Roman Discoveries in Gloucester: Rare Limekiln Unearthed at Barnwood Site!
A recent archaeological dig at the Centre Severn development in Barnwood, Gloucester, has uncovered some remarkable Roman remains, shedding fresh light on life in Roman Britain. Led by Cotswold Archaeology, the excavation has revealed a substantial Roman settlement dating back to the 2nd to 4th centuries CE, including a rare and exceptionally well-preserved limekiln—possibly the first of its kind found in Gloucestershire.
Photo Credit: Cotswold Archaeology
The site, located near Horsbere Brook, a tributary of the River Severn, had shown archaeological promise for some time. Initial surveys hinted at buried features, which were confirmed during full-scale excavations carried out between September 2020 and February 2021. Among the finds were field boundaries, enclosures, two Roman-era buildings, and the grave of a woman, believed to be between 40 and 44 years old at the time of her death. Curiously, the grave contained nothing but the hobnails from her shoes, suggesting a very simple burial.
Photo Credit: Cotswold Archaeology
The standout discovery, however, is a large Roman limekiln measuring four metres across and two metres high. Constructed from mortared blockstone and clay, it includes clever design features such as a central ledge and a partition wall to enhance airflow, both of which would have helped the lime-burning process run more efficiently. Quicklime produced in such kilns was an essential ingredient in Roman building materials like mortar and concrete.
Cotswold Archaeology believe the kiln was only in use for a short time before being abandoned in the 3rd century CE. Later Roman activity, including a ditch cut through one edge of the kiln, suggests it was no longer operational by then.
The kiln’s location is no accident. Positioned close to the limestone-rich Cotswold Hills and near the Forest of Dean—an area rich in timber and coal—it would have been ideally placed for the production of quicklime. Experts think the material may have been used in Roman construction projects locally, including in the settlements of Glevum (modern-day Gloucester) and Corinium (Cirencester). It’s even possible the lime helped build a high-status Roman structure unearthed just 20 metres away back in the 1970s.
Another intriguing discovery was a pit filled with Roman pottery, deliberately placed rather than discarded. This suggests a practice known as "structured deposition", where objects are buried intentionally for symbolic or ritual purposes.
Photo Credit: Cotswold Archaeology
Beyond the industrial aspects, the site paints a vivid picture of Roman life in the Severn Vale. The area was a patchwork of farms and villas, supported by the resources of the River Severn. The river would have been a vital transport and trade route, as well as a source of food and natural materials. The fertile, reclaimed land made it ideal for agriculture and livestock farming.
Further excavation findings are detailed in a comprehensive technical report, and a more in-depth analysis will be published in the Transactions of the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society. The results will also be made available via Cotswold Archaeology’s Reports Online platform.