Free Republic

Archaeologists have opened the former site of Essex County Hospital to members of the public for the first time in two years to share progress on the excavations...The former hospital site, which is in Lexden Road, closed permanently in 2018 , with plans for 120 homes on the site approved two years later.Before construction begins on the new housing development, however, Colchester Archaeological Trust has been allowed to excavate significant portions of land surrounding the 19th century structure, with work ongoing since 2020.Although it has been a fruitful two years of excavations, Mr Wightman told visitors on Friday no high...

Francis Pryor examines the relics of the Dark Ages to build a fuller picture of this much-maligned era. Popular belief has always held that the departure of the Romans led to barbarism in Britain, but archaeological finds have shed light on a cultured, literate society that embraced the growing Romanised Christian religion and embarked on a profitable trading relationship with the Byzantine Empire.Sheep-farming archaeologist, Francis Pryor, presents a brand new historical series which explores Britain A.D, the British national character and the ultimate British icon King Arthur.Finding new and previously unexplained evidence, Francis Pryor overturns the idea that Britain reverted...

A hoard of Roman treasure believed to have been hidden from Boudicca in the first century has been discovered by archaeologists in Colchester. The collection, including fine gold and silver jewellery, had been buried for safekeeping during the early stages of Boudicca's Revolt, Colchester Archaeological Trust said. It represents the first hoard of precious metals ever found in Colchester town centre and is thought to have belonged to a wealthy Roman woman, who stashed the treasure under her house when she heard the vengeful queen's armies were approaching. The archaeologists said the hoard was found under the floor of a...