Exciting news from SDC’s ‘Norham St Edmund’ site at St Edmund Hall, Oxford.

During the pre-construction archaeology at one of Oxford’s oldest colleges, archaeologists from Pre-construct Archaeology (PCA) have discovered a Roman brooch, dating roughly to the 1^st and 2^nd centuries AD (40 - c.200 AD). Unearthed by Emma Cowdell, one of the company’s field archaeologists, the copper-alloy brooch was likely used as both a decorative and functional item to hold items of clothing together while worn. 

Jon Ward, PCA archaeologist, also remarked that, “The 'bow' shape of the brooch is typical of a Colchester derivative type, modelled on earlier Iron Age brooches found in East Anglia and popularised across England by the Romans.” Similar samples have also been found across the Cherwell Valley and Vale of the White Horse areas of Oxfordshire. Importance has also been placed on the surviving delicate pin and spring of the brooch, which is uncommon.

Designed by Wright and Wright Architects and housed in a mixture of new Passivhaus standard buildings and a remodelled Victorian villa, SDC’s ‘Norham St Edmund’ project will ultimately create 127 ensuite bedrooms, kitchens, communal areas, and gardens at the College’s site in Oxford.