A417 upgrade Treasure trove found during road excavations for project
ARCHAEOLOGISTS working on the A417 Missing Link have unearthed a treasure trove of historical artefacts, shedding light on Gloucestershire’s rich history that spans thousands of years.
A 3.4m dual-carriageway will be built across green fields near Birdlip, avoiding the need for through traffic to negotiate the Air Balloon and Cowley roundabouts and replace the crash and delay prone single-carriageway stretch.
During the works, Oxford Cotswold Archaeology (OCA) unearthed items including a Roman Cupid figurine, pottery, coins and jewellery, dating back to various periods such as the Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman era, and even the Second World War. A selection of these finds, along with 3D models and photographs, will be showcased at a free event on Saturday, May 11 and allow the public to witness these historical treasures firsthand.
Since March 2023, OCA has been collaborating closely with Historic England, Gloucestershire County Council archaeologists and contractors Kier as part of National Highways’ A417 Missing Link upgrade. This scheme aims to enhance a three-mile stretch of singlelane carriageway on the A417 between the Brockworth bypass and Cowley roundabout in Gloucestershire.
Before construction commenced, the archaeological team diligently mapped out the history surrounding the old route and the communities who have lived and worked alongside it. A team of more than 60 archaeologists and 50 office-based specialists have spent more than 100,000 working hours carefully excavating and curating over 10,600 artifacts, weighing in at 100kg, that will be carefully preserved for future generations.
Before work began in earnest, trial trenching uncovered a Roman Cupid figurine and brooch, along with a Roman or early Saxon skeleton. The OCA will continue to work with landowners and local museums to showcase any artefacts found so local people can learn more about the history of the area.
There will also be a report published into the findings which will detail what has been found, preserving the information for generations to come.
Steve Foxley, Project Director for the A417 scheme, said: “We are excited about the findings this landscape-led scheme uncovered, as they provide a unique window into the ancient history of Gloucestershire.
“Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds have a rich cultural heritage, and the team will bring their expertise to bear in adding to that history.
“These discoveries will contribute significantly to our understanding of how people in the past adapted to changing environmental conditions, and we will ensure the remains are preserved and recorded.
“As well as delivering the road upgrade, we’re absolutely committed to conserving and, where possible, enhancing the historic environment and the special landscape around the A417.”
Jim Keyte, National Highways’ Archaeology Project Manager for the A417, added: “The project is a great example of how well-planned archaeological works can be undertaken successfully without resulting in delays to construction.”
“For over a year, our detailed archaeological excavations have revealed substantial new knowledge about how our ancestors lived and used this landscape.
“We are now beginning the detailed analysis and interpretation of the finds and we’re looking forward to publishing the results of this work in future.”
OCA Project Manager, Alex Thomson, said: “It has been a privilege for the Oxford Cotswold Archaeology team to support National Highways and Kier on the A417 Missing Link project.
“We knew the area was rich with archaeological potential, but the results of our fieldwork have exceeded all expectations – we have been treated to some excellent archaeology that tells a fascinating story about this corner of the Cotswolds across thousands of years.”
“We have recovered some fantastic artefacts to go with those we found during the evaluation stage, and these have included prehistoric flint tools, pottery from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman periods, countless coins and items of jewellery, plus a series of emotive everyday items from thousands of years ago that give a unique window into life across the ages.”
“We’re very excited to be able to share the results of this exceptional programme of archaeological mitigation, and to tell the human stories this landscape holds.”.
The scheme and its archaeology work have also been featured in the new series of Digging for Britain on BBC Two. Last summer’s excavation of an Iron Age site known as a ‘banjo enclosure’ near the A417, uncovered a site likely to have been the focus of special activity such as feasting.
The series, which is now available on iplayer, is hosted by Professor Alice Roberts.
She visited the A417 Missing Link scheme to meet the team and go behind the scenes to find out more.
Gavin Jones, Kier Project Director, said: “The past 12 months of archaeology works on the A417 Missing Link project has been very fruitful in a number of ways.
“Firstly, in terms of the number and quality of finds discovered on site by the dedicated teams, and the fascinating picture that has formed as a result.
“Additionally, through a proactive, open and collaborative approach, very positive relationships have been created between National Highways, OCA, Kier, and the many stakeholders involved.
“The successful completion of this phase of the project has been integral to ensuring that the next phase, main construction, could proceed as planned.”
“We look forward to sharing more information on the archaeology very soon, and also continue to keep people and communities informed of the progress of construction works.”
More information about the A417 Missing Link can be found at https:// nationalhighways.co.uk/