Pair investigated on suspicion of attempting to loot buried treasure from Northamptonshire Roman town
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TWO people are being investigated by police on suspicion of attempting to loot buried treasure from the site of a historic Roman walled town in Northamptonshire.
Police confirmed the two suspects remained on bail on suspicion of illegally using a metal detector, the theft of treasure, damage to the land and other offences at a site of “tremendous historical and archeological importance”. They are believed to have attempted to take Roman coins and other historical artefacts.
Police said ‘several’ alleged crimes were being investigated at Chester House Farm, in Irchester, which is regarded by historians as one of the most important sites of its type in the county. Police are now liaising with experts from English Heritage and a national police expert about pursuing a case, which if prosecuted, could be one of the biggest of its kind in the country.
A meeting has now been scheduled with a national expert following a visit from the British Museum earlier this month.
Meanwhile, two exploratory digs have now been carried out on the land, which is owned by Northamptonshire County Council.
A County Hall spokesman said: “Chester House Farm is a site of tremendous historical and archaeological importance. We have a responsibility to manage the site and ensure any buried remains are preserved. We have recently undertaken two very small-scale exploratory excavations on the area known to have been a Roman walled town.
“As a scheduled ancient monument, approval needed to be given by the secretary of state before any excavation work could take place on site.
“The work was done specifically to answer certain key questions about the buried archaeology and its state of preservation below the soil. This information will help us understand how best to look after it. A full report is now being compiled on the results of the dig, the findings of which will soon be made available to the public.
“We hope there will be further small scale excavations over the coming years and opportunities for public engagement.”
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Comments
There are 4 comments to this article
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donathome
Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 06:52 AMShame a similar effort wasn't applied by the police for the travellers who stole from a Farmer and brandished a shotgun out of the car window to-wards the pursuing farmer.
Not So Arty
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 05:25 PMromans gave us plumbing, heating, baths and brothels mainly!! oh yes not forgetting some streight roads!
FranklyFrank
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 02:27 PMWhat have the Romans ever done for us?!
bighead
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 09:46 AMGet the time team in they will pay the costs
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