Romano-British activity commencing from the early to mid 2nd century to the 4th century was found in October 2007, during trial trenching at a proposed cemetery site, Lower Long Leys Road, Lincoln. Within Trench 1, an east to west aligned possible ditch was found which contained three sherds of Romano-British pottery, Roman brick and roof tile and a small amount of animal bone. A possible post-hole or small pit was also found in this trench. In Trench 3, a south-east to north-west aligned ditch, containing five sherds of mid 2nd to early 3rd century pottery and a small amount of animal bone was found. This ditch was cut by another ditch or possible enclosure which contained twenty eight sherds of 3rd to 4th century pottery and several fragments of Roman tile. Trench 5 revealed a south-west to north-east aligned ditch which contained four sherds of 2nd to 3rd century pottery and eight sherds of late 3rd to 4th century. Another ditch contained charred wood and burnt daub suggesting that this was a hearth dump. Fragments of lava quern indicative of grain processing and a small quantity of 2nd to 3rd century Roman pottery, Roman roof tile and a fragment of brick was also found in this ditch. A hollow containing nine sherds of mid 3rd to 4th century pottery was also revealed in Trench 5. {1}{2} Evidence of significant Roman activity in this area was recorded during an excavation in 2010, conducted in advance of the creation of a new cemetery, on land off Long Leys Road, Lincoln. This activity is thought to indicate the presence of a country residence for a wealthy family, who owned and managed a large estate around this site. The earliest phase of activity identified dated to the mid to late 2nd century AD, and consisted of a number of large drains and field boundaries, likely dug in association with more intensive settlement activity to the west of the site. A small pottery assemblage was recovered from these features; although largely undiagnostic, several sherds of south and central Gaulish Samian Wares were identified, indicating the early settlement had access to quality products from the outset. An assemblage of animal bone was also recovered from these features, with the majority of identifiable fragments being of cattle, with a much smaller proportion of horse. Single examples of sheep, pig, and domestic fowl were also identified. Other finds from the ditches included a fragment of 1st to 2nd century bottle glass, an iron knife, two coins, and a small number of iron nails. Evidence for a sudden increase in activity during the early to mid 3rd century was noted by the construction of stone buildings at the west end of the site. These buildings were represented by a series of limestone walls c.0.6m wide, surviving to between one and three courses high. Box flue tiles and iron clamps were recovered, suggesting that at least one of the buildings had underfloor heating. The presence of an apsidal end on the most northerly structure was thought to indicate the location of a possible household shrine, with part of a small bronze bull statue being recovered on the site. Cereal production was a key element of the agricultural activity, with significant amounts of burnt cereal grain being recovered. A stone-built corn drier, possibly used for the production of beer, and an oval oven, possibly used for more domestic purposes, were also recorded, with quantities of dried grass remains indicating a possible fuel. A large assemblage of pottery was recovered from the 3rd century AD features, including pieces of imported Samian and Nene Valley Wares. Other finds included a length of iron chain and a drop-handle with twisted shank, a number of iron nails, a fragment of possible lead flashing, a cable-type bracelet of typical late 3rd century date, several fragments of vessel glass and a fragment of window glass, and a large quantity of daub and fired clay. A large animal bone assemblage was also recovered, again with a bias towards cattle, with some sheep or goat bones present. The settlement and agricultural activity appears to continue throughout most of the 4th century AD, until the site's abandonment towards the end of the century. The stone buildings were demolished at some point in the second half of the century, with the presence of burnt limestone and charcoal perhaps indicating they were burnt to the ground. A large quantity of roof tile and hypocaust tile was also recorded, testifying to the demolition of these structures. A large assemblage of pottery associated with this period was recovered, indicating the continued functioning of the estate throughout most of this century, however, and the animal bone remains continue to indicate a preference for cattle. A significant quantity of pig bones were also found, however, perhaps indicating a diversification of interests. Sheep/goat, horse, dog, red deer and domestic fowl bones were also present. Other finds included various fragments of glass vessels, a number of iron nails and a piece of copper alloy sheeting from a casket. A finger ring, bracelet and disc brooch were also recovered. Activity continued on the site after the destruction of the buildings, with the excavation of several small drains at the southern corner of the site. These gullies were of a different character and scale to the preceeding activity however, and it is likely that the occupation of the site was of a significantly reduced nature. The site appears to have been abandoned at the end of the 4th century, and the remains covered by a significant quantity of sediment, washed down the hill. {3}{4} Further excavation was conducted in 2012, to the immediate west of the area previously excavated for the construction of the new burial ground off Long Leys Road, Lincoln. Three blocks of land were excavated, revealing evidence of Roman structures, pits and boundary ditches, suggestive of a Roman farmstead, occupied from the 2nd century. The earliest phase of activity identified on the site comprised the remains of a Roman building, likely constructed in the 2nd century, which would slightly pre-date the structures identified in the previous excavation. The remains consisted of a curving wall of limestone blocks, possibly indicating some form of bath house or religious structure. Fragments of painted plaster were found on the interior, and a small assemblage of late 2nd century pottery was recovered, including a sherd from an East Gaulish Samian ware bowl. An alignment of three sub-circular postholes with a contemporary pottery assemblage was revealed to the north-east of this wall, likely representing a fence line. Evidence for a late 3rd century redevelopment of this part of the settlement was revealed by the remains of a second possible building. This was comprised of a wall of roughly hewn limestone blocks, with a right-angled corner exposed, and an associated pottery assemblage of late 3rd century date. Very occasional flecks of possible mortar were revealed between the limestone blocks, but it was not clear whether this represented a bonding material. A rectilinear grid of boundary and drainage ditches, containing late 3rd to early 4th century pottery, was revealed in very close proximity to the buildings. This close proximity was thought to indicate the ditches were not contemporary with the buildings, however, and rather reflected changes to the organisation of the settlement, with habitation moving away from this area. The final phase of activity recorded on the site saw the replacement of these smaller ditches with a single, much larger boundary ditch, containing 4th century pottery. The remains of a building with stone foundations was recorded by the presence of a number of walls, with associated demolition deposits dating to the late 4th century. This demolition seems to reflect the general abandonment of this site, with little further activity being recorded, other than the creation of a small number of pits of uncertain function. {5}{6}