Dark Ages cemetery unearthed in Somerset

A Dark Ages cemetery and more than 100 burials has been unearthed at the site of a new nuclear power station.

The burials date from the 7th Century [Credit: BBC]

The discovery is one of many by archaeologists who have spent years excavating ground where Hinkley Point C is being built in Somerset.

Flint tools dating from the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods and Roman building remains were also found.

An archaeologists uncovers a Roman pot base in the foundations 
of a large Roman building [Credit: BBC]

All the results of the dig, which began in 2012, are being revealed in an exhibition at the Museum of Somerset.

As part of the planning process for the power plant, the law required the digs take place in order to establish the "likely impacts on the historic environment".

This Roman hypocaust – which is an under-floor heating system – was found
 during excavations [Credit: BBC]

Last week more heavy machinery began arriving at Hinkley Point C to begin the groundworks for the new nuclear power station which, according to estimates, will cost £24.5bn.

The project is being led by EDF Energy.

Source: BBC News Website [January 16, 2015]