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Excavation plans for Exeter's Roman Baths Excavation plans for Exeter's Roman Baths
(less than a minute earlier)
A set of "internationally significant" Roman Baths which lay hidden for almost 2,000 years could be opened to the public in a restoration project announced by Exeter Cathedral.A set of "internationally significant" Roman Baths which lay hidden for almost 2,000 years could be opened to the public in a restoration project announced by Exeter Cathedral.
The site was discovered in 1971 but due to a lack of funds was reburied under the cathedral green to protect it.The site was discovered in 1971 but due to a lack of funds was reburied under the cathedral green to protect it.
A bid for £8.7m has now been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).A bid for £8.7m has now been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Roman archaeology specialist Dr Martin Pitts said the site "is of major significance".Roman archaeology specialist Dr Martin Pitts said the site "is of major significance".
'International interest''International interest'
Dr Pitts, from the University of Exeter, said: "For Exeter to have something like this on its doorstep made visible to everyone is very exciting.Dr Pitts, from the University of Exeter, said: "For Exeter to have something like this on its doorstep made visible to everyone is very exciting.
"The baths were of a continental design which shows a close connection between Exeter and the civilised culture of the wider Roman empire."The baths were of a continental design which shows a close connection between Exeter and the civilised culture of the wider Roman empire.
"It is of international interest.""It is of international interest."
The baths were built around AD60-65 and accommodated hundreds of bathers.The baths were built around AD60-65 and accommodated hundreds of bathers.
What Exeter Cathedral hopes to construct:What Exeter Cathedral hopes to construct:
The total cost of the project will be £12.8m. The cathedral expects to hear if the HLF bid has been successful at the end of April. If it is, the baths could be open to the public in 2017.The total cost of the project will be £12.8m. The cathedral expects to hear if the HLF bid has been successful at the end of April. If it is, the baths could be open to the public in 2017.
Simon Hickman, from English Heritage, said: "Exeter's Roman bathhouse and basilica are the largest set of Roman remains in the south west peninsula, and Exeter is the most south-westerly major Roman site in the country."Simon Hickman, from English Heritage, said: "Exeter's Roman bathhouse and basilica are the largest set of Roman remains in the south west peninsula, and Exeter is the most south-westerly major Roman site in the country."
In 1971 the archaeologists discovered:In 1971 the archaeologists discovered:
Archaeologist Paul Bidwell, one of Britain's leading specialists in the study of Roman bathhouses, has described the Exeter Baths as "one of the first two monumental masonry buildings built in Britain" being completed circa AD60.Archaeologist Paul Bidwell, one of Britain's leading specialists in the study of Roman bathhouses, has described the Exeter Baths as "one of the first two monumental masonry buildings built in Britain" being completed circa AD60.
They became the site of the Anglo-Saxon minster which became Exeter's Cathedral in 1050.They became the site of the Anglo-Saxon minster which became Exeter's Cathedral in 1050.