Archaeologists who unearthed an Iron Age body in the Peak District have won a grant of nearly £50,000 to help them dig for more clues about the site's violent past.
Dig leaders believe further gruesome discoveries may lie underground at Fin Cop hill fort in Monsal Dale, where a woman's skeleton and baby bones dating from 300 to 200BC were found in August.
The Heritage Lottery Fund has granted £49,900 to Longstone Local History Group for a five-week excavation at the protected historical site, starting on June 5.
Jim Brightman, whose Bakewell-based firm Archaeological Research Services will provide expert advice during the dig, was excited by the potential for significant new finds.
Mr Brightman said: "The body we found last year wasn't laid out as a proper burial or treated with respect.
"The evidence suggests she met a violent end and it raises the question of there being more.
"It could be the remains of a large event, with a number of dead bodies - that's something we need to test."
One theory is that a vicious tribal battle took place at the site.
Ann Hall, from Longstone Local History Group, said many questions remained unanswered.
She said: "The hill fort's defences show signs of being deliberately destroyed and the young woman's body was found among the ruins, with a baby. Who was she and where did she come from?"
The group wants to know more about everyday life at the fort and has enlisted the help of pupils from Bakewell Methodist Junior School, Longstone Primary School and Buxton Community College. A short film will be made.
National Park archaeologist Sarah Whiteley said: "We're very excited about this project as the fieldwork will engage schoolchildren and bring surrounding villages together in a common cause."
A limited number of volunteers are still needed. To apply, call Mr Brightman on 01629 814540.
The site is on private land, but tours will run from 11am to 1pm on each Saturday, starting at Monsal Head car park.
(Taken from The Matlock Mercury)
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