Roman Stone Coffin Discovered During Roadworks in Cambridgeshire!
The twelfth series of BBC’s Digging for Britain kicks off tomorrow at 8 pm on BBC2, promising an enthralling look at some of the most significant archaeological discoveries from the past year. This season opens with an extraordinary find—a massive, hand-carved Roman stone coffin, hailed as one of the most remarkable burial discoveries of the year.
A Polar Bear-Sized Piece of History
This impressive Roman stone coffin, weighing a hefty 750 kilograms (comparable to a fully-grown male polar bear), lay undisturbed for over 1,500 years. It was unearthed by a team from Headland Archaeology during roadworks on the A47 in Cambridgeshire. The site, part of the old Roman road that once connected key settlements across Roman Britain, revealed a Roman cemetery during work to upgrade the single-lane road into a dual carriageway.
The discovery was made near Wansford and Sutton, where the stone coffin had remained buried and intact for centuries. Excavating it required a delicate blend of engineering precision and historical preservation, a process expertly carried out by the Headland Archaeology team.
Chris Griffin, leading the National Highways programme for the east region, expressed his pride in the find:
"While our main focus has been on building a road to improve journeys for road users, it’s been extremely satisfying to play a part in uncovering such an unusual archaeological find."
Photo Credit: National Highways
Preserving the Past
This discovery highlights the commitment to safeguarding Britain’s heritage during major infrastructure projects. National Highways partners with experts like Headland Archaeology to ensure that any historical items unearthed are carefully recorded and preserved. Griffin explained,
"Archaeology belongs to the communities we serve, and by working alongside Headland Archaeology, we are delighted to be able to conserve and protect this incredible find for future generations."
David Harrison, Project Manager at Headland Archaeology, called the coffin "a fascinating find" that offers valuable insights into Roman life and death. He noted that its meticulous excavation and subsequent analysis will deepen our understanding of Roman Britain.
Photo Credit: National Highways
A Collaborative Effort
This extraordinary find is part of a larger initiative to uncover and safeguard historical artefacts during roadworks. Over seven months, a team of 52 archaeologists and 20 civil engineers collaborated at 14 sites along this stretch of the A47. Their efforts were supported by conservation experts from organisations such as the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), York Archaeology, Heritage 360, CR Conservation, and Clivedon Conservation.
Beyond the coffin, similar projects across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, and Essex have uncovered other fascinating relics. Many of these finds will feature in upcoming episodes of Digging for Britain.
A Season of Discoveries
The new season of Digging for Britain promises to transport viewers back in time, showcasing incredible discoveries that reveal how our ancestors lived. From remarkable artefacts to ancient burial practices, the show continues to celebrate the rich tapestry of the UK’s history.
Don’t miss the chance to witness this awe-inspiring Roman coffin and other incredible finds—tune in to Digging for Britain tomorrow at 8 pm on BBC2!