In an extraordinary fusion of the ancient and the modern, construction workers in the United Kingdom stumbled upon a historical treasure that dates back nearly two millennia. The discovery was made amidst the mundane task of building a parking lot, revealing a connection to the past that was both unexpected and awe-inspiring. This exceptional find—a Roman statue—occurred at the prestigious 16th-century country estate of Burghley House in Peterborough, England, where digger driver Greg Crawley unearthed the marble head of a Roman lady. The discovery, made last year during renovation works, soon led to a further finding: a bust near the original site. A conservator meticulously cleaned, examined, and reassembled these relics, dating the sculpture to the 1st or 2nd century.
The significance of this finding is further enriched by the historical context provided by the estate. It was noted that an iron dowel had been added to the statue, a modification typically carried out by Italian dealers in antiquities during the late 18th century. This detail suggests the statue’s journey to Burghley House was likely under the auspices of Brownlow Cecil, the ninth Earl of Exeter, during his travels in Italy in the 1760s. The Earl, known for his passion for collecting fine art and antiquities, left a mystery as intriguing as the statue: how did these precious artifacts end up buried in a car park?
“It is believed that it was during one of the ninth Earl’s two tours to Italy in the 1760s when he purchased many antiquities, that he brought the sculpture back to Burghley,” the house explained. Despite various theories ranging from a bungled burglary to accidental disposal, the true story remains a “complete mystery.” Greg Crawley reflected on his remarkable find: “I was shocked as the digger bucket rolled over what I thought was a big stone to reveal a face.” His discovery, described as his “best,” highlights the serendipitous nature of archaeology, where history can emerge in the most unexpected places.
Now pieced together once more, this ancient statue will join the collection of artifacts gathered by the ninth Earl on display at Burghley House. Its discovery adds a fascinating chapter to the estate’s storied history and underscores the enduring legacy of Roman art and culture. As visitors admire the statue alongside other collected pieces, they bridge the gap between the past and present, witnessing Roman civilization’s timeless beauty and craftsmanship.
The discovery of the Roman statue at Burghley House is a poignant reminder of our connection to the past, unearthed in the unlikeliest settings. It speaks to the curiosity and spirit of exploration that characterizes humanity’s quest to understand its heritage, reaffirming the importance of preserving and celebrating our shared history. As the statue takes its place among the treasures of Burghley House, it stands as a testament to the layers of history beneath our feet, waiting to be rediscovered.
