Stunned workers have unearthed an ancient road under a major landmark in Birmimgham city centre, which could date back to Roman or Saxon times.
The remains were discovered as they dug up Victoria Square as part of the city's project to expand the Midland Metro network.
Construction workers uncover 'Roman or Saxon' road perfectly preserved under the streets of Birmingham
Hidden road unearthed under a major landmark in Birmingham's city centre
Councillor Brigid Jones tweeted that the road could date back to Roman times
An archaeologist has been drafted in to examine the find, within the city's project to expand the Midland Metro network
By Debbie White For Mailonline
21 June 2018
Stunned workers have unearthed an ancient road under a major landmark in Birmingham city centre, which could date back to Roman or Saxon times.
The remains were discovered as they dug up Victoria Square as part of the city's project to expand the Midland Metro network.
Pictures from the scene show the historic cobblestones dug up by workmen close to Birmingham's Grade II listed council house and the Floozie in the Jacuzzi (artwork).
A hidden road has been unearthed under a major landmark in Birmingham city centre
Stunned workers uncovered the remains of the ancient road on Tuesday
Pictured above: views of work for the Metro line in Victoria Square, Birmingham where the remains of a historical road has been found on the site
These images were then tweeted by Councillor Brigid Jones, who wrote: 'Look what these guys dug up!
'The people building the Midland Metro extension have found a road in Victoria Square - suspected Roman or Saxon, I'm told.'
She later revealed: 'I've heard speculation of Roman, Saxon, Medieval and Victorian now!'
Richard Weston tweeted: 'Medieval cobbles on Pinfold Street would be my guess, judging by the edging of the large stones'
An archaeologist has been drafted in to examine the find, but bosses at Midland Metro confirmed work to extend the line is continuing as planned
The ancient road could have extended along modern day Hill Street
Others spoke of their excitement at the discovery.
Councillor Paul Tilsley wrote: 'What is truly amazing is that Victoria Square is probably the most excavated land in the city.'
Richard Weston tweeted: 'Medieval cobbles on Pinfold Street would be my guess, judging by the edging of the large stones.'
And Brian Cape wrote: 'Very exciting! Looking forward to the next update.'
An archaeologist has been drafted in to examine the find, but bosses at Midland Metro confirmed work to extend the line is continuing as planned.
A Midland Metro Alliance spokesman said: 'We can confirm that a piece of cobbled paving has been found in Victoria Square'
The ancient road could have extended along modern day Hill Street, beyond New Street station and into Pershore Street which joins Pershore Road.
The extension, designed and built by the Midland Metro Alliance working on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority, is the next phase of works following the tram extension from St Chads to Grand Central - which opened for service in May 2016.
The ambitious plans will see the new line operate between Grand Central to Hagley Road in Edgbaston, improving transport links to and from west Birmingham.
Five new tram stops will connect passengers to Victoria Square, Centenary Square, Brindley Place, Five Ways and Hagley Road
This is not the first time that a historical find has been unearthed during the works
Five new tram stops will connect passengers to Victoria Square, Centenary Square, Brindley Place, Five Ways and Hagley Road.
A Midland Metro Alliance spokesman said: 'We can confirm that a piece of cobbled paving has been found in Victoria Square during excavation works for the Birmingham Westside Extension.
'An archaeologist has visited the site to survey the finding and we are currently awaiting results to determine when it dates back to.
'The excavation works are continuing as planned.
'This is not the first time that a historical find has been unearthed during the works.
'Victorian roller shutters were discovered at a shop in Pinfold Street earlier this year.'
The roller shutters, which would have been used to provide security, were previously hidden by the shop front of hair salon Supercuts - which was once home to 19th century piano manufacturers Dale, Forty & Co.
The shutters have since been preserved and enclosed with a new sign.
Construction on the first phase of the extension started last year in Birmingham
Steve Grimes, the Midland Metro Alliance's Project Director for the Birmingham Westside Extension, said: 'There is always potential for items of historical importance to be uncovered during construction, and the roller shutters are fascinating find that provide an interesting glimpse into the history of Birmingham city centre.
'We started construction on the first phase of the extension last year, and the shutters were uncovered during structural repairs to the building, which, due to its age, needed to be carried out prior to the main works.
'Due to their heritage, the shutters will be staying in place, but will be covered by a new fascia.'
Strengthening works will form the next stage of construction in Pinfold Street, with works expected to be completed there in the summer.
Supercuts will move back in following a full refurbishment.
