Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable and unique artefact that will take centre stage in an upcoming episode of BBC’s Two’s Digging for Britain.
An excavation in Broadway, Worcestershire has uncovered 8000 years of human activity from the Mesolithic to the Saxon period. However, it is the discovery of a beautifully carved bone box (pictured below) that has captured national attention.
The bone box was recovered from the grave of a young woman dating from the late Roman period. The highly decorated box currently has no parallel examples and offers significant new insight into the lives, beliefs and craftsmanship of the people who once occupied this corner of the north Cotswolds.
Carried out by Worcestershire Archaeology (part of Worcestershire County Council), the excavation was commissioned and funded by Wychavon District Council ahead of planned development.
Jamie Wilkins, who led the excavation, described the discovery as, “extraordinary, not only because of the box’s craftsmanship and condition, but because of the story it tells about the community that lived here. I had never seen anything like this object before, and it immediately became clear that we had uncovered something truly special.”
The intricately decorated box is thought to date from the late Roman period, due to the style of decoration, and this was subsequently confirmed via radiocarbon dating of the associated burial. A surprising discovery has recently been made by specialists, who identified that the box was crafted from the bone of a Roe deer, and may also have held ointment. Its deliberate placement within a grave indicates that it was likely a precious or sentimental object for the deceased and those who buried them.
While the bone box is the highlight of the excavation, archaeologists have also uncovered evidence of significant prehistoric, Roman and Saxon activity on the same site, emphasising Broadway’s long-term importance as a settlement on a major routeway across the Cotswolds escarpment. A multi-year programme of specialist analysis is about to get underway, after which the site’s assemblage and records will be deposited with the county museum, in line with archaeological best practice.
Cllr Emma Kearsey, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Urban Design, said: “The excavation at Milestone Ground is rewriting what we know about Broadway and Worcestershire’s past. The bone box in particular is a fascinating item and I’m pleased it is being featured on Digging for Britain so more people can share in the excitement of its discovery.
“The excavation at Milestone Ground has more secrets to reveal and we’re working with Worcestershire Archaeology and Broadway Museum to see how we can share the story of the site as locally as possible.”
The new series of Digging for Britain, presented by Professor Alice Roberts, will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 7 January 2026.