The New Murrey and Blue blog

Back in the mid-90’s, I went on a jaunt to Leicester, visiting the old town, the statue of Richard III (then sited close to the river) and Leicester Cathedral, where I stopped for a moment to pay my respects near the floor plaque commemorating Richard (who, little did I know it then, was really only a few yards away down a side street, as he had been since 1485.) A nice guide emerged from the shadows and began telling me about the cathedral’s history and how it was rumoured it had been built upon a Roman shrine. I replied that it was highly likely, as it was common to erect Christian churches over ancient pagan sites…

Fast forward around 30 years. Richard has been found and is now reburied in the cathedral, and now it appears conclusive evidence of the Roman shrine has also surfaced in the extensive archaeological digs taking place at the cathedral. An altar stone was excavated in a subterranean chamber, which was likely a private room for worship and sacrifice. Many cults in Roman times performed their rites in such underground places. There is no inscription on the altar, alas–but I have heard speculation that the shrine might have been sacred to the god Bacchus.

Once again, it has been proven that old tales quite often have a grain of truth…

Link to Article–

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/07/amazing-roman-altar-stone-unearthed-at-leicester-cathedral

The Altar Stone recently Uncovered at Leicester Cathedral

Jewry Wall, and other Roman structures in Leicester, only a few hundred yards from the Cathedral