Stunned construction workers uncover 'Roman or Saxon' road under the streets of Birmingham | Daily Mail Online
The remains were discovered as they dug up Victoria Square as part of the city's project to expand the Midland Metro network.
Construction workers uncover 'Roman or Saxon' road perfectly preserved under the streets of Birmingham
Hidden road unearthed under a major landmark in Birmingham's city centre
Councillor Brigid Jones tweeted that the road could date back to Roman times
An archaeologist has been drafted in to examine the find, within the city's project to expand the Midland Metro network
By Debbie White For Mailonline
21 June 2018
Stunned workers have unearthed an ancient road under a major landmark in Birmingham city centre, which could date back to Roman or Saxon times.
The remains were discovered as they dug up Victoria Square as part of the city's project to expand the Midland Metro network.
Pictures from the scene show the historic cobblestones dug up by workmen close to Birmingham's Grade II listed council house and the Floozie in the Jacuzzi (artwork).
A hidden road has been unearthed under a major landmark in Birmingham city centre
Stunned workers uncovered the remains of the ancient road on Tuesday
Pictured above: views of work for the Metro line in Victoria Square, Birmingham where the remains of a historical road has been found on the site
These images were then tweeted by Councillor Brigid Jones, who wrote: 'Look what these guys dug up!
'The people building the Midland Metro extension have found a road in Victoria Square - suspected Roman or Saxon, I'm told.'
She later revealed: 'I've heard speculation of Roman, Saxon, Medieval and Victorian now!'
Richard Weston tweeted: 'Medieval cobbles on Pinfold Street would be my guess, judging by the edging of the large stones'
An archaeologist has been drafted in to examine the find, but bosses at Midland Metro confirmed work to extend the line is continuing as planned
The ancient road could have extended along modern day Hill Street
Others spoke of their excitement at the discovery.
Councillor Paul Tilsley wrote: 'What is truly amazing is that Victoria Square is probably the most excavated land in the city.'
Richard Weston tweeted: 'Medieval cobbles on Pinfold Street would be my guess, judging by the edging of the large stones.'
And Brian Cape wrote: 'Very exciting! Looking forward to the next update.'
An archaeologist has been drafted in to examine the find, but bosses at Midland Metro confirmed work to extend the line is continuing as planned.
A Midland Metro Alliance spokesman said: 'We can confirm that a piece of cobbled paving has been found in Victoria Square'
The ancient road could have extended along modern day Hill Street, beyond New Street station and into Pershore Street which joins Pershore Road.
The extension, designed and built by the Midland Metro Alliance working on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority, is the next phase of works following the tram extension from St Chads to Grand Central - which opened for service in May 2016.
The ambitious plans will see the new line operate between Grand Central to Hagley Road in Edgbaston, improving transport links to and from west Birmingham.
Five new tram stops will connect passengers to Victoria Square, Centenary Square, Brindley Place, Five Ways and Hagley Road
This is not the first time that a historical find has been unearthed during the works
Five new tram stops will connect passengers to Victoria Square, Centenary Square, Brindley Place, Five Ways and Hagley Road.
A Midland Metro Alliance spokesman said: 'We can confirm that a piece of cobbled paving has been found in Victoria Square during excavation works for the Birmingham Westside Extension.
'An archaeologist has visited the site to survey the finding and we are currently awaiting results to determine when it dates back to.
'The excavation works are continuing as planned.
'This is not the first time that a historical find has been unearthed during the works.
'Victorian roller shutters were discovered at a shop in Pinfold Street earlier this year.'
The roller shutters, which would have been used to provide security, were previously hidden by the shop front of hair salon Supercuts - which was once home to 19th century piano manufacturers Dale, Forty & Co.
The shutters have since been preserved and enclosed with a new sign.
Construction on the first phase of the extension started last year in Birmingham
Steve Grimes, the Midland Metro Alliance's Project Director for the Birmingham Westside Extension, said: 'There is always potential for items of historical importance to be uncovered during construction, and the roller shutters are fascinating find that provide an interesting glimpse into the history of Birmingham city centre.
'We started construction on the first phase of the extension last year, and the shutters were uncovered during structural repairs to the building, which, due to its age, needed to be carried out prior to the main works.
'Due to their heritage, the shutters will be staying in place, but will be covered by a new fascia.'
Strengthening works will form the next stage of construction in Pinfold Street, with works expected to be completed there in the summer.
Supercuts will move back in following a full refurbishment.
Stunned construction workers uncover 'Roman or Saxon' road under the streets of Birmingham | Daily Mail Online