AN excavation of a Roman bath house has uncovered a smorgasbord of fascinating finds - some of which have imperial links.

The Carlisle dig has uncovered a variety of objects including silver rings, tiles and a paw print from a Roman pet.

The Uncovering Roman Carlisle Project began in late August and will run until October 2.

Anna Smalley, head of collections and engagement at Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery Trust said: "We are delighted at how much this excavation seems to have captured the imagination of our local residents - we’ve had thousands of visitors to the site over the past few weeks, taking part in everything from object handling and site tours to Roman-themed family crafts."

The bath house was discovered in 2017 on a site at Carlisle Cricket Club in Stanwix.

Tiles with connection to third century Roman Emperor Septimus Severus have been found on the site, showing his connection to the city.

The tiles have the Roman Imperial stamp, and Tullie House spokesperson's described them as being 'fit for a Roman Emperor.'

Frank Giecco, technical director at Wardell Armstrong and lead archaeologist of the Uncovering Roman Carlisle excavation, said: "The Romans would quite often stamp their tiles.

"The legions would stamp tiles, the auxiliaries would stamp tiles; but this is the very top of the pile.

“It's not a legion or anyone else - this is the signature of the Emperor. It's been built by the imperial machine and it's a connection. I can't say that Septimus Severus ever set foot in Carlisle. Who knows. All we can say is that we have got a huge, monumental building that has been built in Carlisle.

“The Emperor was in Britain at that time, we've got an inscription from his wife in the building and we have got his personal workshop-stamped tiles coming from the building. The evidence is building up that there is something really special going on here." 

The paw print which was found may have been made by one of the Roman's pets walking across the tile whilst it was being made.

Iron signet rings and silver rings in relatively good condition were also found.

These items will be sent for analysis where more can be learned from them about our local Roman history.

Lastly, a piece of pottery with a design of a bird on it was found, thought to be a type of fashionable Roman tableware.