Uncovering treasure at Chesterfield Canal

A mini archaeological dig was carried out at Chesterfield Canal in Staveley at the weekend after volunteers unearthed the remains of the walls and floor of the original Eckington Road Bridge, built over the canal in about 1776.

Chesterfield Canal Trust says it is quite incredible the bridge has remained intact, because three other bridges and a railway line have all since been built within a few yards.

The site was roughly cleared by a mini digger, before a team of helpers set to work. There was lots of heavy clay that had to be shovelled and barrowed out, however the majority of the task was very slow and painstaking – with 24 volunteers on their hands and knees removing the last of the muck from the stonework using trowels and brushes.

As more and more was revealed, the story of how the construction was done began to emerge. It became obvious that the bridge had been constructed first and the towpath put in afterwards.

There were also lots of objects found in the mud, such as old bottles, miners’ lamp and candle holders, a gentleman’s sword stick and a clay pipe.

Of particular interest were three coins, including a George III half penny, dated 1772 or 1773.  Dr Geraint Coles, archaeologist and former Chesterfield Canal Development Manager said “This coin is probably a forgery as the obverse and reverse are inverted. This would not be unusual as the county was flooded with forged copper coins during the 1770’s. What a great find and bang on date!”

Now remaining are the tasks of accurately measuring and photographing the site and washing and cataloguing the finds.

Eventually the entire site will be removed because the new, restored canal has to be lower in order to get under a nearby railway, however there is now a desire to do more such digs. A Cuckoo boat, unique to the Chesterfield Canal, is believed to be buried not far away. It is hoped that this will be next on the list.