Some good news for archaeological funding. The fourth century mosaic in Kemble, Gloucestershire, I reported at the end of January, has been given national archaeological status. The Wilts and Gloucester Standard carries the story:
The mosaic was discovered by metal detector enthusiasts Paul Ballinger, 41 and John Carter, 53, in a field in Kemble back in January.
It is believed to date back to the 4th Century and could be up to 40-foot in diameter.
A square foot of the mosaic was uncovered by Paul and John, revealing the intricate floor tiles which showed the leg of an animal.
Now English Heritage want to designate the site as an official Scheduled Monument and are working towards submitting a bid to the Secretary of State which would determine it.
English Heritage this week gave a £3,300 grant to Cotswold Archaeology through the Historic Environment Enabling Programme towards the costs of assessing the Kemble mosaic site to establish what is known about the area.
Melanie Barge, English Heritage’s inspector of ancient monuments, said: "We are seeking to have the site designated as a Scheduled Monument but first need to know the extent of the Roman building to define the scheduled area.
"To do this, we have discussed with Gloucestershire County Council the need for a geophysical survey of the field and we hope this will happen this summer."
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