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From the Telegraph:
Pottery and other evidence suggesting the presence of an ironworks have been found at the undisclosed location near St Austell, Cornwall.
Experts say the discovery challenges the belief that Romans did not settle in the county and stopped in neighbouring Devon.
The site had previously been regarded as an Iron Age settlement but the recent discovery of pottery and glass was found to be of Roman origin.
John Smith, from Cornwall Historic Environment Service, said: ”This is a major discovery, no question about it.
”For Roman Britain it’s an important and quite crucial discovery because it tells us a lot about Roman occupation in Britain that was hitherto completely unexpected.
”In finding the pottery and glass, it’s saying the occupation goes to about 250AD, which turns the whole thing on its head.”
Archaeological Jonathan Clemes discovered various artefacts by studying the earth after it had been ploughed.
He said: ”You’ve got to know your pottery. If you come across a bit of pottery and you know what it is, it can tell you a great deal about the activity that went on in that area.”Following the discovery of the artefacts a geophysical survey uncovered a fort and a marching camp.
Prior to the discovery it was believed that Roman forts had only been positioned close to the Devon border before the Roman’s left the region for south Wales.
It will now be considered whether to excavate the area or to leave it for a future excavation when techniques have advanced.
The map shows the ‘current view’ of Roman settlement (generally) in Britain; if the St Austell thing proves true, perhaps there will be more evidence further west as well …
via Romans ‘may have settled as far south-west as Cornwall’ | Telegraph.
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