Relics 'most important find in area for 100 years'

NORTH Somerset's most important archaeological finds for 100 years have been unearthed in Banwell during work to replace a water main. The relics were discovered during work by Bristol Water to lay a new £3.6 million, seven kilometre water main between Banwell and Hutton. As part of the project, Bristol Water employed archaeologists to investigate and record any potential remains near its planned works. Experts from Border Archaeology have now unearthed what appears to be a Roman cemetery containing several human burials, isolated from the surrounding landscape by a curving water-filled ditch. A partially preserved wooden coffin or shallow 'bier' constructed from timber planking containing human remains was also discovered. Generally, Roman cemeteries were situated outside settlements and away from areas of human habitation, often next to roads.  Full Story