This once-on-a-lifetime find was made during excavation work in a previously unknown site near Garforth.
An ancient lead coffin that has been buried in a Leeds field for over 1,600 years is set to be revealed to the public for the first time.
The incredible discovery was made by the West Yorkshire Archaeological Services.
It contained the remains of a woman aged 25-35, believed to have been of high status and maybe a Roman aristocrat, who was buried wearing a bracelet, glass bead necklace and a finger ring or earring.
The archaeologists who carried out detailed analysis have also discovered that the coffin contained the partial remains of an unknown child, thought to be aged around 10 years old.
Image: Leeds City Council
The coffin and its lid are currently being carefully conserved and stabilised for display at Leeds City Museum where they will be mounted in a bespoke case as one of the new central exhibits.
Living with Death opens on Friday 3 May and explores how different cultures across the world approach death, dying and bereavement.
As well as the coffin, the Garforth dig also unearthed the remains of more than 60 men, women and children who lived close by more than fifteen hundred years ago.
Kat Baxter, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of archaeology, said: “This is a truly unique and remarkable find which has potentially huge implications for our understanding of the history of early Leeds and those who made their home here.
Image: Leeds City Council
“The discovery of the remains of a second individual within the coffin is fascinating, particularly as they belonged to a child. It poses some interesting questions about how people more than 1,600 years ago treated their dead.
“The Roman lead coffin itself is also the only one ever discovered in West Yorkshire and the site has provided us with new opportunities to study life and death in ancient Yorkshire. We’re delighted to be able to display the coffin so quickly after excavation, and we’re looking forward to sharing this amazing piece of history with our visitors.”
Living with Death is free to visit and will run from Friday 3 May 2024 until January Sunday January 5 2025.
Popular coffee shop Joe & The Juice is opening a site in Leeds for the first time ever.
And to be honest, we're very very excited about it.
The Danish-based business is famed for its juices, shakes, and sandwiches, including its best-seller, the Tunacado.
With more than 300 juice bars and coffee shops around the world, Joe & The Juice’s pink branding has become a familiar site globally since its launch in 2002.
Images: The Manc Group
It's been open across the pond in Manchester for just over a year now, and we've been waiting with bated breath to see when they'd make the triumphant step to LS1.
And now the time has finally come, as Joe & The Juice will be opening in the old Franco Manca site on Trinity Street.
Franco Manca closed earlier this years after seven years in the cit centre, and many were sad to see it go.
We don't have an exact opening date just yet, but the iconic pink vinyls are up and the TikTok girlies are already getting very excited about the concept of finally trying a Tunacado.
For anyone who hasn't had the pleasure, the sandwich combines tuna mousse, avocado and pesto, served on Joe & The Juice's signature toasted bread.
It's become something of a social media sensation, so it must be good...right?
The brand has built a huge following thanks to its colourful drinks, pared-back interiors and distinctly recognisable pink branding, serving up everything from your morning matcha and coffee to a healthy juice or grab-and-go lunch.
And now Leeds is officially getting in on the action, and we absolutely can't wait.
We'll of course keep you updated with the opening date of Joe & The Juice Leeds as and when we know more.
Leeds station to undergo £303m transformation in biggest upgrade for a generation
Clementine Hall
Leeds train station set for biggest transformation in a generation as Government backs growth.
If you thought the work was over for Leeds station, think again.
Because passengers are set to see major improvements as the Government injects a further £200 million into the development of the transport hub.
The additional funding was announced at the Budget today, with upgrades set to be delivered by 2030 and will include the construction of a new central overbridge, three new entrances, more space on the concourses and a longer Platform 14.
Image: Supplied
It means passengers will benefit from more direct routes, less crowding, and nearly 40% more ticket barriers.
Three new entrances will strengthen links between the station and town, improving access to the South Bank, the Dark Arches and Princes Square.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Leeds station is the gateway to West Yorkshire, and this extra £200 million investment will turn it into a station this city can be proud of: modern, welcoming and built for the people who rely on it every single day.
"The great cities of the north deserve better transport, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering. We're paving the way for Northern Powerhouse Rail, forging stronger connections across the region, and backing the infrastructure that creates jobs, builds homes and puts passengers first as we work to set up Great British Railways."
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "Leeds Station is the beating heart of our region's transport network, connecting millions of people to jobs, education and opportunity every year – and it’s only going to get busier.
“This investment will benefit passengers and businesses, help to unlock the capacity we need for future growth and create a gateway to West Yorkshire that reflects our ambition.
“Together with our wider plans for West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network, we're building a better-connected region which works for all.”
Clementine Hall -
15th April 2024 
