ARCHAEOLOGICAL experts have found an amazing array of artefacts, including a possible burial site, in the latest dig just outside Alcester.

The Chronicle reported earlier this month how the Environment Agency had called in a specialised team of inspectors from the Warwickshire Museum after a find at the site where flood defences were due to be installed.

The team has released its findings which include a likely Roman cemetery with the remains of one adult female and an adolescent, which appear to have been buried in coffins.

Site inspector Peter Thompson, of Warwickshire Museum, said: "A large part of the site was probably used for various industrial activities.

"Large quantities of metalworking slag show one activity may have been iron working."

The team also uncovered a probable Roman stone-lined kiln which could have been used as an oven rather than for pottery firing or smelting.

A well was also found in the southern corner of site. It was stone-lined and at least 2m deep.

Mr Thompson said: "It may have provided a good water supply for industrial processes rather than for domestic use.

"The fills of the well included Roman pottery, a leather sandal and a wooden comb."

A second deep pit, possibly also originally a well, contained two complete samian vessels and parts of at least two other leather sandals or shoes.

Other major finds include gravel surfaces of a Roman road with an associated drainage ditch.

Further compact gravel surfaces next to the road may have been a yard.

Several postholes cutting the road may have been part of a later timber structure.