Fisher Jones Greenwood (FJG) has announced that it is the corporate sponsor of ‘The Lexden Lady: From Burial to Biography’ – a year-long exhibition of one of the most remarkable Roman burials discovered in Colchester in recent years, now on public display at the city’s Roman Circus Visitor Centre.
FJG, a leading East of England law firm and proud member of Lawfront, is the exclusive corporate partner for the exhibit of Colchester Archaeological Trust’s (CAT) incredible find, which was formally unveiled by Colchester MP Pam Cox on 15 May.
The partnership, which will run until May 2027, forms part of FJG’s ongoing commitment to supporting community and cultural initiatives in the city that bring history and heritage to wider audiences.
A remarkable Roman discovery
The Lexden Lady exhibition displays one of the most stunning Roman burials discovered in Colchester in recent times, and the incredible story behind the woman and her interment.
Bringing together the burial itself, its associated finds, and the results of ongoing scientific analysis, the exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore the life, death and burial of a high-status woman in late Roman Colchester.
CAT discovered the remains buried in a beautifully decorated lead coffin during the final stages of excavation work in 2024 at the former Essex County Hospital site in Lexden, Colchester, which formed part of the redevelopment of the area by developer Essex Housing.
Preliminary scientific work suggests that the woman, estimated to be in her late 20s or 30s, may have grown up in Colchester. Rich grave objects, including jet hairpins and a group of rare glass flasks, were also found in the grave, offering a rare insight into late Roman rituals and indicating a carefully staged and richly furnished burial.
Visitors will be able to see the coffin and the remains, displayed carefully and respectfully, while discovering what archaeology and modern scientific analysis reveal about her life and burial.
Supporting heritage and local communities
Doug Field, Managing Partner of FJG, said: “This discovery reminds us that history is not just something we study, it is something we care for. As a firm rooted in Colchester, we felt a responsibility to help ensure this remarkable find is preserved, understood and shared with the wider community.
Supporting this exhibition is about more than celebrating Roman Colchester; it is about giving people, especially families and young people, the chance to connect with an individual story from our city’s past. We are proud to play a small part in helping that story be told with the care, respect and curiosity it deserves, today and for generations to come.”
Bringing Roman Colchester to life
Adam Wightman, Director of Archaeology at Colchester Archaeological Trust, said:
“The discovery of The Lexden Lady offers a fascinating insight into status, ritual and belief in late Roman Colchester. What makes this burial so compelling is that the beautifully decorated lead coffin, the exceptional grave goods and the scientific evidence each reveal something different about the woman and her burial. This exhibition gives people the chance not only to see some extraordinary objects, but to discover the story of a real person from Roman Colchester”
Visiting The Lexden Lady exhibition
‘The Lexden Lady: From Burial to Biography’ runs at the Roman Circus Visitor Centre, Roman Circus Walk, Colchester CO2 7GZ until May 2027. For more information about CAT, exhibition opening times and tickets, go to: https://catuk.org
Supporting charities, cultural initiatives, and local community projects forms part of FJG’s wider commitment to responsible business and social value. To find out more about our community partnerships and wider work across the East of England, contact our team here.
