THE Corinium Museum in Cirencester will be putting the Bodicacia tombstone, discovered at the former Bridges Garages site in Tetbury Road, on public display from Thursday, February 4.

The tombstone was discovered when it was excavated ahead of building work for St James’ Place, and is one of the best preserved tombstones to be found in the UK. 

The tombstone was uncovered lying face down, during the second phase of excavations at the site, and after its careful removal, was transported to Cotswold Archaeology to be examined by specialists.

Despite some debate, it was determined that the inscription on the 2nd century AD tombstone’s reads: ‘To the shades of the dead; Bodicacia; spouse; lived 27 years.’

The name Bodicacia, has Celtic origins and was unknown until the discovery of the tombstone, although examples of the name Bodica, Bodicca and other variations have been found elsewhere in the Roman Empire, for example Lollia Bodicca in Algiers.

The wording of the inscription is unusual, in particular the positioning of the word spouse, which suggests that the tombstone was not meant to be read alone and may originally have been positioned next to that of Bodicacia’s husband. 

Amanda Hart, Director of the Corinium Museum said:“Very few Roman tombstones survive in Britain so when a new one is discovered, complete with inscription, it is exceptional and a real treat that it happened here in Cirencester.

"Tombstones are a valuable source of information and can tell us about individuals and the wider Roman society.

“I am delighted that Bodicacia will be on display in February and joining six other inscribed tombstones found in Cirencester. 

“Each one has its own story to tell, but what’s exciting about Bodicacia is that we also know the story of its unearthing.”

  • Go to coriniummuseum.org to find out more.