Gloucester has revealed a significant portion of its historical tapestry with the discovery of 317 human skeletons and numerous artifacts during the redevelopment of a former department store into the University of Gloucestershire's new City Campus.
The unearthed remains and objects span Roman, medieval, and post-medieval periods, highlighting Gloucester's continuous historical importance. Excavations at the site, believed to be in the northeastern quadrant of a Roman town, uncovered 83 brick-lined burial vaults associated with the 18th-century St. Aldate's Church. Further finds include remnants of a Roman townhouse, pottery fragments, and a road surface dating back to the 2nd century, indicating centuries of human presence.
Preliminary analysis of the skeletons suggests a high sugar intake in the diet of 16th-century inhabitants, offering detailed insights into their daily lives. The University of Gloucestershire plans to integrate these historical findings into its new City Campus, set to open in September 2025, ensuring their preservation and display.
The Gloucester Festival of Archaeology in July 2025 is also set to feature these discoveries, providing public engagement opportunities through guided tours and workshops. These findings reinforce Gloucester's historical significance from its Roman foundations through its medieval and post-medieval transformations.
The archaeological team from Cotswold Archaeology noted the exceptional survival of the remains, which will provide invaluable data for future historical research and public appreciation. The discoveries include a 14th-century church window fragment, further enriching the site's historical narrative.