THE discovery of some ancient artefacts at Malton may challenge a common theory about the Romans in Britain.

The finds at Malton Rugby Club have given archaeological experts a unique glimpse into the uncertain past of the town.

Part of a Roman belt found at the site, dating from about the fifth century AD, has left a large question mark over conventional wisdom, said archaeologist Anne Finney, who helped make the find.

"It is commonly thought that the Romans had pulled out of Britain by the 5th century," said Mrs Finney, a director at MAP Archaeological Consultancy, based in Malton.

"But this piece of a belt, which would have belonged to a high-ranking Roman official, puts this into question.

"What was someone of such a high rank doing this far north in Derventio (Malton) at this time?"

The Romans are known to have occupied Britain for several hundred years, but pulled out partly as a result of continuing attacks from native Britons.

Meanwhile another find at the same site - a sliver and gold brooch dating from the second century AD - is unique.

"There is nothing like this in the whole world," said Mrs Finney. "It is clear that whoever owned this piece of jewellery was extremely wealthy - they were the equivalent of second-century lottery winners."

The Romans are known to have established a camp just off Old Malton Road near the site now occupied by the rugby club.

"We found other more common items at the site, such as pots and evidence of burials," she said.

"It is quite possible that this indicates there was a settlement on the land adjacent to the Roman camp.

"We can only speculate about the origins of this piece of belt."

The finds were made more than two years ago, said Mrs Finney, and in that time they have been undergoing extensive analysis by experts from the British Museum.

"We have finally had confirmation that they are important artefacts," she said.

"We are hoping soon to release them for public display at Malton Museum."

Updated: 11:41 Thursday, September 06, 2001