‘First beer brewed in the UK’ from 400BC unearthed by archaeologists during widening of the A14
Other evidence of ancient locals diet was uncovered in the project to upgrade the 21-mile stretch of road between Cambridge and Huntingdon
A TEAM working on the widening of the A14 has found evidence of the first beer brewed in Britain.
Archaeologists say tiny fragments of charred residue could date back to 400BC.
Evidence locals ate porridge and bread has also been found in work to upgrade the 21-mile stretch of road between Cambridge and Huntingdon.
Archaeologist Lara Gonzalez said: “I knew when I looked at these fragments under the microscope I had something special.”
Dr Steve Sherlock, of the Highways England archaeology project, added: “It’s well known ancient populations used beer-making to create a safe source of hydration. But this is potentially the earliest physical evidence in the UK.”
As well as the Iron Age brew, the A14 project has already uncovered a woolly mammoth tusk, a medieval village and prehistoric burial sites.
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Beer expert Roger Protz, former editor of the Campaign for Real Ale’s Good Beer Guide, said: “East Anglia has always been of great importance to brewing as a result of the quality of the barley that grows there.
“It’s known as maritime barley and is prized throughout the world."
The upgraded road is due to open to traffic by December 2020.
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