An Iron Age feast more than 2,000 years old has been uncovered on a major road improvement project. 

Archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) found items including animal bones and pottery vessels as part of excavation work on the A428 between Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. 

The excavations also found evidence of a large fire where local communities would have gathered between 800 BC and 43 AD. 

Gary Brogan, project director at MOLA, said: “Uncovering an Iron Age feast and possible evidence for beer brewing in the early Roman period, is transforming our understanding of the past communities of Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.  

The Hunts Post: Animal bones and burnt stone uncovered in a feast pit believed to date back to the Iron Age.Animal bones and burnt stone uncovered in a feast pit believed to date back to the Iron Age. (Image: MOLA)

“[This is] from what they were eating and drinking, to how they may have traded both locally and across the Roman empire.” 

An area the size of 89 football pitches is being investigated as part of the proposed National Highways scheme, which links A1 Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire to the A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire. 

Archaeologists believe that the communal feast would allow local communities to exchange gifts, trade and carry out ritual activities. 

The Hunts Post: A feast pit showing burnt stones and broken pottery vessels on the A428 improvement site.A feast pit showing burnt stones and broken pottery vessels on the A428 improvement site. (Image: MOLA)

Mr Brogan added: “The A428 excavations are an amazing opportunity, we are getting to see the big picture of life in the past across the region.” 

The latest discovery comes after possible evidence of beer brewing in the late Iron Age and early Roman era was uncovered. 

A team of specialists will now analyse the animal bones, pottery and other evidence to help learn more about the feast and Iron Age Britain. 

The Hunts Post: Archaeologists have uncovered a communal feast dating back to the Iron Age on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet site.Archaeologists have uncovered a communal feast dating back to the Iron Age on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet site. (Image: MOLA)

Lorraine Bennetts, senior project manager at National Highways, said: “It’s been wonderful to see how the A428 Improvements are revealing the stories of the people living in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire thousands of years ago.  

“We hope [these stories] will inspire and intrigue local residents in the present day.” 

Ms Bennetts added: “The uncovering of this Iron Age feast is just the beginning, and we look forward to sharing more information as the dig progresses.” 

The A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme aims to improve journeys between Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Bedford. 

Work on the scheme is due to begin before the end of the year after the Secretary of State for Transport granted formal planning permission.