As archaeologists in Fitzwilliam uncover ancient kilns believed to date back to Roman times, we take a look back at some of the most exciting and important archaeological discoveries ever made in Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford. How many of these do you remember?
1. Ancient chariot - a historic burial site?
In 2003, contractors working on the A1 in Ferrybridge came across an ancient chariot. Further work was carried out on the site, and archaeologists confirmed the chariot was believed to be around 2,400 years old. It forms part of a wider burial site for a man in his 30s or 40s, who is believed to have been one of Britain's ancient tribal leaders.
2. Love Ring
This ring was discovered during excavations at Sandal Castle. Believed to be more than 500 years old, it bears complex engravings and the phrased "I'm all yours" in medieval French. It had been dubbed "the love ring", and remains on display at Wakefield Museum.
3. City's second castle
But while Sandal Castle's history is known and loved throughout Wakefield, did you know the city was also home to a second castle? Wakefield Castle, on Lowe Hill in Clarence Park, was a motte and bailey castle believed to have been constructed in around 1150. Excavations in the 1950s turned up medieval pottery on the site, and the friends of CHaT Parks, seen here in 2015, hope to carry out further investigations on the hill, known locally as Cannonball Hill, in future.
4. Always learning
As one of the district's most famous sites, is hard to believe that there is anything unknown about Pontefract Castle. But in 2016, archaeologists carrying out conservation work discovered that a substantial amount of the castle's main gatehouse still survives below ground. It is believed the remains date back to the 1300s. Photo: Wakefield Council