Interesting Archaeological Discovery
Roman Cinerary Urn Found Near Doncaster

During excavations now going on for the construction of the G. C. avoiding line, at Newton, the steam navvy turned out a remarkably fine specimen of the Cinerary Urn in which the ancient Romans used to preserve the ashes of their dead, after cremation.

The vessel is of unglazed grey earthenware, of elegant form, and ornamented round the upper part with two series of small impressions, evidently made by a blunt instrument while yet the clay was soft. On the widest part of the urn are also some slightly impressed markings.

The dimensions of the vessel are : Height, 12 ¼ inches; diameter of top, 6 inches; diameter of base, 4 ½ inches; circumference of the widest part, 31 inches.

Along with the urn was found the iron lid that had been clamped on to the vessel for the preservation of the contents. These consisted of some calcined human bones, and a few fragments of pottery and ornaments.

The whole “find” has been very generously presented to the Doncaster Museum by Mr. Logan and will form one of the most valuable additions to the collection of local Roman remains.