High-status Iron Age burials reveal early links to Roman Empire

The now-completed excavations near Chelmsford, Essex, revealed the cremated remains of over 100 individuals in a square-shaped, ditched enclosure mostly dating to the first century AD, bridging the transition to Roman rule in Britain following the Emperor Claudius’ invasion in AD43. 

Amongst dozens of more simple cremation burials contained in urns, five richly furnished, high-status cremation burials were found. The human remains in these graves were distinct, deposited as piles of burnt bone within large, square pits, surrounded by collections of objects, both functional and rare, that indicated the owner’s importance in Iron Age East Anglia. 

These objects include copper alloy vessels, ceramic wine jars known as amphorae, a glass bowl, hobnails, and brooches. All of these finds are now being carefully cleaned, conserved and analysed by specialist teams at Archaeology South-East. Ten objects will soon go on display at the Museum of Chelmsford from Saturday 18th July.

Angus Forshaw, who led the excavations for Archaeology South-East, said: “These exceptional grave goods are likely a reflection of diplomatic contact and economic exchange between Iron Age people in Britain and the Roman Empire, which was happening prior to the Roman conquest of AD43. The pillar-moulded glass bowl alone – one of the earliest glass vessels to arrive in Britain – would have been a highly-prized personal possession, and the amphorae could have arrived in Britain filled with wine, intended for consumption by society’s elites”. 

Samara King, project manager at Archaeology South-East, said: “The period around the Roman conquest was a time of immense political and cultural change. These burials may have been a way in which different Iron Age communities signalled their identities, their power, and perceived allegiance to Rome.”

In addition to the cemetery, the excavations revealed a wider Iron Age landscape, including at least three previously unknown settlements spread over the 11 hectares investigated. These are made up of multiple roundhouses enclosed by ditches, with associated field systems, waterholes and smaller agricultural enclosures.

Now that excavations are complete, archaeologists are continuing their analysis of the site and the finds from the cremation burials. Initial research suggests the burials are similar to other finds in the area, reminiscent of cremations uncovered at Stansted and Stanway, as well as at sites in Hertfordshire, where they are known as Welwyn-type burials. In particular, the researchers are hoping to learn more about the people buried in this cemetery and identify who the high-status individuals might have been.

Further analysis of the materials recovered from the site will focus on dating the cemetery to see how the cremation burials correlate with the nearby settlements, and for how long the cemetery was used. The researchers are hoping this may help to work out who was buried there, and why they were given such lavish burials.

Artefacts on display

Ten objects uncovered during the excavations – including glassware, amphorae, and other ceramic items – will go on display in a new exhibition opening at the Museum of Chelmsford on Saturday 18 July. Timeless Treasures: Unlocking the Great Baddow Coin Hoard will explore Iron Age Chelmsford – including this newly discovered cemetery – and the mystery of 935 Iron Age gold coins discovered in Great Baddow in 2020.

Claire Willetts, Curator and Exhibitions Officer at the Museum of Chelmsford, said: “Coupled with the discovery of the Great Baddow Hoard, this newly uncovered Iron Age cemetery and the finds within it demonstrate that Chelmsford was not a quiet backwater during the Iron Age – it was part of a busy and connected landscape. Could the Great Baddow Hoard have links to this cemetery? We’ll explore this and other theories in our new exhibit.” 

In addition, later this year, a talk at the Museum of Chelmsford with Angus Forshaw of Archaeology South-East will further explore the significance of these rich graves and what they tell us about elite society in Late Iron Age and Roman Essex.

The Pilgrim Trust helped fund the preparation of the objects selected for display. Expert advice has also been provided by Heritage Network and Essex County Council’s Place Services.