‘Unexpected’ Roman burial discovered

An ‘unexpected’ Roman burial site has been discovered on the outskirts of Spalding by archaeologists. Remains of three people were uncovered during excavations on the Millfield Nursery site in Spalding Common by a team from Witham Archaeology. The site is earmarked for 135 homes which are being developed by Seagate Homes.

The excavation, carried out ahead of planned development, revealed ditches, enclosures, and boundaries dating back to the 1st to 3rd centuries AD. Among the most striking discoveries was a small group of Roman burials, offering a rare glimpse into life and death in Roman Spalding nearly 2,000 years ago. Alongside the burials, archaeologists found traces of salt-making debris, suggesting the site was once part of the Roman-era salt production industry.



Salt was a highly valuable commodity, used for preserving food and traded across the empire. This discovery strengthens the idea that Spalding was not just a settlement but an important centre for industry during the Roman period. The discoveries at Millfield Nursery add a significant new piece to the growing picture of Roman Spalding, reinforcing its role within the wider landscape of Roman Britain.

Analysis of the finds have refined our understanding of how people lived, worked, and were buried in the Spalding area nearly two millennia ago. A report to South Holland District Council stated that the discovery of the bodies was ‘unexpected’. The report states: “Analysis of the remains indicated that the individual was an older male, aged 45 years or over, although his stature could not be determined on account of the incomplete condition of the remains.

His wrist showed signs of healed fracture and his vertebrae indicated that he suffered from osteoarthritis and spondylosis throughout his spine. No associated dateable artefacts were recovered from grave fill.” The bones of another adult male, aged between 25 to 35 years, were also found within the trench.

An extra arm bone was also discovered. It also states: “The discovery of burials, and what could be broadly characterised as remains of a small cemetery is of considerable interest. Although the settlement appears to have re-located, it is likely that the divided landscape continued to be exploited for some time.

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