The Berkhamsted and District Archaeological Society started excavations at Cow Roast in 1972. Work continued for four years in an orchard near the Cow Roast Inn and for three years at the Marina. The site is that of a Romano-British settlement which grew up alongside the Roman Road running from St Albans, via Tring, to Cirencester, following part of the A4. In one of fourteen wells in the orchard field of the Cow Roast excavation a female skeleton was discovered. This came as quite a surprise for the archaeologists at the time. There was nothing in the grave to date her, but from the items that were found in the area the archaeologists could tell she may be from Roman times. She was removed from the site because she was in the line of the by pass and was threaten to be destroyed. Since her arrival at the Museum Store, she has been affectionately named Ophelia.
Female Roman Skeleton discovered at Cow Roast
In May 2011 The Dacorum Heritage Trust was successful in obtaining funds to create a facial reconstruction of Ophelia.
Measuring the depth of the muscles
Piecing the skull together
The completed facial reconstruction of Ophelia
If you would like to learn about the Cow Roast Excavation click here or..
If you would like to read about our recent conservation project to piece the pottery discovered at Cow Roast back together click here.