Roman Interment, Leintwardine

Local people were invited to witness the reinterment of three Roman cremation urns revealed during construction of a new surgery for the Mortimer Medical Practice, Leintwardine.

These included the remains of a 25-40 year old adult and may have formed part of a larger roadside cemetery on the outskirts of the small Roman town known as Bravonium.

The urns provided insight into local burial practices at that time and a posy was placed on the grave symbolising Remembrance (Rosemary), Protection (Bay) and Commemoration (Rose) consistent with Roman beliefs.

The remains were placed in a linen bag, with a sprig of Rosemary from the posy.

The ceremony was carried out with due reverence in the parish church of St Mary Magdalene by Reverend Mike Catling followed by a Latin commendation by Neil Shurety, Founder of Border Archaeology:

“Hodie, hic convenimus ad celebrandum translationem vestrum et animas obscuras vos salutamus et volumus benedictionem Dei nostri.”

(“Today we are gathered here to commemorate your reburial and, unknown souls, we salute you and wish you our God’s blessing”)

“Thank you for a special and moving service. It is incredibly important for us villagers to be able to commemorate the earliest residents of Leintwardine.”

“ ….very meaningful to link our lives across the years in this manner – thank you so much”