'Utterly astounding' Roman statues found at Norman church during HS2 dig
A thousand-year-old Roman glass jug was also discovered
An "utterly astounding" set of rare Roman statues have been found by archaeologists working on the HS2 project in Buckinghamshire.
They were uncovered while the team were excavating at the site of the old St Mary’s Norman church in Stoke Mandeville.
Archaeologists found three stone busts, two of which comprised of a head and torso, and the other just the head.
The two complete statues appear to be a woman and a man, and the head of a child.
A glass Roman jug, which is thought to have been in the ground for more than 1,000 years, was also discovered.
Other finds include large roof tiles, painted wall plaster, and Roman cremation urns.
The work has been carried out by HS2’s Enabling Works Contractor, Fusion JV, and their archaeological contactor, L-P Archaeology.
Dr Rachel Wood, lead archaeologist for Fusion JV, said:
"For us to end the dig with these utterly astounding finds is beyond exciting.
"The statues are exceptionally well preserved, and you really get an impression of the people they depict – literally looking into the faces of the past is a unique experience.
"Of course, it leads us to wonder what else might be buried beneath England’s medieval village churches.
"This has truly been a once in a lifetime site and we are all looking forward to hearing what more the specialists can tell us about these incredible statues and the history of the site before the construction of the Norman church."
As the dig at Stoke Mandeville comes to an end, the team working there have been able to piece together a more detailed analysis of the historic use of the site.
They have said that it appears to be a natural mound, which has then been deliberately covered with soil to create a taller mound, and it is possible it may have formed a Bronze Age burial site.
It appears this was then replaced by a square building which may have originated in the Roman period.
Archaeologists now believe the square building that pre-dates the Norman church is a Roman mausoleum.
Mike Court, lead archaeologist at HS2 said:
"HS2’s unprecedented archaeology programme has given us new insights into Britain’s history, providing evidence of where and how our ancestors lived.
"These extraordinary Roman statues are just some of the incredible artefacts uncovered between London and the West Midlands.
"As HS2 builds for Britain’s future, we are uncovering and learning about the past, leaving a legacy of knowledge and discovery."
The artefacts will now be taken to a specialist laboratory where they will be cleaned and examined.
The final destination for the Roman finds is yet to be decided.