THE Roman tombstone found in Cirencester that made national headlines will be laid to rest in the town’s Corinium Museum.

The 2nd century tombstone was uncovered on February 25 during an archaeological survey for an extension to St James’ Place on Tetbury Road.

Although discovered by Cotswold Archaeology , all finds are the property of the landowner and the wealth management company has confirmed they will be gifting the stone to Cirencester’s famous museum.

Some of Britain’s top historians and archaeologists have been analysing the stone and they believe it to be a unique find.

It has been described as "incredibly rare" and it is thought to find another stone this well preserved you would have to go to Pompeii.

The inscription reads: “To the spirits of the departed. It’s Bodicacia, my wife lived 27.”

The name Bodicacia, which is said with a soft second C, has never been found inscribed on another tablet.

The carving on top of the tombstone is thought to be the head of the pagan sea god Oceanus, who has been found on other sites around the town.

It seems that Oceanus’ face was chiselled off at a later date, which Oxford University professors Dr Martin Henig and Dr Roger Tomlin believe may have been done by some of the newly converted Christians.  

Archaeologists believe that the stone originally lay in another part of the graveyard but was moved to cover later, 4th century, grave.

“There’s so much that’s unique about this tombstone. The name, how pristine it is, even how it was moved,” said Amanda Hart, director of Corinium Museum.

“When there is an excavation like this it brings to the fore the important part that museums play in protecting and preserving our past.

“Now we can tell that story to every person who comes in here.”

Getting the tombstone to the museum will be the next challenge as it is more than five feet tall and extremely heavy.

After a similar excavation in 2011, St James’ Place gave finds to the Corinium Museum, including a now-famous bronze cockerel.

A spokesperson from St James’ Place said: “We are happy and delighted that the stone will be displayed in Cirencester.

“It is part of Cirencester’s heritage and it is a part of the local area.”

It is hoped that visitor numbers will rise as they come to see the new stone, which could be good news for Cirencester’s economy.

Corinium Ales has produced a new ale in honour of the tombstone called, aptly, Bodicacia.