Vale of Evesham Historical Society - 'Roman road' could reshape town's history

A possible first-century ford was discovered by Severn Trent workmen in an unspecified location several weeks ago.

With tests currently taking place to try and determine how old the site is, members of the Vale of Evesham Historical Society have begun speculating about what it could mean in regard to the origins of the town.

A spokesperson for the group explained: “The town itself dates from the Saxon period, having grown up around the Abbey which was founded by St Ecgwin at the beginning of the eighth century.

 “This recent discovery just outside the town has the potential to extend the knowledge of our history way back before the Saxon period.”

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They added: “From images seen and the excellent YouTube clip recorded by Aiden Smyth (archaeology advisor for Wychavon District Council), this ford shows the technical excellence of the road builders who constructed this wonderful piece of work.

“One expects to see this quality of craftsmanship in the great cities of Rome and Pompeii and elsewhere, but in a small backwater of the Roman Empire?

“It does rather suggest that this area must have been of some importance and certainly makes one ponder at what else might be hidden for now.”

A section of the road has been sent off for testing (Image: A section of the road has been sent off for testing)

A section dug from the road is to be sent off for optically stimulated luminescence testing which will measure the last time the sediment was exposed to sunlight.

The council has warned that this process could take several months.

READ MORE: History buffs weigh-in on 2,000-year-old Roman road discovery near Evesham

The spokesperson for VEHS continued, explaining what they would like to see done with the site.

“It is the norm for archaeological sites to be reburied to preserve the finds for the future, after the excavation has been completed, and it is presumed that this will happen to this site,” they said.

“But it is gratifying that so much care is being taken to record in fine detail all that has been uncovered here.

“When all is completed, this will no doubt be available for all to delve into, whether academics or members of the public who are fired up into getting involved in the history of their neighbourhood and indeed, the United Kingdom and beyond.

“We hope that there will be scope for a very interesting exhibition at the Almonry Museum about the Vale in Roman times and would be happy to collaborate with this.”