Digging deep to uncover past of city centre scheme
Excavation: the dig at Gloucester was seeking Roman and medieval remains
The ancient past mixed with a bright new future when community archaeologists investigated a derelict site we are transforming in Gloucester city centre.
Local volunteers supervised by experts from Cotswold Archaeology joined in a three-week dig at the former site of Gloucestershire College at Greyfriars and uncovered a series of important finds, including a medieval tiled floor and the remains of walls.
The project was to find out more about the Roman street pattern of the city as early as the 1st century, what happened when they left, and probe the cloisters of the medieval friary.
Once recorded, much of the archaeology was to be covered up to preserve it. The development is for 254 homes, a cafe/restaurant, health centre and public spaces, and will incorporate some historic features of the existing buildings.
Linden Homes Western managing director Nigel Palmer said: "We knew how important this site was to the city and its history so we were delighted to help give the community the chance to find out more about its fascinating past.
“This development will transform what is at the moment a run-down plot and leave a legacy not just of quality homes and community facilities, but also a precious record of what went before and contributed to making this city the wonderful place it is.”
