PARTS of an unknown Roman road, a burial monument with remains and a 'burnt mound' have been discovered in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Archaeologists working on the site of a new three-and-a-quarter mile long Yorkshire Water sewer near the new Full Sutton prison and Stamford Bridge unearthed the three finds, the earliest of which could be 4,500 years old.

The site of the previously unknown Roman road is close to Stamford Bridge, flanked by drainage ditches which suggested to experts that it ran northwards towards the settlement of ‘Derventio Brigantium’ - close to modern-day Malton.


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A small circular burial monument has been discovered in the vicinity of Full Sutton.

York Press: The foundations of the previously unknown Roman roadThe foundations of the previously unknown Roman road (Image: Yorkshire Water)

Gavin Robinson, from Ecus Archaeology, which undertook the investigation, said: “It was disturbed by later ploughing, but, considering the ground conditions, the associated human remains were surprisingly well-preserved.

“The local sandy geology is usually too acidic for human remains to survive, however, the grave had been backfilled with a mixture of burnt stone and charcoal from the adjacent ‘burnt mound’ spread, which seems to have helped the bones survive.”

No artefacts were discovered in the grave, which was constructed close to the third find – called a burnt mound. These are usually mounds of burnt stone and charcoal and are not commonly found on lower lying land.

Archaeologists said their excavation is seen as an important research priority.

Yorkshire Water project manager Adam Ellis said: ““This has been a fascinating project to be involved with.

“The archaeology work prior to us starting the new sewer in the area is something we do on projects considered areas of archaeological interest and it was great to see some of the findings from site.

“Our project is now underway and the sewer currently being laid will provide services for the new prison in Full Sutton.”