Ancient settlement discovered in Leicester
Submitted by vicky on Thursday, 27 November 2003 Page Views: 3567
DigsArchaeologists have unearthed some of the most important ancient remains found in Leicester in recent times. History buffs say the finds give them the clearest picture yet of life 2,000 years ago.Among the discoveries were a skeleton in a coffin, a lime kiln, pottery, jewellery and coins. Archaeologists believe this is evidence of village life and they have also found the longest section yet of a Roman town wall.
Archaeologist Lyndon Cooper, site director for the University of Leicester, said: "Our knowledge of Leicester's history was like a jigsaw with some big pieces missing. We were not even sure there was a wall and defences in the west of the city.
"We know now the area around Bath Lane could have been the first settlement of Leicester.
"In the first century AD, it was home to the Corieltauvi tribe before the Romans invaded, probably bringing a large, armed force with them to Leicester.
The discoveries were made next to the river Soar in Bath Lane, at the site of the Westbridge Wharf residential development.
Richard Clark, city archaeologist, said the excavation adds to the understanding of the history of the western part of the city.
He said: "We had a sketchy knowledge of the western town defences. The investigation has confirmed the existence and alignment of the defences, clarified their development and dating, suggested maintenance and repair of the walls into the medieval period.
"The excavation has provided evidence of their demolition after an existence of over 1,000 years."
History experts now know the remains of the old Roman settlement's defences run parallel with the Soar.
Mr Clark said this suggests the defences were built in the late second century AD, with a stone wall, around four metres thick, added during the third century. Behind the town wall, an earthen rampart forms part of the earlier defences.
Part of a circular Roman lime kiln was found. Archaeomagnetic dating - which uses the Earth's magnetic field to date fired clay - is being used on the kiln remains to find out when it was last used.
Artefacts found during the six-week dig are now being cleaned and analysed before being handed over to Leicester Museums Service.
The dig was commissioned by developers Living in the City and undertaken by a university team.
More than 100 apartments, a restaurant and health centre are being built in Bath Lane. Properties in the Westbridge Wharf, could go on the market for up to £190,000.
Source: The Leicester Mercury 27/11/2003
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