MORE than a hundred people attended an open day at an excavation site in Whitminster. 

Archaeological excavations are currently taking place in the field next to the A38 roundabout. 

The field forms part of a section of the Stroudwater Navigation Canal that will be reconstructed after the original canal was infilled in the 1960s.

The event on Thursday, September 29 allowed visitors to learn more about the history of the site, examine finds and look at plans for the restoration works.

Archaeology England, with volunteers from Cotswold Canals Connected, recently discovered evidence of a Romano British community, including enclosures, ditches, and pits, from which artefacts such as pottery and animal bone were recovered.

The material will help archaeologists to understand how they lived, what they ate, farming practices, potential local industries and trade links.

At the open day attendees were able to examine finds from the site which included an ornate piece of Roman-era Samian ware, lots of black burnished ware fragments and a rare blue glass bead. 

Catherine Braun, leader of Stroud District Council, attended the event and said it was ‘fantastic’. 

She said “The archaeological open day was a great success!

“It was fantastic to see people of all ages interested in this site and the wider project to restore the canal for all to enjoy. 

“It is really exciting to see the Cotswold Canals Connected project gain momentum, with community involvement and engagement a crucial part of the canal restoration work.”

The canal which runs underneath the A38 roundabout is soon to be named Hydes Basin. 

It includes two new bridges, a canal channel and towpath and was made funded by a £4 million grant by Highways England. 

The creation of Hydes Basin will be the next step in the restoration process, which will result in a large mooring area for boats and a canalside café.

There will be a similar event during the October half term on a different section of the canal. 

For more information and details visit the Cotswold Canals Connected website at www.cotswoldcanalsconnected.org