Towcester Dig Open Days

  • DATE WRITTEN:
  • READING TIME: 1 minute

Two Open Days at the Moat Lane archaeological excavations in Towcester proved very popular last week. Enthusiastic visitors were able to see the discoveries for themselves and archaeologists from Cotswold Archaeology were on hand to explain how the site is helping to increase our understanding of the town’s Roman origins.

Making use of the heights of Bury Mount to see the archaeological dig

Making use of the heights of Bury Mount to see the archaeological dig

Visitors were treated to a display of the most recent finds, which included an impressive Roman key on its first public appearance since being lost 1600-1800 years ago. The copper-alloy key was designed for a rotary lock and even still has its key-chain.

Roman rotary key and chain

Roman rotary key and chain

The archaeological dig is being undertaken in advance of redevelopment on behalf of Morgan Sindall Ltd and South Northamptonshire Council. It is hoped that the excavations will identify the location of the Roman defences and clarify the nature of Roman settlement in this part of the town.

As the dig progresses, we will post updates on our website here. You can also read about new discoveries as they happen on Facebook and Twitter.
Cotswold Archaeology on TwitterCotswold Archaeology on Facebook


Related articles

View all

SHARE’s Rare Roman villa: our 2026 findings

A rare Roman villa, with a bathhouse, outbuildings and a mosaic have been uncovered by university students and local volunteers in Devon’s...
07/08/2026
Men and women standing around a table at Gloucester's Store to Store Discovery Centre

Gloucester’s Store to Store community project is back!

Working with the Museum of Gloucester and with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, 2025’s ‘Store to Store’ re-archiving project has...
16/07/2026
Archaeologists in high-visibility vests examining soil and artifacts in a dug trench in a green field under a cloudy sky.

SHARE’s Rare Roman Villa: introducing our new community excavation

Roman villas are uncommon in Devon, with only a few sites confirmed by excavation. Two of these villas are protected as Scheduled...
11/05/2026