An archaeological dig has uncovered what is believed to be a Roman shrine beneath a graveyard.
Excavations at the site of an old song school in the grounds of Leicester Cathedral began in October 2021 and have since produced a ‘remarkable’ amount of information, dig directors have said.
The cellar of a Roman building and a 1,800-year-old altar stone have been discovered during the excavation, led by University of Leicester Archaeological Services, suggesting the presence of a shrine or cult room.
The cellar – now nearly 10ft (three metres) below the ground – is believed to have had a concrete floor and stone walls, with decorative paintwork.
Mathew Morris, Project Officer, said: ‘It could be really significant. It’s an area of Leicester that we don’t get to excavate very often. It’s the historic quarter of the town, so it’s one of those big blank areas on the map of the city.