Archaeologists Revealed Roman Settlement In Eastern England

A couple of unexpected findings, including human skeletons, ancient buildings and a pottery furnace have been made during the construction of a new major route in Lincolnshire, England. Generally, the ongoing construction on the Grantham Southern Relief Road has revealed thousands off long-lost relics.

Source: Grantham Matters

The skeletal remains from several adults and at least 8 new-born infants dying in the 2^nd or 3^rd century AD were discovered at the location adjacent to Grantham. Furthermore, animal bones, roof tiles, an iron sickle, a copper spoon handle, brooches, nearly 400 Roman coins and exceptionally well-conserved stone walls were also unearthed.
“Although the finds are yet to be looked at by specialists, we believe the oldest activity dates back to the Romano-British period, somewhere between 100 and 410 AD. The first step of our investigation was to carefully strip the site's topsoil,” says Catherine Edwards, project manager at AOC Archaeology – the company undertaking the archaeological research in the area.

Source: Grantham Matters

Edwards reveals that they could move in and begin their examinations after having relocated the material. Initially, a number of heavy tools, including shovels, spades, picks and barrows, were utilized to reveal more features and relics. Then, lighter hand tools, such as trowels and hand brushes, were deployed for excavation and wipe the dirt off the artifacts.

Source: Grantham Matters

“A full written record of each feature or layer is then produced, describing its function, form and relationships with other features. Each discovery is also photographed, and GPS equipment is used to locate each one accurately on a plan. This allows us to ‘recreate’ the site and tell its story,” she adds.

The three most remarkable discoveries

Phil Weston, senior archaeological consultant at WSP, revealed the 3 most important findings. The first one is Numerous remarkably well-preserved Roman constructions, one of which was terraced into the hillside, believed to have collapsed due to a landslip.

Source: Grantham Matters

Weston said: "Although some of the stone was used in the construction of later buildings, the side that faced into the hillside had survived several courses high. The remarkable preservation of this building and several others will help the archaeologists in reconstructing the buildings and the lives of those that used them."
Secondly, it is the cemetary, as well as the tombs holding the remnants of numerous adults and at least 8 infants dying in the 2^nd or 3^rd centuries AD discovered under the floors and foundations of the previous constructions.

Source: Grantham Matters

"Such burials are not uncommon on Roman sites and they are referred to as foundation burials. No one knows for sure why, but one idea is that they were thought to bring luck to the structure and its occupants,” added Weston.
Finally, the industrial features, including an exceptionally well-preserved pottery kiln, together with a number of other furnace/oven bases were also excavated.

Source: Grantham Matters

Weston concluded: "The pottery kiln we discovered indicates that the small settlement was producing its own pottery vessels. The function of the other furnaces and oven features is still unclear, but it's possible they may have been used to bake bread or for metalworking."
Additionally, councilor Richard Davies, stated that the construction of a new road doesn’t just simply mean building bridges and spreading Tarmac. The most important thing at first is to get hold of the comprehension on preserving the site’s heritage to allow the young to be able to learn from and appreciate its abundant history.

Source: Grantham Matters

"For example, these investigations where Grantham's new relief road will be built will greatly contribute to our understanding of the Roman settlement at Saltersford, just south of where Grantham is now – particularly what sort of activities were taking place here hundreds and thousands of years ago and how our Grantham fits into the country's historical picture,” said Davies.
He added: "It's truly amazing when you stop and think about what's underneath the ground below your feet. The project is progressing really well, and we're looking forward to having the entire relief road opened during 2023.”

Source: Grantham Matters

The Grantham Southern Relief Road project is being led by Lincolnshire County Council and supported by South Kesteven District Council, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Highways England, Department for Transport, Network Rail, Homes England and local businesses.
H/T: Lincolnshire Live