Roman Town Near Great Staughton Receives Heritage Protection

The remains of a significant Roman small town near Great Staughton, Cambridgeshire, have been granted heritage protection as a scheduled monument, following their discovery during a geophysical survey for a proposed solar farm. The site, which spans 31 hectares, reveals well-preserved features such as ditches, pits, and roads, along with a variety of artefacts including pottery, coins, and glass. This discovery, first hinted at in aerial photography from 2009 and later confirmed in 2019, reshapes the understanding of Roman life in the region, according to local officials and Historic England. Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, described it as an extraordinary find that provides insight into the daily lives of the town's former inhabitants. The developers of the solar project, Brockwell Storage and Solar, have adjusted their plans to reflect the site's historical importance. This discovery marks one of the most significant archaeological findings in Cambridgeshire in recent years.