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Husband finds Roman remains under shed after 25-year delay

A man asked by his wife for 25 years to move his garden shed has found a range of Roman remains under it.

Brian Harrison, of Chester-le-Street, County Durham, called in archaeologists, who have confirmed the remains are Roman.

Among the items uncovered so far are pottery, flint and a round ball which may have been used as a sling shot.

"My wife has been trying for the last 25 years to get me to move the garden shed but I have resisted it - until now," Mr Harrison told The Northern Echo.

Archaeologist Brenda Ludvigsen said: "We have unearthed a good-quality cobbled area that ran next to a Roman house. It at least doubles the size of the known Roman settlement of Chester-le-Street."

The northern town was an important stopping point for soldiers marching from York to Hadrian's Wall.


Story filed: 15:59 Monday 23rd July 2001