Exciting archaeological discoveries at Castlefield House

Exciting archaeological discoveries are unfolding at Castlefield House in Manchester!

Our team has been hard at work excavating the site, which sits in the historic core of Roman Manchester, just northeast of the fort.

We’ve uncovered well-preserved Roman remains at shallow depths along Liverpool Road, making this one of Manchester’s most significant Roman archaeological discoveries in the past two decades!

Key highlights from our comprehensive excavation include:

• The North Exit Road: We’ve identified a Roman road, the main northern route from the fort, running through the surrounding civilian settlement (vicus). It shows multiple resurfacing phases dating from the late 1st to late 3rd century.
• A Glimpse into Roman Life: Our finds include evidence of civilian settlement with ditches, pits, and fascinating clay ovens or hearths, likely used for industrial purposes such as lead working.
• Rich Artifacts: We’ve also discovered a variety of artifacts, including large storage jars, tableware (cups, flagons, bowls, dishes), roof and floor tiles, animal bones, fragments of glass, and worked stone, providing a tangible connection to everyday life in Roman Manchester.

These findings will greatly enhance our understanding of Roman Manchester’s development and character. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to uncover the rich history beneath our feet!