Third Roman head found at Carlisle Cricket Club bathhouse

A third carved stone Roman head has been unearthed by volunteers at a cricket club.

The artefact, thought to be of a woman and about 7in (18cm) by 5in (13cm), was found at Carlisle's Roman Bathhouse site in the club grounds.

It has been described as being "much more delicately carved" and detailed than the previous two larger monumental heads discovered at the site in 2023.

Lead archaeologist Frank Giecco said he was "astounded" by the number of "quality" treasures that had been found at the ground - more than 4,000 since 2021.

The latest find was made in the same area as a Roman urn containing the cremated remains of a young woman was discovered in July.

In May 2023, sandstone head sculptures of two Roman gods, thought to date back as far as AD200, were discovered.

They were larger than the latest find and it is believed they once formed part of full-figure pieces about 12 to 15 ft (3.5m to 4.5m) high.

Uncovering Roman Carlisle volunteer digs are being held at the club, Monday to Saturday until 20 October.

Mr Giecco said: "I cannot emphasise how astounded we are by the discoveries from this site - the amount, the quality, and how unique so many of them are.

"So many people have given their time, professional archaeologists, locals and scientists, and together we're piecing together a fascinating and internationally important place here in Carlisle."

He added that even though they had called the site a bathhouse it was also "a leisure centre and HQ".