Archaeologists have uncovered a Roman ‘service station’ near the site of the existing M5 just outside Gloucester. The M5 today is the major artery between the Midlands and the South West, but it’s the nearby A147 that was once a major Roman highway known as Ermin Street. The site, which has been described as a 2,000-year-old precursor to the modern motorway service station, was discovered during excavations for the A417 Missing Link project between the villages of Cowley and Brockworth. The settlement, spanning eight hectares, has revealed a mutatio—a horse-changing station—complete with facilities for rest and refuelling for weary travellers on the route connecting Gloucester, Cirencester, and Silchester. Alex Thomson, project manager for Oxford Cotswold Archaeology, said: “We knew that we would find good archaeology, but what was revealed exceeded all expectations. Being able to look at a Roman roadside settlement in such extensive detail is a rare opportunity. It’s clear that the structures we’ve recorded helped serve the passing trade on a busy Roman highway—it really could be a 2,000-year-old service station.” The mutatio consisted of two main buildings, believed to include a workshop and accommodation, with horse bones, bridles, and hipposandals—a Roman precursor to horseshoes—found nearby. The site’s location halfway between Gloucester and Cirencester would have made it a convenient stop for travellers after the challenging climb up the Cotswold escarpment. “The road itself would have been very busy,” Thomson explained. “Cirencester was the second-largest Roman settlement outside London, and Gloucester was a crucial military hub. They may have been servicing passing legions as they marched along the road.” The team of up to 70 archaeologists unearthed a range of fascinating finds, including 460 Roman coins, 15 brooches, 420kg of pottery, animal bones, and the remains of ovens. In one stone well, a hobnail shoe, hairpins made of bone and copper alloy, and a ring were discovered. The settlement is thought to have been established between AD 160 and 180 and remained occupied into the fourth century. Its discovery has provided a vivid snapshot of life along a bustling Roman highway, with artefacts hinting at daily activities and the community’s connection to the gods through offerings left for safe journeys. The finds will be displayed in local museums, while the discovery itself was featured on BBC Two’s Digging for Britain on Wednesday (15January2025). Where: Cowley, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom When: 15 Jan 2025 Credit: Oxford Cotswold Archaeology/Cover Images **EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED SUPPLIER.**