Thursday 23 January 2025 at 7.30pm

Fieldworkers and Fieldschools: Discovering a Roman Settlement at Laughton

Adam Clapton, University of Leicester Archaeological Services

Excavation Romano British Farmstead near Laughton, Leicestershire © ULAS

In September 2023, ULAS began a new student training excavation of a late Romano-British farmstead near to the village of Laughton in southern Leicestershire. This was primarily for undergraduate students at the School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester, but also for members of local historical groups (Oadby & Wigston Fieldwork Group (OWFG) and Hallaton Fieldwalking Group). The excavation was targeted on geophysical anomalies (many interconnecting ditches and other features) to better understand the nature of the surviving archaeological evidence.

The excavation confirmed good survival of the Roman remains, with at least two phases of ditches found, parts of former livestock enclosures within a larger farmstead. Within these were cobbled surfaces, three corn driers, and refuse pits. Many of these archaeological features contained pottery sherds, animal bones, coins, and several other small objects. 

In this talk, Adam will review these excavations, considering both the experience of undertaking them as part of a fieldschool and the discoveries made at this important site.

No booking necessary. Entry is free of charge. 

Doors open from 7.00pm, with tea and coffee available. The lecture will take place at 7.30pm, at the Ken Edwards Lecture Theatre 3, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester (LE1 7RH)