Major Roman discovery unearthed in Manchester by our archaeology and built heritage team

Our archaeology and built heritage team have uncovered remarkably well-preserved Roman remains at a site on Liverpool Road in Manchester city centre, marking one of the most significant archaeological finds in the city for more than two decades.

The excavations near Castlefield House, carried out by our archaeology and built heritage team as part of public realm works along Liverpool Road, revealed a Roman road and settlement remains, including industrial hearths, which together span the late 1st to 3rd centuries AD. The works were instructed by OBI Property, on behalf of Allied London.

The dig has revealed a Roman road - the main northern exit route from the former Roman fort – at a shallow depth, a rare find in a city centre. An array of domestic artefacts have been recovered during the excavation, including both locally-made and imported pottery, decorative glassware and animal bones. 

The discovery of the hearths hints at an episode of industrial activity in this part of the ‘vicus’ – otherwise known as a civilian settlement - a period when the settlement here was clearly thriving.

With the support of the Civic team, along with that of contractors TJM and Lee Contracting, the road, features and artefacts will now be recorded for posterity.

There are hopes that some of the most significant finds could form part of an exhibition, providing an opportunity to showcase this remarkable discovery.

Ollie Cook, director of our archaeological and built heritage team, said: “This is one of Manchester’s most significant Roman archaeological discoveries in the past two decades, offering a tangible glimpse into daily life in Mamucium.

“It is an incredible moment to be able to stand on the same road walked by civilians and soldiers decades before, and it’s remarkable that it has remained so well preserved at such a shallow depth.. The analysis of the dataset from the excavation will hugely improve our knowledge of Roman Manchester. Cultural heritage is key to sustainable placemaking, and it’s rare finds like these that tell a story for generations to come.”

This discovery follows other recent significant heritage projects by our archaeology and built heritage across the North West, including the recent excavation of Prestwich’s historic Fairfax Road fire station, hidden beneath a car park for decades.

The news was covered by ITV Granada Reports, BBC Breakfast, BBC North West Tonight, BBC Radio Manchester and About Manchester.

Eva Aftab, development director at Allied London, said: "We are proud to have played a part in this project and excited to see how these findings will contribute to ongoing research. Manchester’s history is woven into its streets, and discoveries like this by a team of experts really bring history to life. This will allow us to continue transforming Liverpool Road into a new creative district, following the completion of the Campfield Campus. A very well-executed result.”

Ian Miller, heritage management director at Greater Manchester Archaeological Advisory Service (GMAAS), said: “It is no exaggeration to say that analysis of the dataset from the excavation will hugely improve our knowledge of Roman Manchester.

“Not least as it charts the evolution of the Roman settlement over at least two centuries and, crucially, provides a spatial link between two previous key excavations from last century.”

Paul Wilson, content director of OBI, said: “The discoveries at Castlefield House, part of the wider Campfield redevelopment, have been nothing short of extraordinary. Alongside Civic’s archaeology and heritage team, we’ve uncovered a Roman road, industrial hearths and settlement features dating from the late 1st to 3rd centuries AD, just 200 to 400 millimetres below today’s street level. 

“It’s an incredible reminder of the layers of history beneath our cities. With the support of TJM Projects and Lee Contractors, these remains will now be carefully recorded for future generations.

“For OBI, as a 360-degree agency spanning build, creative and design services, this has been a fantastic project that speaks to our passion, determination and ability to forge new partnerships and opportunities. We’re proud to help bring this legacy back to life.”