An archaeological excavation beneath the site of Gloucester's former Debenhams store revealed over 300 skeletons, Roman ruins, and centuries of history buried beneath the city's streets. The site, which is being transformed into the University of Gloucestershire's new City Campus, has revealed artifacts from three distinct eras: Roman, medieval, and post-medieval, according to Discover Magazine.
The excavation revealed a cemetery, with about half of the skeletons found in burial vaults associated with the medieval church and the remainder buried less deeply, likely linked to the post-medieval St. Aldate's Church. The 18th-century St. Aldate's Church was built around 1750 to replace an earlier medieval church believed to have origins before the Norman Conquest, Discover Magazine reported.
"Every time we work in Gloucester, we make new discoveries—it's a massively important place," said Cliff Bateman of Cotswold Archaeology, according to Archaeology Magazine. The excavation uncovered Roman-era infrastructure, including cobbled streets believed to be part of a 2nd-century road, along with Roman roof tiles.
Researchers believe the location of the excavation would have been within the northeast quadrant of a Roman colonia founded in 97 CE, likely connected to Gloucester's ancient identity as Glevum, established for retired Roman soldiers. Knowing there had been Roman activity in Gloucester around the late 40s CE, the University opted to conduct a preventive archaeological assessment at the site, leading to the discovery of Roman building foundations, including cobbled streets and a 2nd-century road.
A total of 317 human skeletons interred in 83 brick-built vaults were discovered, likely associated with St. Aldate's Church, which once stood on or near the site. Historians believe the original St. Aldate's Church was demolished in the mid-seventeenth century after sustaining damage during the English Civil War.
"Our recent work at the City Campus has provided an additional and very informative insight into the rich and diverse archaeology that survives beneath our feet in the city of Gloucester," said Steve Sheldon, interim principal director of Cotswold Archaeology, according to Discover Magazine. He added, "It also expands our understanding of the more recent history of the city, of which the exciting current development will undoubtedly become a part in due course."
The excavation has not only uncovered structural foundations but also unearthed a trove of everyday artifacts. Finds include post-medieval wine bottles, a 16th-century tobacco pipe, and pieces of medieval stained glass, likely remnants of the original church or nearby buildings. These objects provide a unique view of domestic life, ritual, and trade in Gloucester over the centuries.
The University commissioned the Cotswold Archaeological Service to conduct excavations at the site, which may have been the northeastern quarter of the former Roman city centuries ago. "The development of our City Campus will be another exciting chapter in the rich history of the site. We are working with our partners on the project to ensure that, as far as possible, the archaeological remains are kept intact as the development progresses," said Dr. Nigel Wichall, Director of Estates at the University, according to La Nación.
"It is a priority for all to ensure that the burials in the ancient church are preserved in situ, if possible, and are treated with respect at all times," added Wichall, according to La Nación.
As construction moves forward, archaeologists will continue to study the materials in detail. It's possible that select remains or artifacts may be preserved and displayed at the future university campus, allowing students and the public to engage directly with the history beneath their feet.
"Gloucester is an incredibly important archaeological site. Below the level where we found the 18th-century church and the post-medieval burials, there will be Roman buildings," said Bateman.
Once the University of Gloucestershire's City Campus is complete, students will literally be able to walk atop over a thousand years of history and witness some of the objects representing the past.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.