Treasures found on HS2 route stored in secret warehouse

Major construction projects across the United Kingdom necessitate thorough archaeological assessments as a crucial part of the planning process, designed to safeguard invaluable heritage sites. Since 2018, an estimated 1,000 archaeologists have been deployed across 60 distinct excavation sites along the planned HS2 route, stretching from London to Birmingham. Despite the railway line’s delayed opening, now projected beyond 2033, the intensive fieldwork phase for these archaeological teams is largely complete.

The undisclosed location of the warehouse is a closely guarded secret, maintained for security reasons. All that can be confirmed is its northern England address, somewhere within Yorkshire. Inside this vast facility, a veritable labyrinth of history unfolds, with shelves stretching high, laden with approximately 7,300 meticulously packed boxes of historic items. Each box represents a fragment of time, destined for extensive further research, conservation, and analysis. The ultimate fate of many of these objects – whether they will remain in long-term storage or be prepared for public display – is yet to be determined, as is their ultimate ownership.

Historic England has lauded the archaeological teams for uncovering "new and exciting sites spanning over 10,000 years of our past," acknowledging the immense scale and significance of the undertaking. However, the construction of HS2 itself has been a deeply divisive issue, dramatically altering the landscape, bisecting fields, and impacting numerous communities. Critics, including Greg Smith, MP for Mid Buckinghamshire, argue that the project’s spiralling costs, persistent delays, the displacement of communities, and the environmental and historic damage inflicted far outweigh any potential benefits. "It should not have cost the taxpayer tens of billions of pounds to build a railway that no-one wants and brings so much destruction," Smith stated, encapsulating the opposition’s viewpoint.

In response, HS2 acknowledged the project’s past shortcomings, with Chief Executive Mark Wild expressing a commitment to "ending the project’s cycle of cost increases and delays." They further affirmed their dedication to preserving heritage, stating, "Our specialist archaeology team and contractors have carefully excavated numerous sites and have shown care and respect throughout this work." Historian Graham Evans, who chairs the Northamptonshire Battlefields Society, offered a balanced perspective: "Whether HS2 is a good or bad thing is debatable, but I tell you what, if they built the railway and they didn’t do the archaeology that would be more tragic." This sentiment underscores the invaluable scientific and cultural legacy salvaged from a project otherwise marred by controversy.

Beyond the sheer volume, the collection boasts several "showstopper" items, offering tantalising glimpses into bygone eras. Among these are intricately carved Roman statue heads and a stunning gold ‘three lions’ pendant, dating from the 13th to 14th century, which survives in incredible condition. More poignant are the ground-level discoveries within the warehouse – bubble-wrapped empty coffins, one dated 1799, and a smaller one beside it, wrapped in masking tape. These are sobering, tangible reminders that this immense storehouse is not merely a collection of artefacts, but a snapshot of countless real lives once lived.

The BBC was granted exclusive access to six particularly compelling finds that have never before been publicly displayed. Their discovery locations trace a path along the HS2 route from London to Birmingham, each telling a unique story of ancient Britain.

Palaeolithic Hand Axe (Northamptonshire)
This remarkably preserved hand axe, discovered in the Edgcote area of Northamptonshire, is estimated by experts to be over 40,000 years old. Its age places its creation firmly in the Palaeolithic period, likely crafted by Neanderthals or an even earlier species of human. The axe features a distinctively sharp edge, indicating its primary function in butchering animals, a vital skill for survival in prehistoric Britain. Unlike later hafted tools, these axes were designed to be held directly in the palm, offering a direct, powerful grip. Dr. Sara Machin, the finds lead for Access+, the consortium managing this archaeological project, described the profound connection felt when holding it: "There is something tactile about it when you hold it. Even now it fits snugly in my hand." This simple stone tool provides a visceral link to our ancient ancestors, their ingenuity, and their struggle for existence.

Roman Gladiator Tag (Northamptonshire)
A small, intricately carved fragment of thin bone, bearing a partial inscription, has been tentatively identified as a Roman gladiator’s tag. Experts believe a complete inscription would have read: "DOMINE VICTOR VINCAS FELIX," translating to "Lord Victor, may you win and be lucky." Found in Northamptonshire, this artefact presents a fascinating puzzle. Dr. Machin speculates it could have belonged to an active gladiator, a retired combatant, or even a souvenir purchased by a spectator. The intriguing aspect is the lack of any known Roman arena or circus in that region of Britain. The tag was recovered from a large pottery vessel containing cremated human remains, with a distinct ‘X’ marked on its lid, hinting at a specific burial ritual or designation. Dr. John Pearce, Reader in Archaeology at King’s College University, while acknowledging the gladiator link as possible, cautioned that "with more forensic analysis of the burial, a different story may come to light," suggesting the need for further investigation to fully understand its context.

