Roman settlement discovered at warehouse site

Archaeologists have uncovered a Roman burial site and evidence of a corn dryer and tile kiln

Archaeologists working at a warehouse development site have uncovered the remains of a Roman settlement.

Excavation work at the site in Eye, Peterborough, has seen the discovery of items from the mid to late Roman era, including a burial site.

The dig, carried out by Allen Archaeology, follows a successful planning application for a commercial grain processing and storage building on the Thorney Road site.

Adam Lodoen, regional manager for Allen Archaeology, said the team had uncovered a Roman burial site with 14 burials and evidence of a corn dryer and tile kiln.

Several different Roman tiles have been uncovered at the Eye site

Dalton Seeds, which is funding the excavation, received planning permission for the warehouse development in February.

The "exciting" findings at the site will now be sent off to a specialist for further analysis.

Mr Lodoen said that uncovered tiles - tegula, imbrex and box flue - indicated that a significant building was standing nearby.

“These tiles are not cheap, so it would have been used for a high-status villa perhaps."

He added: “Things like this are always exciting. Because this is part of a planning matter, we also have to file a report on the findings and send it to the authorities. It will then be available to the public.”

The team are expecting to wrap up their excavation project on the site next week.