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Title: Uncovering Roman Doncaster Subtitle: Saturday 28 July Author: DMBC  ID & Publication: 20120711023 ~ The-Villager.co.uk  Area: Doncaster  Subject: Events (Local)

An illustrated talk on Roman archaeology in Doncaster is to reveal secrets hidden for centuries at the Mansion House on Saturday 28 July at 12noon.

Doncaster Tourism and Doncaster Museum Service have teamed up to present the findings as part of this year's Festival of British Archaeology. Two leading local archaeologists will shed light on the amazing artefacts discovered at Waterdale last year during the building of the new Civic and Cultural Quarter (CCQ) and offer an exciting re-evaluation of earlier archaeological digs.

Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies, said: ‘Doncaster is one of the oldest towns in Britain dating back more than 2,000 years and has a fascinating history. This event will shed new light on our rich Roman heritage and help people understand what makes the town unique and the great place it is today.’

Dave Aspden, from ArcHeritage, who led the dig at Waterdale last year, said: ‘What we found was totally unexpected. This site became one of the largest Roman cemeteries excavated archaeologically in South Yorkshire. Some of the finds were incredibly well preserved, including a Roman glass bottle, nearly 2,000 years old, which was intact. We have analysed the cremation deposits, and they indicate the substantial stature and wealth of some of those cremated. This was certainly a surprising discovery!’

Doncaster Museum archaeologist, Peter Robinson, has also been undertaking a re-evaluation of earlier archaeological digs and is set to challenge some previously held views on Roman Doncaster. ‘Having studied these earlier excavations I believe that a re-evaluation is well overdue,’ said Mr Robinson. ’I am convinced that Doncaster was much more important as a Roman settlement than many previous studies indicate. I am extremely excited about presenting my findings.’

Tickets which cost just £4 include refreshments and are available from Doncaster's Tourist Information Centre (Tel: 01302 734309).

For those interested further in Doncaster's Roman history, a gallery tour of the museum, including an opportunity to handle some of the actual finds, is also planned for Saturday 11 August (Tel: 01302 734293 for more details).

The CCQ project is being delivered by Doncaster Council and its development partner Muse Developments. The project is being part funded by the European Union, as part of the European Regional Development Fund’s support for the region’s economic development through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.

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