Danes Graves

Danes Graves is an Iron Age burial ground near Nafferton with roughly 114 grave mounds scattered across the landscape. The mounds range from 3 to 10 meters in diameter and contain human remains alongside objects such as brooches, pottery, and bracelets.

The site was first systematically examined in 1721, then studied by the Yorkshire Antiquarian Club in 1849 and further investigated by William Greenwell in 1864. These excavations greatly helped people understand how Iron Age communities buried their dead in northern England.

This burial ground reveals how Iron Age communities honored their dead by placing valued objects alongside them in the ground. The deliberate north-south alignment of graves shows that these people followed careful burial practices that reflected the importance of each individual within their society.

The site is reached by heading to Nafferton village, where local signs guide visitors to the burial grounds. Wear comfortable shoes since the ground is uneven and walking between the mounds requires steady footing on natural terrain.

Among the burial goods lies a rare war chariot, now displayed at Yorkshire Museum's collection. This discovery is one of the few direct pieces of evidence showing the status and military technology of this region's Iron Age inhabitants.