Saxon Norwich uncovered

Archaeologists working at Norwich's newest development have discovered some unexpected secrets about the city's past. The team have discovered signs of a Saxon settlement - the first in Norwich.

A former Nestlé chocolate factory inside the old city walls is being demolished to make way for shops, flats, cafés and bars. The archaeologists are working alongside demolition crews to reveal fascinating insights about Norwich's past.

David Whitemore, of Norfolk Archaeological Unit, said the team's finds were very exciting. "Up until now no-one has known where the early Saxon settlement of Norwich was located. We have found evidence now of three cellars from early Saxon buildings all of which we have dated from pottery which will potentially throw new light on the geography and topography of Norwich". . .

For the archaeologists it is a race against time - soon the land will be under tonnes of concrete, and the undiscovered secrets it holds about Norwich's history will disappear.

Posted by David on March 14, 2003 1:44 PM