Roman Leicester—a National Asset

Abstract

THE fate of Roman Leicester, which now hangs upon the decision of the City Council, is a problem in which the nation is no less deeply concerned, though from a slightly different point of view, than the city itself. A site in the heart of the city's oldest relics, purchased at a cost of £24,000 for the erection of public baths, has yielded on excavation remains of the Roman period, more particularly of the forum, the centre of municipal life, which in certain respects are unique (see NATURE of July 11, p. 69). While on one hand the local authority may allow due weight to the advantage to Leicester in the possession of this unique and irreplaceable monument of the past, yet local pride must inevitably be tempered by a sense of the duty of trustees of public funds; on the other hand the nation at large is a custodian of such treasures as this for the benefit not only of contemporary archaeological studies, but also of posterity. The most meticulous records of excavation, however valuable for scientific study, cannot take the place of relics of antiquity which have been destroyed. Apart from the educational appeal of the buildings in their original relation, and so far as possible, in an appropriate setting, they will afford- the scholar a constant inspiration to further research, as well as provide a source of evidence for correcting or reconstructing theory in the light of later knowledge, such as never can be derived from a written record, photograph or drawing. The excavations now in progress may reinforce the argument, or should the City's decision be adverse to preservation, justify a delay, which will then be urged, pending an appeal for funds from outside sources for the complete excavation of the site in the coming year. The conflict between duty to local economies and the preservation of antiquities, which are national in their interest, is one which is likely to arise with increasing frequency in view of the rapid development of urban and suburban properties now taking place. When such developments affect relics of wide historic and scientific interest, as at Leicester, it is a question whether national funds should not be called on to assist.