A group of archaeologists have uncovered several remarkable relics from a sunken village which could shed new light on Medieval Britain.
University of Leicester archaeology students unveiled the astounding discovery of medieval timber buildings at the unsuspecting village site in Loddington, Leicestershire.
The troupe found an ongoing dig at the settlement, formed of a gaggle of 50 first and second year students who are taking part in the excavation.
Run as a field school by the university's School of Heritage and Culture and University of Leicester Archaeological Services, the landowner, The Allerton Project, granted permission for the work.
Stone structures at the site are believed to be linked to Loddington Hall, a Grade II-listed manor house dating all the way back to 1475.
The team sought to study the objects closely to better understand how rural settlements developed over time in a bid to reveal brand-new insight into Britain's history.
Pottery recovered from the site includes fragments of Stamford Ware, a lead-glazed earthenware made between the ninth and 13th centuries.
The dig also uncovered numerous post-holes forming roadside structures within ditched boundaries.
Student excavators headed to the Northamptonshire site to make the new finds
|UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER
The medieval settlement was initially identified during a trial trench at Loddington Hall in 2008.
A full investigation of the site was launched in 2025, when archaeologists first uncovered well-preserved features from both medieval and post-medieval periods.
That first major excavation yielded plenty of coins, pottery and signs of domestic activity, while the northern portion of the trench revealed surviving stone walls, tile floors and a pebbled pathway.
Such a construction was suspected to have previously belonged to a post-medieval building.
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Previous finds include coins, pottery and signs of domestic activity
|UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER
Members of a local heritage group are participating in this year's excavation alongside the students.
However, it's all hands on deck as children from the Young Archaeologists' Club will also visit to gain hands-on digging experience.
Dr Philippa Walton from the University's School of Heritage and Culture said: "We're delighted to be returning to Loddington this summer to continue exploring the story of this fascinating medieval settlement.
"Last year's excavations revealed an exceptional range of well-preserved features, and this season we hope to uncover even more evidence about how people lived, worked and shaped the landscape over hundreds of years."
Meanwhile, Dr Gavin Speed from the University of Leicester's Archaeological Services hailed the "outstanding" opportunity to train young minds.
He said: "This training dig offers an outstanding opportunity for students to learn from professional archaeologists from University of Leicester Archaeological Services.
"Working alongside experienced practitioners, students develop essential field skills and an understanding of modern archaeological methods while contributing to significant discoveries about Leicestershire’s past.
"It’s also particularly rewarding to welcome members of the local community and young visitors onto the site—bringing together students, archaeologists, and the public to explore and share in this rich heritage."g