In the heart of Shropshire’s picturesque countryside, an extraordinary chapter of history has been unearthed. Recent excavations at the Attingham Estate have revealed fascinating glimpses into life on the outskirts of Wroxeter Roman City, one of Roman Britain’s great urban hubs. The findings include artefacts and structures that shine a light on Roman industry, trade, spiritual practices, and even remnants of life during the Iron Age.
At the centre of it all is “Attingham Unearthed,” a groundbreaking archaeological project designed to integrate public participation with expert-led research, offering an inclusive and sustainable model for uncovering history.
A Sacred, Productive, and Lived-In Landscape
The two-week excavation in September yielded an array of remarkable artefacts and structural remains, underlining the significance of Attingham’s archaeological landscape. Among the key discoveries were fragments of a 2,000-year-old hand-decorated incense bowl, uncovered within a Roman shrine enclosure. This rare piece connects us to spiritual rituals of the time, encapsulating how belief systems were intimately intertwined with daily life.
Other standout finds included a Roman coin dating to 150 BC, a helmet handle linked to the Roman military, and a metal acorn thought to decorate a small furniture piece. These artefacts hint at the intersection of spiritual life, domestic comfort, and Roman military presence. The discovery of a ceramic base resembling a candlestick suggests the blend of work and home life on the site, with light and warmth playing integral roles in everyday routines.
The excavation site itself was a treasure trove of different historical layers. Archaeologists uncovered remains of an Iron Age roundhouse, indicative of pre-Roman settlement, alongside a Roman industrial complex that likely supported Wroxeter’s bustling urban centre. The Roman shrine, industrial area, and earlier Iron Age structures paint a vivid picture of a community deeply rooted in ritual, production, and the social dynamics of ancient Britain.
Public Archaeology at Its Best
What sets Attingham Unearthed apart from similar projects is its commitment to making archaeology accessible to the public. Volunteers, local enthusiasts, and community groups worked side-by-side with seasoned archaeologists, including notable figures like Matt Williams of Time Team fame and Dr Roger White, an expert on Wroxeter Roman City. Participants undertook activities such as supervised excavation, metal detecting, washing finds, and even guided tours of the site.
“This pilot project marks an exciting new approach for the Trust,” said Mark Agnew, General Manager of the Attingham Estate. “For the first time, visitors could book a place to dig alongside archaeologists, ensuring our nature recovery ambitions work in harmony with our hidden heritage. The work aims not only to connect people with the past but also to deepen our understanding of the wider history of Attingham.”
The value of the public participation element was further explored by Professor Carenza Lewis, also of Time Team, who evaluated the experiences of volunteers. This collaboration between experts and locals enhanced not just the dig’s findings but also its inclusivity and sense of shared discovery.
Tied to Belief and Trade
Artefacts speak to the deeper connections between the Attingham Estate and the wider Roman world. The helmet handle, for example, likely belonged to a Roman soldier stationed at Wroxeter during its early phases of expansion. This tangible link to the military bolsters our understanding of Wroxeter’s reach and influence.
The Roman coin dating to 150 BC, discovered far from its origin, hints at trade networks and personal possessions carried across Europe. Such artefacts illuminate long-distance connections that shaped communities on the empire’s frontiers.
Meanwhile, the hand-decorated incense bowl symbolises the spiritual life of the inhabitants, making the shrine enclosure a place of ritual and remembrance. Found alongside the acorn-shaped decorative object, it evokes an ancient world where even the smallest items carried significance. “This deeply personal artefact points to how craftsmanship and symbolism shaped spiritual practices near Wroxeter,” remarked Suzy Watts, National Trust Archaeological Project Manager.
A Model for Inclusive Archaeology
Attingham Unearthed reflects a shift in how excavations can serve both academic research and community needs. By fostering public engagement, the project democratises access to heritage while driving forward sustainable practices. “What makes this project so innovative is its hands-on, sustainable approach,” added Agnew. “It transforms traditional excavation into a shared experience that supports research, conservation, and public participation.”
Dr Roger White acknowledged the significant academic contributions of the dig. “This fortnight has made a meaningful impact on our understanding of Wroxeter and its surroundings. The scale may have been small, but the implications are enormous.”
For Watt, the inclusive nature of the excavation extends beyond research. “Archaeology supports wellbeing, from the simple act of being outdoors to the sense of purpose that comes with discovery. This has been more than an excavation; it has been a community collaboration.”
Looking Ahead
With plans to expand Attingham Unearthed to other National Trust sites, its success offers a model for future archaeological projects. Artefacts will be displayed to the public from 2026, creating ongoing opportunities to engage with the findings and their stories.
The Attingham Estate, already a rich tapestry of history spanning from prehistory to post-medieval times, has once again shown that the past is never far beneath the soil. And thanks to projects like this, the door to discovery is wide open to everyone.
For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham.