August 22, 2016 10.49 am This story is over 91 months old

Medieval remains discovered as work on Lincoln Eastern Bypass forges ahead

Medieval artefacts have been unearthed as work on the Lincoln Eastern Bypass progresses on schedule. Diggers arrived on the site in May for initial works, three months after the project was given the final green light from the Department for Transport. Initial archaeology work carried out ahead of the construction work for the Lincoln Eastern…
Archaeological discoveries on the site of the Lincoln Eastern Bypass. Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

Medieval artefacts have been unearthed as work on the Lincoln Eastern Bypass progresses on schedule.

Diggers arrived on the site in May for initial works, three months after the project was given the final green light from the Department for Transport.

Initial archaeology work carried out ahead of the construction work for the Lincoln Eastern Bypass revealed the remains of a medieval barn and boundary wall.

The structures are thought to have possibly formed part of Sheepwash Grange, a 12th century farm and manor house owned by one of the monasteries which were established in the Witham Valley during the medieval period.

Main archaeological work will take place once the team cuts through a disused railway embankment.

Lincoln's Eastern Bypass

Lincoln’s Eastern Bypass

Councillor Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways and Transportation at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “When building a new road it is not just about going in with a digger and ripping up the ground. Before this can happen we need to make sure that there are no significant archaeological discoveries below the ground.

“In Lincolnshire there is so much undiscovered history underfoot and we want to make sure that wherever possible we record and preserve this.”

Lincolnshire County Council has also shortlisted four firms for the main road-building contract, with a final decision expected in December.

The bypass is expected to be completed by 2018.