Archaeologists excavating a Roman-era burial site near Wansford, Peterborough, have described it as "unique" due to the variety of burial methods and grave goods discovered. The site, uncovered during ``roadworks on the A47, has provided invaluable insights into late Roman Britain (3rd-4th centuries CE).
Diverse Burial Practices and Notable Finds
The cemetery features a range of burial customs, including:
A solid stone sarcophagus containing a body encased in gypsum
A cist burial, where slabs of stone form a coffin
Cremation burials
Skeletal remains with goods placed at either the head or feet
Decapitated skeletons
Evidence of wooden coffins, indicated by iron nails
Copper alloy bracelets showing signs of corrosion were found in the grave of a five-year-old child
One of the most striking discoveries was a five-year-old child’s grave containing several copper alloy bracelets, hinting at their high social status. Other significant finds included a glass vessel near the sarcophagus, possibly used in a ritual toast to the deceased, and a pair of silver earrings.
The Significance of the Stone Coffin
The stone coffin, which weighed three-quarters of a tonne with sides that were 90mm thick, was believed to have been brought from Ancaster
The cemetery’s most prominent feature is a two-meter-long stone sarcophagus, weighing approximately three-quarters of a ton. The coffin, made of Ancaster stone, was likely transported from a quarry 30 miles away in Lincolnshire, suggesting that the individual buried inside held a high rank. Interestingly, the lid was crafted from Barnack stone, local to Peterborough, leading experts to speculate that the original lid may have been damaged and replaced.
Jessica Lowther of Headland Archaeology emphasized how these burial variations within such a small area make the cemetery stand out. “This is how we uncover stories of people who lived everyday lives. Even without written records, archaeology allows us to piece together their history.”
Understanding the Community and Its Origins
Despite the richness of the burial site, archaeologists have yet to determine which settlement it served. No immediate evidence of Roman-era buildings has been found nearby. Dr. Sara Machin, a senior specialist at Headland Archaeology, explained that DNA analysis of the skeletons could reveal whether the individuals were related and provide further insight into their connections within the broader Roman population.
Transport and Connection to Roman Roads
A key element of the excavation was the discovery of a section of a Roman road near the cemetery, possibly the very route used to transport the massive stone coffin. Chris Griffin, National Highways programme lead for the A47 project, highlighted the significance of this find: “It’s fascinating that while constructing a modern road, we uncovered a Roman one, reinforcing the importance of this route throughout history.”
Moving the sarcophagus even in modern times proved to be a complex task, requiring specialized equipment. In Roman times, transporting such a heavy coffin over 30 miles would have been a remarkable feat, especially given the uneven nature of ancient roads.
Ongoing Research and Future Plans
A glass vessel found next to the sarcophagus could have once been used to toast the deceased
A silver earring found as part of a pair in the child's grave
The team is still in the early stages of analyzing the site. Dr. Machin noted, “We now have many clues but even more questions. The next phase will focus on uncovering as many answers as possible.”
Currently, the artifacts are being studied at a research facility in Bedfordshire, with no immediate plans for public display. However, full reports will eventually be uploaded to Peterborough’s Historic Environment Record, ensuring the findings are preserved for future study.
Another of the graves shows how the head appears to have been removed from the rest of the body and laid at its feet. Archaeologists are still unsure why the practice was carried out
This discovery adds a significant chapter to the understanding of Roman Britain, providing a deeper look into the burial customs, social structures, and daily lives of those who lived nearly 2,000 years ago.
