A417 Missing Link project unveils Gloucestershire’s hidden treasures

National Highways, in partnership with Oxford Cotswold Archaeology (OCA), are set to unveil exciting discoveries found over the past year, showcasing the changing landscape and the lives of local inhabitants over more than 12,000 years.

The finds, including a Roman Cupid figurine, pottery, coins and jewellery, dating from the Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman periods, and from the Second World War.

A selection of the finds, along with 3D models and photographs, will go on display at a free event on the 11th May, where members of the public will be able to come and see the fascinating finds for themselves.

Since March 2023, OCA has worked closely with Historic England, Gloucestershire County Council archaeologists and contractors Kier as part of National Highways’ A417 Missing Link upgrade, a scheme which will improve a three-mile stretch of single-lane carriageway on the A417 between the Brockworth bypass and Cowley roundabout in Gloucestershire.

Ahead of construction getting underway, the archaeological team worked hard to chart the history around the old route, and the communities who have lived and worked alongside it.

Excavating an area of 355,000m2, the team of more than 60 archaeologists and 50 office-based specialists have spent more than 100,000 working hours carefully excavating and curating over 10,600 artifacts, weighing in at 100kg, that will be carefully preserved for future generations.

Before work began in earnest, trial trenching uncovered a Roman Cupid figurine and brooch, along with a Roman or early Saxon skeleton.

Oxford Cotswold Archaeology (OCA) will continue to work with landowners and local museums to showcase any artefacts found so local people can learn more about the history of the area.

There will also be a report published into the findings which will detail what has been found, preserving the information for generations to come.

Steve Foxley, Project Director for the A417 scheme, said: “We are excited about the findings this landscape-led scheme uncovered, as they provide a unique window into the ancient history of Gloucestershire.

“Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds have a rich cultural heritage, and the team will bring their expertise to bear in adding to that history.

"These discoveries will contribute significantly to our understanding of how people in the past adapted to changing environmental conditions, and we will ensure the remains are preserved and recorded.

“As well as delivering the road upgrade, we’re absolutely committed to conserving and, where possible, enhancing the historic environment and the special landscape around the A417.” 

Jim Keyte, National Highways’ Archaeology Project Manager for the A417, added: “The project is a great example of how well-planned archaeological works can be undertaken successfully without resulting in delays to construction.

“For over a year, our detailed archaeological excavations have revealed substantial new knowledge about how our ancestors lived and used this landscape. We are now beginning the detailed analysis and interpretation of the finds and we’re looking forward to publishing the results of this work in future.”

OCA Project Manager, Alex Thomson, said: “It has been a privilege for the Oxford Cotswold Archaeology team to support National Highways and Kier on the A417 Missing Link project.

“We knew that the area was rich with archaeological potential, but the results of our fieldwork have exceeded all expectations - we have been treated to some excellent archaeology that tells a fascinating story about this corner of the Cotswolds across thousands of years.

“We have recovered some fantastic artefacts to go with those we found during the evaluation stage, and these have included prehistoric flint tools, pottery from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman periods, countless coins and items of jewellery, plus a series of emotive everyday items from thousands of years ago that give a unique window into life across the ages.

“We’re very excited to be able to share the results of this exceptional programme of archaeological mitigation, and to tell the human stories this landscape holds.”

The scheme and its archaeology work has also captivated audiences as part of the new series of Digging for Britain on BBC Two.

Last summer’s excavation of an Iron Age site known as a ‘banjo enclosure’ near the A417, uncovered a site likely to have been the focus of special activity such as feasting.

The series, which is now available on iPlayer, is hosted by Professor Alice Roberts. She visited the A417 Missing Link scheme to meet the team and go behind the scenes to find out more.

Gavin Jones, Kier Project Director, said: “The past 12 months of archaeology works on the A417 Missing Link project has been very fruitful in a number of ways. Firstly, in terms of the number and quality of finds discovered on site by the dedicated teams, and the fascinating picture that has formed as a result.

“Additionally, through a proactive, open and collaborative approach, very positive relationships have been created between National Highways, OCA, Kier, and the many stakeholders involved. The successful completion of this phase of the project has been integral to ensuring that the next phase, main construction, could proceed as planned.

“We look forward to sharing more information on the archaeology very soon, and also continue to keep people and communities informed of the progress of construction works.”

Those wishing to see the finds can come and talk to the team working on the A417 Missing Link Project:

• When: 10am to 3pm, Saturday 11 May 2024
• Where: Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate St, Gloucester, GL1 1NS

Find out more about the A417 Missing Link here. 

Notes to Editors

National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.

Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.

For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:

Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiries
Option 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)