Two Roman urns found in Cornwall could shed some new light on the nature of the Roman occupation in the county. © Cornwall County Council Historic Environment Service

Two Roman urns found on the grounds of a planned retirement village at Roseland Parc near Tregony in Cornwall could shed some new light on the nature of the Roman occupation in the county.

The two urns, dating to the first century AD were discovered buried in the corner of a Roman era farmstead enclosure overlooking the Fal River. One of them holds evidence of cremation ashes and the other is a handled drinking vessel.

“Perhaps this find would have been less spectacular if it had been unearthed in Surrey where they have lots of this kind of thing, but down here in Cornwall it’s a significant find,” explained Andy Jones, Senior Archaeologist at Cornwall County Council’s Historic Environment Service.

“Burials dating to this period are rare and cremations are almost unknown,” he added. “Once you get west of Exeter the number of Roman developments diminishes drastically.”

© Cornwall County Council Historic Environment Service

Signs of cremations together with the possible remains of a shrine or burial area, which is standard Roman, were also uncovered together with two pits with the remains of grain in them, possibly denoting votive offerings.

Both Urns have been analysed by a specialist in Roman era pottery and after undergoing further checks it is hoped they will be placed in the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro for the public to view.

“Although we are in the early stages of analysing the urns, it will certainly raise the potential for looking more closely at the nature of the Roman influence in Cornwall,” added Andy.

The Roman villa at Magor Farm, Illogan, near Redruth is the only significant Roman site in Cornwall save for the scant remains of a couple of lonely forts. Most settlements unearthed in the county are round – dating them firmly in the Iron Age period, but the enclosure at Roseland Parc is rectangular, which is further evidence of a Roman settlement or farmstead.

The Legio II Augusta living history group show the sort of sight that may have once greeted the good folk of the south west. © Phil Sayer.

The archaeologists have worked closely with landowners Iain and Heather Fairbairn, who provided funding and access enabling the team to carry out appropriate work to excavate, analyse and preserve the remains.

“It was an exciting moment when we realised that Roseland Parc would shed new light on Cornwall’s heritage,” said Iain Fairbairn. “We’re delighted the urns will be on public display for all to see.”