Ancaster, Lincolnshire

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Ancaster is a village in the South Kesteven district of Lincolnshire, England, situated midway between Sleaford and Grantham on the A153 road at its junction with the B6403 (Ermine Street).

[edit] Amenities

Ancaster has a local shop, a butchers, a small train station on the Nottingham-Skegness line, a post office, and two petrol stations. It has two pubs: the Railway, and the Ermine Way, and a Sports and Social Club, associated with the playing field.

[edit] Archaeology

Cist uncovered by the Time Team in 2002

Main article: Ancaster Roman Town

During the Romano-British period, the Romans built a roadside settlement on the site of a Corieltauvi settlement. It was traditionally thought to have been named Causennis, although this is now believed to be Saltersford. Ancaster lies on Ermine Street, a major Roman road heading north from London. To the north-west of Ancaster is a Roman marching camp and some fourth century Roman earthworks are still visible. Excavations have found a cemetery containing more than 250 Roman burials, including 11 stone sarcophagi.

A Time Team excavation in 2002 revealed a cist bearing an inscription to the God Viridius. The dig also uncovered Iron Age to 3rd century pottery, a 1st century brooch and some of the Roman town wall.