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Building Work Uncovers 2,000-Year-Old Roman Road In Rochester

A Roman Road that dates back some 2,000 years has been uncovered in a busy town centre in the south of England.

Building work uncovered the road underneath a unit that was bought to be converted into a shop in Rochester, Kent.

Award-winning conservationist and developer Mark Lucas and his son Zac bought the five-storey Grade II listed building without knowing for sure if the road was there.

However, they were tipped off about the potentially historic find by the previous owner, and have now been able to reveal the section of road.

The unit sits on an ancient Roman road which once took legions of soldiers from the coast to London.

Discovery: Mark and Zac Lucas uncovered the road while renovating the unit (SWNS)

Mr Lucas said: “We started to clear away layers of debris, grime, dirt and grease until we got to the stonework in a corner of the cellar.

"And then to our amazement there was more stretching to the other side of the room.

"To think the Romans came here in 43 AD and it is still in pristine condition.

"We did not need to repoint any of the brickwork.

"Just a bit of the brick had chipped away and we were able to fill it with very light chalk and lime.”

Preservation: The road has now been encased in glass so visitors can view it (SWNS)

The Archaeological Society has confirmed the artefact dated back to Roman times but has so far been unable to pinpoint it down to an exact year.

The section, measuring 4 metres by 2 metres, has had a glass frame placed on top to allow visitors to view the ancient craftsmanship.

Mr Lucas added: “This is probably one of my most challenging projects and certainly one of the most enjoyable.

"I have just sold it, but looking around at the work that has gone into it, I sometimes wish I had kept hold of it.”

Top pic: SWNS