THREE Roman cremation urns – one of which is believed to contain the remains of an adult aged between 25 and 40 – are to be re-buried in Leintwardine next week.

The urns were uncovered on the site of the Mortimer Medical Practice Surgery in Leintwardine by Leominster-based Border Archaeology in 2013.

They were found within two pits, all dated back to the first or early-second century AD and were made locally.

Two of the urns contained only a small amount of bone so it was not possible to determine whether the remains they held were human but one of the broken urns contained the remains of a 25 to 40-year-old adult of indeterminate gender.

The location of the town’s cemetery during the period of Roman occupation has previously eluded archaeologists and while the cremations may be interpreted as isolated burials – perhaps associated with a nearby farmstead – another possibility is that they represent part of a larger formal cemetery situated on a roadside outside the main area of settlement, a common location for Roman burial grounds.

The archaeological potential of the site – which is located on the northern outskirts of Leintwardine – was recognised in 2009 when initial investigations revealed evidence of Roman occupation.

The 2013 excavations confirmed the presence of at least three phases of occupation – from the first to the mid-second century AD, when the site was abandoned.

In the broken urn containing the remains of an adult, enough bone survived to secure a radiocarbon date, placing the burial at the very end of the Iron Age or in the early Roman period, consistent with the pottery dating.

It's possible, archaeologists say, that the other two urns were buried as ‘cenotaphs’, or memorials commemorating individuals whose remains could not be returned for burial.

The cremation pits also contained a large amount of charcoal, small quantities of bone, hobnails and plant remains which can either be interpreted as pyre debris or accompanying offerings of plants, animals and clothing.

Fragments of glass ointment bottles, dated to the 1st/2nd century AD, were also recovered.

The archaeology firm says these cremation urns and their associated remains represent an 'important discovery', possibly indicating an early adoption of new burial practices due to an influx of Roman migrants into the area.

Following detailed analysis of the cremated remains, they are now set to be re-buried with due reverence and ceremony in the parish church of St Mary Magdalene, Leintwardine on Monday (June 13) at 12noon. Members of the local community are welcome to attend.