A Roman brooch is the latest archeological find at Beer caves that gives a glimpse into the quarry’s long and illustrious past.
The piece of jewellery made of bronze dates to the third century and was found just inside the Roman entrance where they quarried for stone to make their villas.
John Scott, curator, said: “It’s the thrill that you’re the first person to touch it for all that time when you find something. It’s a beautiful little object.”
It’s one of many historical artefacts that give an insight into the two thousand year history of the site.
Stone from the East Devon quarry was used in the building of the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle. In all 24 cathedrals and some 200 parish churches used Beer stone in their construction.
During the Second World War the seventy five acres of caves were used for growing mushrooms and rhubarb which was sent to Covent Garden.
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