I live near Pontefract in Yorkshire. Recently near where I live some builders making houses found a grave with Roman soldiers in. My grandad was talking to one of the builders and he said they still had their armour on. Did this happen often? Charlotte Wilson (9)

This does sound unusual as armour was normally re-used or recycled, although there are a few examples of this practice in Roman Britain. It sounds like a remarkable discovery!

In 2010, a complete set of Roman armour was found on a dig in Caerleon in South Wales by archaeologists from Cardiff University. It was a rare and incredible discovery. Dr Guest from the University said: “Along with the armour, we’ve also found traces of textiles, a helmet – which could have been a parade helmet – other military equipment and what look like ornaments or fittings off a coffin or funeral casket.”

Perhaps your local archaeology service – West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service – will be able to help you find out more about the discovery near where you live.

Thanks for your question!

From Ian the Archaeologist