MORE of Monmouth’s history has been uncovered by archeologists working at the Wonastow Road building site in the past week.

The latest excavations at the David Wilson Homes site has revealed what appears to be a Roman ironworks, and continuing work may see even more uncovered.

Steve Clarke from Monmouth Archaeological Society said fine pottery has been discovered in addition to signs of a forge.

“It is a Roman ironworks, we don’t know the exact date but possibly second century, and we have got some of the finest pottery they made, which is decorated Samian ware.

“It is an ironworks because of all the iron working waste, the slag and dross we have been able to find.”

This site was discovered in good condition which is promising given many sites from this time period can be disturbed.

Mr Clarke said: “Most of them have been ploughed out over the years, but this one hasn’t. It is in very good condition, there is no damage done to it.

“There is nice level paving which drops down into something. We just don’t know until we start taking it apart, there is quite a difference in the sandstone blocks, in size and colour.”

Finding fine pottery at an ironworks is also of particular interest as its high quality may mean there is more to be found in the area.

“This would be like the builders using bone china, it means that somewhere here there is an important site.

“It could be a villa with an estate which will include smiths, and vineyards and stables and things like that but we haven’t found that yet.”

The idea of the area featuring a number of Roman uses is also being investigated by archeologists from APAC Ltd who are also working on the building site.

Dr Iestyn Jones said a second century Roman coin has been found in a series of gullies being investigated which might add evidence to the claim,

“We are just wondering if there is an entire roman landscape which has been used here maybe as farming or industry.”