Archaeologists excavating Leicester's market square have uncovered a remarkable array of historical artifacts, including a Roman infant burial and the foundations of a significant medieval civic building.
The discoveries were made by archaeologists from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) during groundwork for the city's new market square. Among the most poignant finds is the undisturbed grave of a Roman infant, interred nearly 1,800 years ago beneath the floor of a timber structure. This find offers an intimate glimpse into Roman burial rituals in Leicester. Adjacent to this, the team uncovered Roman pottery kilns, providing insights into domestic activities and industrial capabilities of the era. Further exploration revealed the earliest medieval market surfaces, a stone-lined well, and the foundations of a dungeon.
This prison, described in the mid-16th century as "a most vile prison," is believed to be part of the Gainsborough Chamber, a building first documented in 1533. The chamber served as a vital hub for judicial proceedings, mayoral affairs, and civic celebrations until its demolition around 1748. Its substantial stone walls, now exposed, highlight its architectural importance and central role in the city's governance and social life.
Dr. Gavin Speed, who led the excavation, stated that while Leicester has been extensively studied archaeologically, this specific area had remained largely unexplored. The findings have surpassed expectations, yielding well-preserved remains of two Roman buildings. The earlier was a timber construction, under which the infant burial was discovered, dating to approximately 1,900 years ago. A later Roman building, constructed of stone, was erected directly over the earlier timber house and yielded Roman tesserae, pottery, coins, and jewelry, collectively painting a vivid picture of daily life in Roman Leicester.
Following the Roman occupation, thick soil layers from the Anglo-Saxon period were identified, offering potential insights into how life continued amidst the remnants of the Roman city. Remarkably, just beneath the modern ground level, the earliest medieval market place was uncovered, consisting of compacted pebbles and successive layers of silts, documenting approximately 800 years of market activity. Traces of medieval market stalls were preserved as post-holes, providing a tangible link to centuries of commerce and community gathering.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby emphasized the significance of understanding the market square's past before its modernization, commending ULAS for their expertise. ULAS will continue their work, with hopes that some of these significant finds will be made accessible to the public. The market site is slated for repaving and is expected to reopen to traders by the end of 2026. This excavation follows other notable Leicester discoveries, including the remains of King Richard III in 2012 and a Roman cult room in 2023, underscoring the city's rich and layered archaeological heritage.