Archaeologists have made an intriguing find near Lincoln, uncovering a stone axe head dating back 5,000 years and remnants of Roman structures along the designated path of the North Hykeham Relief Road. The excavation, which got underway in October 2025, has shed light on a Roman abode near Bracebridge Heath, previously unknown to historians. Chris Clay, an archaeologist from Allen Archaeologist Ltd supervising the dig, expressed that the unearthing of artefacts from 3,000 BC was a surprising bonus in addition to the anticipated Roman relics.
Among the unearthed items are fragments of Roman walls, column pieces, and a variety of personal artefacts like brooches, bracelets, and hair accessories. These imply the possible presence of Roman domestic buildings located outside of Lincoln, comparable to affluent contemporary suburbs. The setting’s closeness to Lincoln, which was a crucial settlement in Roman Britain, and its picturesque outlook over the Witham Valley, suggest that these may have been rural homes of affluential Romans.
The expertly crafted Neolithic stone axe head, which has managed to keep its cutting edge intact, is particularly remarkable. It indicates a prestigious object that would have likely been traded as a sought-after item, rather than utilised for practical applications. Ian George of the Lincolnshire County Council underscored the significance of these unearthed artefacts, pointing out they bolster the understanding of the vicinity around Roman Lincoln and impart scarce insights into Neolithic Lincolnshire.
The commencement of the North Hykeham Relief Road, costing £208m, is slated for early 2026. Once the archaeological documentation is finalised, the unearthed artefacts will find their new home in the Lincoln Museum.
This article is reworked from original reporting on www.bbc.com, as appeared in The Lincoln Post.
