The Archaeology of Leicester in 20 Digs

September 1, 2026
This article is from Current Archaeology issue 439


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This is the latest in the ‘…in 20 Digs’ series. Gavin Speed has been involved in Leicester’s archaeology for more than 20 years, and he has produced a well-illustrated account of 20 key sites in Leicester (with a bonus 21st included as an epilogue, bringing things right up to date). The bulk of the 20 sites, ranging from the late Iron Age to the English Civil War, were excavated by University of Leicester Archaeological Services (Gavin’s employer) and its forerunner the Leicestershire Archaeological Unit, but it begins with the groundbreaking excavation by Kathleen Kenyon, between 1936 and 1939, of the Roman bath complex adjacent to the iconic Jewry Wall. Richard III is included, but this publication shows there is so much more to Leicester’s archaeology.

The book is organised by the date of excavation, and each site has a clear summary of the discoveries backed up with good illustrations – site photos, reconstruction drawings, and team photos. 

REVIEW BY PETER LIDDLE

The Archaeology of Leicester in 20 Digs
Gavin Speed 
Amberley Publishing, £15.99
ISBN 978-1398127586

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