Burials found during building of new school point to Iron Age settlement

Burials of children and animals discovered at the site are believed to be more than 2,000 years old.

Archaeologists have traced numerous finds, in Carshalton, south-west London, to the Iron Age and Roman era.

Experts believe the area was once a small farming community made up of earth and timber roundhouses with thatched roofs.

The discoveries were made by workmen laying the foundations for the new Stanley Park High School on the former site of Queen Mary's Hospital.

Graham Tope, from Sutton Council, said: "We are keen to learn more about the artefacts and stories behind them after they have been fully analysed.

"It will really help to bring ancient history to life for local children when they attend their new school."

Duncan Hawkins, an archaeologist at the site, said: "A very large number of domestic animal skeletons have been recovered, including horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and dogs.

"These animals appear to have been deliberately sacrificed and deposited in deep (up to 4m) pits cut into the chalk bed rock.

"This may represent some form of 'closure' ritual when the settlement passed out of use."