Roman Farmstead Found in Great Glen

ROMAN FARMSTEAD FOUND IN GREAT GLEN

Extracts from a Report by Albion Archaeology who have undertaken archaeological investigations on behalf of Miller Homes in advance of the housing development off Stretton Road.

Background

“A planning condition required that the Romano-British farmstead on the site should be archaeologically investigated before the start of construction.

Although the farmstead was only discovered in 2010, there are several other known Roman sites in the Great Glen area. For example pottery (including samian), tesserae, and tile (including box flue) have been found near the recreation ground. It has been suggested that these indicate the presence of a high-status building. Approximately 1km to the north-west, Roman remains were also found during building work at Leicester Grammar School.

Other than Leicester (tribal capital of the Coritani) the nearest known Roman settlement is at Medbourne. It is sometimes suggested that the A6 to the west of Great Glen is on the line of a Roman road.

What has been found in Great Glen?

The finds recovered during the investigations suggest that the farmstead originated in the early 2^nd century AD. Evidence for five roundhouses, one possible rectangular building and a number of areas of cobbling survived. Like the majority of the population of Roman Britain the occupants of the settlement were farmers. The farmstead continued to be occupied until at least the middle of the 4^th century AD. It covered more than 2 hectares. (1 hectare is 10,000 square metres)

A large quantity of animal bone (45kg) was recovered, mainly cattle and sheep bone. These along with charred plant remains of cereal grains will be examined by experts from Leicester University. Their analysis will provide more details on animal husbandry and the arable regime of the farmstead.

A large quantity of pottery (over 25kg) was recovered. Mostly locally made coarse ware (gray ware and shelly).

Metal objects from the farmstead comprise 20 coins and single fragments from a brooch. All metal finds were in poor condition and require expert analysis before they reveal more information.

The new Miller Homes housing development has provided an opportunity to examine a 2000 year old Leicestershire farmstead. Very few such sites have been examined in the county.

Miller Homes have been extremely co-operative throughout. Anyone moving into the new homes off Stretton Road will have the knowledge that they are the first people to live on the site since the farmstead was abandoned towards the end of the Roman period.

To coincide with the publishing of the report the site was open to the public and local schools to view the plans and displays week beginning 16^th May when archaeologists were on site to answer questions.