Finger ring

(Photograph: ©York Archaeological Trust)

In 1997 York Archaeological Trust was working with Bass Taverns Ltd, owners of the Fox Public House on Tadcaster Road, who were carrying out renovation work at the pub.

The earliest archaeological features were Roman in date and included ditches and gullies associated with farm land divisions dated to around AD 100–200. There was evidence of later settlement on the site, and later still a shallow grave had been cut.

The skeleton found in the grave was that of a young man. Although the bones had been disturbed by later pipe-laying, it was possible to see that he had been positioned on his side, with his legs bent and his right arm extended to the north. He was accompanied into the afterworld by a black-burnished jar, presumably containing food to sustain him on his journey. On his index finger was a copper alloy ring.

Excavation of the skeleton in progress.

Treatment and analysis

Bringing it alive

Find number 100, 1997.70. Not published. Xray no.4265. Dimensions: diameter 24mm, width 4.5mm, thickness 2.5mm
For further information on Roman finds and pottery from York see The Archaeology of York 17/10, Finds from the Fortress by H.E.M. Cool, G. Lloyd Morgan and A.D. Hooley (1995) and The Archaeology of York 16/8, Roman Pottery from York by Jason Monaghan(1997).

The ring and pot are on display at the Fox and Roman public house, Tadcaster Road, York.