While the foundations of the next new build home or office block are being dug, archaeologists can take the opportunity to delve down into our history. Since 1990, developers in the UK have been obliged to fund archaeological exploration before they start building – and by doing so have uncovered secrets of how we used to live. Here are some recent examples:

Colchester

Colchester was once the capital of Roman Britain. One Castle Park is a new development of six apartments within a conservation area, close to the remains of the town’s historic Norman castle. Roman remains had previously been excavated in the area, but when foundation work for the development began in February 2016 they uncovered what turned out to be the largest Roman arcade ever built in Britain. One of the most spectacular archaeological finds in decades, the walkway dates from the late 1st or early 2nd century and formed the frontal structure of  the Temple of Claudius. A heritage museum is planned for the ground floor of One Castle Park; the remains of the arcade will also go on permanent public display.