A HOST of human remains, jewellery and pottery has been unearthed during an archaeological dig at Credenhill.

The artefacts, some dating back almost 2,000 years, have been collected from the former Roman town of Kenchester over the past three months.

Archaeologists stationed at the Credenhill dig, behind the village’s community centre, say the discoveries represent only a tiny percentage of what is beneath the ground.

They have recently been displayed to villagers and other interested parties during an open day.

“We want to give members of the local community an opportunity to have a look at some of the finds we have made,” said Robin Jackson of the Worcestershire Historic Environment and Archaeology Service.

“We have only covered around 400 metres but the real surprise is how many interesting pieces there are of reasonable good quality.

“We know the area was likely to have been a roadside suburb dating back to the 2nd or 3rd century AD but this gives us a chance to understand who lived here and what went on.”

One of the most eye-catching discoveries was that of a female body in a coffin.

She was described as being of “considerable stature”

suggesting a lifetime of hard work.

However, members of the archaeology service believe she may have been wealthy as she was buried in an elaborate coffin with copper reinforcements instead of a simple shroud.

Found beside her was a pot and what is likely to have been a large joint of meat to act as goods for her to take into the afterlife.

Other notable finds included workshops, wells, rubbish piles and paths.

Among the everyday items unearthed were copper finger rings and coins dating back to the time of Roman Emperor Constantine, around AD 335.

The ancient road this suburb was built around stretched out to Clyro and Clifford. It was constructed by the Roman army in the mid-1st century as they pushed westward into Wales.

Shells from fresh water oysters - in Roman times a food for the working classes - and drinking tankards have also been brought up.

Excavation work began in April ahead of a flood alleviation scheme being built between Credenhill and the River Wye near Breinton.

The relics will again be on display at Credenhill Community Centre today (Thursday) between 2pm and 8pm when visitors will have the chance to handle and wash some of the finds.