Roman Settlement Unearthed in Gloucestershire: Discoveries from the A417 Excavation!
An extensive archaeological dig in Gloucestershire, carried out as part of the A417 Missing Link road improvement scheme, has uncovered a remarkable Roman settlement. Offering a unique glimpse into life nearly 2,000 years ago, the findings have exceeded all expectations.
Photo Credit: National Highways
A Window into the Past
The excavation, conducted by Oxford Cotswold Archaeology and supported by National Highways, covered an 8-hectare area within the scheme’s 40-hectare development zone. Situated along Ermin Street—a major Roman road connecting key towns such as Cirencester and Gloucester—the site served as a bustling roadside settlement.
Over 70 archaeologists worked tirelessly to uncover an extraordinary array of artefacts and features. Among the finds were wells, ovens, and agricultural structures, alongside 460 Roman coins, 15 brooches, and more than 420 kilograms of pottery and animal bones. These discoveries paint a vivid picture of the settlement as a vibrant hub of trade and daily life.
Alex Thomson, Project Manager for Oxford Cotswold Archaeology, described the excavation as a standout moment for the A417 project. “Exploring a Roman roadside settlement in such detail is a rare privilege,” he explained. “The structures we’ve uncovered clearly supported passing trade along this busy Roman highway—essentially a 2,000-year-old service station!”
Photo Credit: National Highways
Gloucestershire’s Roman Legacy
This region played a central role in Roman Britain following the invasion in 43 CE. The Romans quickly established an intricate road network, which facilitated their expansion and enabled settlements like this one to flourish.
Jim Keyte, Archaeology Project Manager for National Highways, highlighted the importance of such discoveries: “Uncovering the traces of our ancestors gives us an invaluable opportunity to contribute to the story of the Cotswolds and leave a lasting legacy of knowledge for the community.”
A Collaborative Effort
The excavation was part of a wider collaboration between Gloucestershire County Council, Historic England, and Kier, contractors for the A417 Missing Link scheme. While the project’s primary focus is on creating a modern, future-ready road, there has also been a strong emphasis on preserving and understanding the area’s historical significance.
Steve Foxley, Project Director for the A417 Missing Link, summed it up perfectly: “While this scheme is all about building a road for the future, it’s vital we don’t lose sight of the past. Piecing together Gloucestershire’s rich history has been an absolute pleasure.”
The artefacts and data gathered during this excavation will now be catalogued and displayed in local museums, ensuring the story of this extraordinary Roman settlement is accessible to the public for years to come.