Great Britain
Archaeologists come across finds from the Civil War on the train route
Archaeologists have unearthed relics believed to be centuries old during excavations to expand a railway line. photo
© -/HS2/PA Media/dpa
Archaeologists make an important find in England: On a train track they discover buildings with bullet holes and musket balls. The relics may date from the 1642 Civil War.
Archaeologists digging to upgrade a railway line have uncovered relics believed to be centuries-old from the English Civil War. “The discovery of this medieval gatehouse was quite unexpected and I am surprised at how much of the monumental stone building – with two octagonal towers – has survived below the surface,” historian Alice Roberts said, according to the PA news agency.
Bullet holes were discovered on the excavated building, and musket balls were also found in the ground. For the researchers, these finds near Birmingham indicate that they could be “evidence of the earliest skirmishes of the Civil War” in the 17th century. The history books are incomplete regarding this war, which lasted from 1642 to 1651 – many details are unknown to historians.
Archaeological digs and amazing finds continue to be made along the route of the HS2 express rail link, which is designed to connect London and Birmingham.