A remarkably preserved late Roman burial discovered in Colchester will go on public display from 16 May at the Roman Circus Visitor Centre. Archaeologists uncovered the grave during excavations at the former Essex County Hospital site, revealing the remains of a high-status woman, the “Lexden Lady”, buried inside an ornate lead coffin accompanied by an exceptional collection of grave goods.

The burial, dating to the later Roman period, included jet hairpins, rare glass flasks and other carefully selected objects thought to have formed part of elaborate funerary rituals. Scientific analysis has also revealed traces of imported substances including frankincense and gypsum as well as exotic resins, suggesting that costly materials were used in preparing the body for burial.

Researchers believe the woman was likely in her late twenties or thirties at the time of death. Preliminary analysis indicates she may have grown up locally, offering a rare personal connection to Roman Colchester’s population during the final centuries of Roman Britain.

The excavation was carried out by Colchester Archaeological Trust as part of redevelopment work led by Essex Housing on the former hospital site. Archaeologists say the discovery ranks among the most significant Roman burials uncovered in Colchester in recent years because of the combination of the decorated coffin, the preserved grave goods and the scientific evidence recovered from the burial.

Visitors to the year-long exhibition will be able to view the coffin, the woman’s remains and displays explaining what archaeologists and laboratory specialists have learned from the find.