Major findings at Lancaster’s big Roman dig

Major Roman discoveries have been unearthed during Lancaster Castle’s first archaeological dig in 40 years.
Alan Nowell and David Ingham, members of Lancaster District Heritage Group in one of the trenches.Alan Nowell and David Ingham, members of Lancaster District Heritage Group in one of the trenches.
Alan Nowell and David Ingham, members of Lancaster District Heritage Group in one of the trenches.

Part of a Roman road and building are among the many exciting findings excavated by professional archaeologists and the Lancaster District Heritage Group.

Three trenches have been dug out at Quay Meadow, behind the George and Dragon pub in St George’s Quay.

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When the excavation started on Thursday September 17 the team was excited to discover Victorian and Georgian pottery, and what is thought to be a clay smoking pipe which could be from the 1700s.

Year 5 pupils from Heysham Mossgate School with metal detectorist Terry Harvey at the dig site in LancasterYear 5 pupils from Heysham Mossgate School with metal detectorist Terry Harvey at the dig site in Lancaster
Year 5 pupils from Heysham Mossgate School with metal detectorist Terry Harvey at the dig site in Lancaster

Former Time Team member Raksha Dave, from Dig Ventures, which offers archaeological services and advice to community groups, has been training the group during the project.

The trainee archaeologists have been blown away by the recent discovery which confirms the site is of a Roman origin.

Jason Wood, consultant archaeologist for the project, said: “We have got a cross section through a Roman building.

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“In trench three we found a Roman road, which seems to be pointing in the direction of the castle.

“So one can start to imagine a major road coming down from the fort gate to the river, possibly even leading to a bridge but certainly leading to an area of water front activity.”

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