Excavation unearths 'well-preserved remains' in Chesterfield

An excavation near Chesterfield's crooked church spire has unearthed a "new perspective" on the town's history, archaeologists have said. Work to renovate Rykneld Square off Church Way in the Derbyshire town was paused after early discoveries were made on the site. The University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) team has completed its work, uncovering evidence of a sequence of buildings - belonging to former almshouses and a row of cottages that once stood beside the crooked spire. John Thomas, deputy director of ULAS, said "well-preserved" 17th Century remains found offered a new view on the town's archaeological history, which previously focussed on Roman and medieval periods. "What we learn from the results that we've got from this excavation will add differently dated information," Thomas said. The council said the row of former almhouses was built alongside part of the churchyard in the 17th and 18th Centuries. According to the authority they were built to provide accommodation for the poor and were funded by local benefactors. The council added the buildings had gone out of use and were largely demolished by the 19th Century, however their below ground remains appe