Anglo-Saxon Spindle Whorl (Buckinghamshire)
Unearthed from farmland near Bishopstone in Buckinghamshire, this decorated Anglo-Saxon spindle whorl is thought to have been crafted from a cattle femur. Spindle whorls were essential tools in textile production, providing the necessary weight to a spindle to efficiently spin raw fibres into yarn. Willow Major, a post-excavation assistant, highlighted its significance as "a very interesting piece of evidence of textile advancements in the Anglo-Saxon period." Its highly polished surface suggests extensive use, leading Major to believe it was a cherished possession, indicative of its owner’s daily life and industry. Intriguingly, the distinctive ring and dot motif decorating the whorl has also been observed on spinning tools from the much earlier Iron Age, pointing to a continuity in decorative traditions over millennia.

Medieval Die (Warwickshire)
From the deserted medieval village of Lower Radbourne in Warwickshire came this tiny, polished bone die. While outwardly resembling its modern counterparts, its numbering format differs, offering a glimpse into medieval gaming practices. The die’s slight imperfections, with one side noticeably longer than the others, stand in stark contrast to the precision of today’s mass-produced dice. This handmade quality speaks volumes about the craftsmanship of the era and the individual touch inherent in everyday objects before industrialisation. Its discovery in a deserted village site paints a picture of the recreational activities of a community long since vanished, perhaps providing a brief escape from the rigours of medieval life.

Post-Medieval Pug Figurine (London, Euston)
This complete figurine of a seated pug dog, crafted from plain white-glazed porcelain with black detailing, was found in a grave belonging to an unnamed female at St James’ Gardens in Euston, London. Believed to have been produced by the Derby porcelain factory between 1770 and 1800, its presence in a burial suggests a profound personal attachment and a potential symbol of mourning or companionship in the afterlife. The pug’s inclusion speaks to the fashion and emotional connections people had with their pets in the late 18th century, even for those laid to rest in a public burial ground. It’s a touching testament to the bond between humans and animals, transcending centuries.

19th Century Gold Dentures (Buckinghamshire)
Dr. Machin described this as perhaps the most bizarre item in the collection. As she carefully unwrapped it, she revealed a set of lower gold dentures, believed to be from the 19th century. Found at St Mary’s Old Church in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, these dentures feature six teeth and bear a stamped number on the inside, possibly identifying the dentist or patient. The use of gold for dentures in this era immediately signals the owner’s considerable wealth and status, as such dental prosthetics were extremely expensive and a luxury for the privileged few. This find offers a unique insight into the history of dentistry and the personal struggles and solutions regarding health and appearance in the Victorian era. "Every box has a surprise," Machin marvelled. "These are objects, but they all relate to people. It’s all about the people who lived in these areas going back thousands of years and we can start writing the stories about their lives and what they can tell us."

Neil Redfern from the Council for British Archaeology reiterated the monumental importance of these finds. "The scale is what makes it so extraordinary," he noted, comparing HS2’s archaeological output to other large development projects. "But it is the length of the scheme and the landscapes and places that HS2 passed through that make the collection of sites and material so interesting. The research potential from this material is remarkable." Redfern believes these discoveries will significantly enhance understanding of broader landscape changes, settlement patterns, technological advancements, and the social structures of past societies in Britain.

Archaeologists are now embarking on the second phase of this colossal undertaking, which includes meticulous condition assessments, cleaning, and conservation checks for all the artefacts. Plans are also underway to make these objects accessible to the public. For instance, artefacts from the significant Wendover Saxon cemetery, where 122 graves were unearthed, are slated for their first public display at a Discover Bucks Museum exhibition.

However, the future of many other items remains less clear. An HS2 spokesperson clarified that under English property law, archaeological and historical objects found during the works will typically belong either to the government or to the original landowners. "Occasionally landowners may wish to retain title to objects, in which case they will be returned to their care," the spokesperson added. Charlotte Self, the archive manager for the project, expressed her team’s fervent hope that landowners would donate these irreplaceable items. "I would love to see the majority of these items deposited with the local museums from near where they were found," she stated, emphasizing the importance of public access and local community engagement with their shared heritage. These discoveries, born from a contentious infrastructure project, now stand as a testament to the enduring human story woven into the very fabric of the British landscape.