Davidson Copeland, a third-year archaeology student at the University of Leicester, has made an exciting discovery by unearthing six complete Roman pots during his first excavation at the Chester House Estate, located near Irchester, Northamptonshire. Renowned for being one of Britain’s best-preserved Roman small towns, the estate served as an ideal site for this community dig conducted in June 2023. 

The pots were found at the bottom of a deep pit in the suburbs of the ancient Roman town of Irchester. Their careful placement suggests they may have been intentionally positioned for practical purposes, such as money boxes or religious offerings, as indicated by holes in some of the vessels. The collection includes beakers, a small flagon, two jars, and a second-century CE Samian ware bowl, which was identified by Dr. Adam Sutton from Aurelius Archaeology. This bowl, a type of red-gloss pottery that was mass-produced from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century CE, features a stamp from its maker, Dexter, who operated in central France around CE 130.

Professor Sarah Scott, a lead archaeologist and professor at the University of Leicester, expressed pride in Davidson’s efforts, highlighting the successful excavation as a result of teamwork and expert guidance. This significant discovery has sparked excitement among team members and visitors alike. Ongoing excavations at the Chester House Estate, owned by North Northamptonshire Council, aim to reveal more about the lives of the town’s ancient inhabitants, uncovering houses, workshops, and cemeteries. The collaboration between the university and the council through the Irchester Field School provides opportunities for people of all ages to engage in archaeological exploration.