Roman skeleton found in Sleaford
BUILDERS on a site in Sleaford have found Roman remains including a human skeleton.
While preparing a building site at The Hoplands ready to build new North Kesteven District Council housing, contractors came upon an entire human skeleton, believed to be from Roman times, buried in the ground.
As well as finding the skeleton, Roman pottery was also found. Other discoveries on the site include rubbish pits, a well and ditches marking property boundaries.
Archaeologists are recording the find and will move the skeleton and pottery to a safe location.
The archaeological excavations are being carried out by Network Archaeology Limited for Naomi Field Archaeological Consultancy, commissioned by the district council.
The site in the area known as Old Sleaford is already noted for previous discoveries of Roman remains, but the well, used for clean drinking water, was an unexpected find.
Project manager Mike Wood explained: "The skeleton is lying face down with one arm positioned underneath the chest, these burials are not uncommon but are less frequent than either burials placed on their back or crouched, lying on their side with the arms and legs drawn tightly into the body.
"The top of the skull has been damaged, however it would have been intact when the body was laid to rest. The stone-lined well would have been used for drawing fresh water for consumption in the nearby houses. The water table is still high enough to fill up the now cleaned out well."
A major Iron Age tribal centre, Sleaford became a notable Roman town. Gavin Glover, who is leading excavations on site said: "This is further confirmation that Sleaford was a very large and important settlement in the Roman period. These exciting discoveries have provided tantalising glimpses into Sleaford's Roman past."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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