Lost Roman Eagle of Ingliston Rediscovered after Nearly 50 Years

In a remarkable turn of events, a lost Roman artifact, the ‘Eagle of Ingliston,’ has been rediscovered after almost five decades of obscurity. This carved stone, showcasing the Imperial eagle, was initially recorded in Scotland back in 1699, only to disappear from official records until now.

The Enthusiast’s Quest

The story begins with Andrew Wallace, a retired Civil Servant and avid Roman history enthusiast, who embarked on a mission to locate the elusive relic. Armed with his passion for history and a deep-rooted curiosity, Wallace set out on a journey that led him to a surprising discovery just a stone’s throw away from his home in Edinburgh.

A Stone’s Tale

The ‘Eagle of Ingliston’ had a tumultuous history, having been repurposed and integrated into the gable wall of a tenant’s house, concealing its true identity for years. Despite being documented in 1975 during a survey, subsequent searches yielded no traces of the Roman remains, leaving its whereabouts shrouded in mystery.

The Discovery

Wallace’s relentless pursuit of the lost artifact eventually led him to the Corstorphine Heritage Centre, where serendipity intervened. Amidst the museum’s collection, he stumbled upon the stone eagle, buried beneath layers of history and oversight. It was revealed that the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland had entrusted the relic to the museum in 1978, unbeknownst to the official records.

In a bid to rectify this historical oversight, Wallace promptly contacted Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to update the record, ensuring that the ‘Ingliston milestone’ would no longer be relegated to obscurity. However, he remains skeptical of the artifact’s classification as a milestone, suggesting alternative origins tied to the Roman presence in the region.

In essence, the rediscovery of the ‘Eagle of Ingliston’ not only sheds light on a forgotten chapter of Scotland’s rich history but also underscores the invaluable role of dedicated enthusiasts like Andrew Wallace in preserving our cultural heritage for future generations. Through his unwavering passion and perseverance, Wallace has unearthed a hidden gem, bridging the gap between the past and the present in a tale of historical intrigue and rediscovery.