in exhibitions, learning and research, and build a detailed and continually evolving record of the city’s history.

A selection of objects from the East Leeds Orbital Archive is being prepared for display at the centre for visitors to see in spring 2026.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Each of these objects tells its own small part of the story of east Leeds, and seen together, they really capture what a rich and fascinating story that is.

“Collecting these amazing finds is also such a huge and important part of what museums like ours do too, ensuring our local heritage is preserved for future generations and that these historic objects are not lost in time.”

The Leeds Discovery Centre is open to the public for pre-booked tours and is a Give What You Can museum, where visitors are invited to donate to support the museum if they are able.

Donations can be made when booking a tour online, and with cash and coins in a donation box in reception. 

For more details please visit: Visit Leeds Discovery Centre | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

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