Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Tuesday, 13 January 2026

The outskirts of Lindum Colonia


Archaeological investigations in advance of the last phase of the Lincoln bypass have revealed evidence both of prehistoric occupation and of at least one substantial Roman villa overlooking the Witham valley from below Bracebridge Heath. The site is being interpreted as the residence of wealthy Roman settlers outside the phyical limits of the Colonia on the hill opposite, but close to its amenities.

The BBC News report on the  excavation can be seen at Evidence of life in pre-Roman times unearthed near Lincoln

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