Archaeologist uncovers Roman settlement in US

London, September 4 : An archaeologist has uncovered the foundations for a Roman settlement on East Cleveland coast in the US.

According to a report in The Northern Echo, the archaeologist in question is Steve Sherlock, who was helped by volunteers from Teesside Archaeological Society, to find a 1,600 year-old site for creating jet jewellery.

Sherlock had earlier uncovered evidence of Anglo-Saxon royalty in a farmer's fields near Loftus last year.

"It's another completely exciting find, even though I didn't expect to find it. I came here to find a Saxon settlement and I'm discovering a very significant Roman site, too," he said.

"To find a significant Roman site at Street House that is contemporary with the Roman signal station at Huntcliff is fantastic. Here at Street House we have found a Roman jet working site that would have made jet jewellery," he added.

Aerial photographs first guided Sherlock's Iron Age research project to the location in 2004, showing evidence of an Iron Age enclosure, then last year, the site revealed 109 Anglo Saxon graves, dating back to the seventh century.

A hoard of brooches, pendants and beads was also uncovered in superb condition and a gold brooch - a bracteate - will go on show in a special display at Redcar's Kirkleatham Museum.

According to Coun Sheelagh Clarke, Redcar and Cleveland Council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, "This is another magnificent find that shows what a rich and varied cultural heritage we have in east Cleveland."

An open day on Sunday, September 7, from 10.30am-4pm, including guided tours at the site will clearly show visitors the entrance to the building, a cobbled road leading to the entrance and the stone foundations.

ANI