The Roman Cemetery at Brougham, Cumbria

Book excerpt: Excavations to the east of the fort and vicus of Brougham, in 1966 and 1967, the results of which have only recently been evaluated, uncovered a cemetery that was in use during the 3rd century. A population of all ages were buried in the cemetery, cremated along with their grave goods, and intered in urns accompanied by other ceramic and glass vessels. This substantial report examines and catalogues the graves and other features before discussing the evidence of pyres and biers, the animal bone, the vessels, the personal ornaments and other equipment, the tombstones and the inscribed stones. Having desribed in detail the archaeological and environmental evidence, the author then draws conclusions about funerary rites at Brocavum in the 3rd century and suggests a connection with Pannonia.