Plum finds still turning up at Roman outpost

EXCAVATIONS at an outpost Roman fort in Northumberland have proved surprisingly fruitful.

- TONY HENDERSON

The fifth consecutive season of digging at Bremenium fort in High Rochester in Northumberland National Park has uncovered more artefacts and structural discoveries than ever before.

Waterlogged conditions in the lower parts of a trench resulted in the survival of organic material including a preserved piece of fruit, possibly a plum.

Backed by National Lottery Heritage funding to the Redesdale Archaeological Group (RAG) the project brings together volunteers, Newcastle University students, archaeologists and the local community.

The excavations revealed:

Roman pottery from across the Empire, including Samian Ware from Gaul and amphora, one of which, made in Northern Spain, may have been used to transport olive oil or wine to the fort.

Military items such as a spearhead and a slinger’s lead shot .

Personal items such as a votive oil lamp usually used decoratively to light altars, and a lead seal for official documents.