Immediate release
East West Rail unearths Roman finds as archaeological work hits milestone
· Work to understand the ground conditions along the route of the new railway connecting the region between Oxford, Bedford and Cambridge makes historic discoveries
· About 6,000 archaeological trial trenches will be completed over a two-year period
· Roman coins and a Late Iron Age jar are among discoveries unearthed so far
Work on 1,000 trial trenches has now been completed and Roman coins and pottery have been unearthed as part of ongoing archaeological investigations which are supporting plans to build East West Rail. The work, which is taking place in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, is designed to build a detailed understanding of what lies beneath the ground and help protect and preserve archaeological heritage wherever possible.
Among the discoveries made so far are Roman coins, including one from around 1,740 years ago bearing the name of Roman Emperor Carausius (c. AD 250-293), who commanded a Roman fleet based in the English Channel. Other finds include a Late Iron Age vase, along with fragments of pottery.
The trenching programme is an essential part of the environmental assessment work required to inform the Development Consent Order (DCO) process to secure permission to build the railway and ensure the project is designed and delivered responsibly.
EWR Co and its delivery partners will complete approximately 6,000 archaeological trial trenches over a period of around two years across the East West Rail route.
Each trench is typically around 50 metres long, two metres wide and excavated to a depth of approximately half a metre, allowing specialists to investigate and better understand the significance and condition of any archaeological features. Where archaeological features are identified, archaeologists then excavate targeted sample sections, known as slots within the trenches, to better understand their age, condition and significance.
Jorn Pace, Programme Manager at EWR Co, said: “It's a really exciting time for the project because this programme represents an important step in helping us better understand the historic environment while continuing to progress East West Rail responsibly. We’re working closely with landowners and local communities throughout the process to minimise disruption, keep people informed and restore land as closely as possible to its previous condition once works are complete.
“By carrying out targeted investigations informed by detailed surveys, we can reduce unnecessary disturbance and ensure we take a careful and considered approach to both the environment and the communities around us.”
Before excavation begins, EWR Co undertakes geophysical surveys to identify areas of archaeological interest, alongside ecological and utility assessments. This information helps shape delivery plans that minimise impacts on farming activity, biodiversity and day-to-day land use.
Mike Court, Historic Environment Lead at EWR Co, said: “Understanding the archaeology beneath the surface is essential to helping us design and deliver the railway in a way that respects the environment and our shared heritage.
“The information gathered through this programme contributes directly to our Environmental Impact Assessment and enables us to understand the significance of any archaeology that may be affected, plan appropriate mitigation and preserve important knowledge for future generations.”
Investigations completed to date suggest that parts of the route contain evidence of activity dating back to the Iron Age and Roman periods, offering valuable insight into how communities lived and worked in the region thousands of years ago. Metal detectors are used in all of the excavated trenches to help identify any finds.
Joss Piper-Jarrett, Archaeology Survey Manager at EWR Co, said: “Every discovery helps build a richer picture of the people who once lived here. When you're excavating these features, you're often the first person to see them in 2,000 years, sometimes even longer, which is a really special feeling - it’s pretty amazing.
“Safeguarding and preserving these artefacts is a key part of the process. Once excavated, finds are carefully cleaned, analysed, recorded and added to the archaeological archive. Where discoveries are considered particularly significant, there may also be opportunities for them to be displayed in local museums so communities can continue to connect with their local history.”
ENDS
Media Assets
· A video of our archaeology trial trenching work is available here.
· Images of some of the finds made during the trial trenching accompany this press release. Download them using this LINK. Further images are available on request.
Notes to editors
- Archaeological investigations form part of the Environmental Impact Assessment supporting the Development Consent Order (DCO) process. EWR Co plans to submit its DCO application in 2027.
Information on the finds discovered
A denarius (plural: denarii) was the principal silver coin of ancient Rome, introduced around 211 BC during the Roman Republic. It served as the backbone of the Roman economy for roughly 500 years and was widely used as the standard daily wage for a laborer or soldier. The silver denarius was originally worth 10 times more than the ‘As’, another Roman coin, its name literally means ‘containing ten.’ At its introduction, the coin weighed roughly 4.5 grams and was struck from high-purity silver. However, as the Roman Empire faced continuous wars and financial crises, subsequent emperors slowly reduced the coin's weight and silver content, a process known as debasement. By the mid-3rd century AD, it had been reduced to a bronze core with only a thin layer of silver.
The denarius dated AD 287 that was unearthed in the trenching work contains the image of the Roman Emperor Carausius (c. AD 250-293), who commanded the Roman fleet Classis Britannica, based in the English Channel. Emperor Maximian ordered his execution after Carausius was suspected of concealing treasure captured from pirates. Carausius then declared himself Emperor of Britain and northern Gaul making Britain an independent state. Carausius was murdered seven years later by his finance minister Allectus.
The second Roman coin discovered in the trenching work is believed to be from the mid-to-late 2nd century, and probably minted under Emperor Antoninus Pius or Marcus Aurelius.
The rilled jar unearthed is handmade and manufactured in a fine shell and grog tempered fabric, a ceramic tradition typical of the Late Iron Age (c. 50 BC-AD 50).
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About the East West Rail Project
The East West Rail Project is a once in a generation opportunity to connect people and businesses between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge through a new direct rail line. It is a railway with community at its heart that will open up new journeys, cut travel times, and ease congestion on local roads. The route will connect people to the things and places that matter, bringing local benefit and sustainable growth by unlocking the social and economic potential of the area.
The East West Rail Project will be delivered in different phases. Network Rail was responsible for developing the first part of the first phase between Oxford and Milton Keynes, connecting Oxford with Bicester before the East West Rail Company (EWR co) was set up. Between 2018 and 2024, EWR Co and Network Rail partnered in a construction alliance, East West Rail Alliance, to complete the infrastructure to Bletchley. Chiltern Railways has taken over as the operator of this section and are working to start passenger services as soon as possible.
To deliver the railway onwards from Bletchley to Bedford and Cambridge, a new railway needs to be constructed between Bedford and Cambridge, and associated works are needed between Oxford and Bedford to upgrade and refurbish the existing railway infrastructure. EWR Co proposes to make an application to the Secretary of State for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to permit the construction and operation of these works.
About the East West Railway Company
The East West Railway Company (EWR Co) is a non-departmental public body with limited company status set up by the Secretary of State for Transport in 2017 to deliver the East West Rail (EWR) Project.
The corridor, which runs from Oxford through Milton Keynes and Bedford to Cambridge, is an economic artery that makes the UK a global leader in life sciences, technology and innovation, with the potential to create jobs, drive growth and attract investment for the entire country. EWR Co’s ambition is to unlock the full potential of this region that is vital to keeping the UK globally competitive in a way that considers the environment and offers value for taxpayers.
East West Rail (EWR) will unlock access to jobs and space for businesses to grow, regenerate town centres, improve connectivity across the region and the rest of the UK, and support new affordable housing.