We have now completed 1,000 archaeological trial trenches as part of a major programme of investigations supporting plans for our railway.
Work on 1,000 archaeological trial trenches has now been completed and Roman coins unearthed as part of an ongoing archaeology programme supporting plans for East West Rail.
The work, which is taking place in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, is helping archaeologists better understand what lies beneath the ground while protecting and preserving the area's rich heritage.
Among the discoveries made so far are two Romans coins, a Late Iron Age jar and fragments of pottery. One of the coins dates back around 1,740 years and bearing the name of Emperor Carausius, a Roman naval commander who commanded a fleet based in the English Channel during the late third century AD. The second Roman coin discovered is believed to be from the mid-to-late 2nd century and probably minted under Emperors Antoninus Pius or Marcus Aurelius.
Our archaeological programme forms a vital part of the environmental assessment work required to support the Development Consent Order (DCO) process to secure approval to build the railway.
Around 6,000 trial trenches will be completed over the next two years across the proposed route. Before excavation begins, geophysical, ecological and utility surveys are carried out to help minimise impacts on farming activity, biodiversity and local communities. Land is restored as closely as possible to its previous condition once works are complete.
Investigations completed so far suggest parts of the route contain evidence of Iron Age and Roman activity, providing valuable insight into how people lived and worked in the region thousands of years ago.
Joss Piper-Jarrett, Archaeology Survey Manager at EWR Co, said: "Every discovery helps build a richer picture of the people who once lived here. Safeguarding and preserving these artefacts is a key part of the process, helping ensure important pieces of our shared history can be studied and enjoyed by future generations."
Any discoveries considered particularly significant may be displayed in local museums for people to find out more about their area’s local history.
A video of our archaeology trial trenching work is available here.