THE funeral for a leading archaeologist who spent half a century excavating a Roman villa beneath his home near Stroud was held yesterday.
Farmer Eddie Price MBE uncovered 5,000 years of history at his farm in Frocester and had what is believed to be one of the longest-running archealogical digs in the UK.
As well as the villa, he excavated Bronze Age, Iron Age and Saxon settlements at Frocester Court Farm.
Over the decades more than 1,100 Roman coins were unearthed as well as 60 sets of human remains.
One of the most significant finds was a small bronze horse which is now on show at Gloucester City Museum.
Eddie had started excavating in 1960 after his plough struck stone foundations and worked with renowned archeologist Captain Gracie until his death in 1978.
Eddie died peacefully aged 91 at his home of 80 years on January 23.
As well as his MBE, the much-respected community man was given an honorary PHD, was made a Fellow of the Society of Antiquities and was named a justice of the peace.
The philanthropist was known for renting out cottages cheaply so couples could save enough to get deposits on their first homes.
When he died, the family received almost 100 cards and many local businesses would not except money for things they needed for the funeral.
Friends and family gathered for a short walk down to St Andrew's Church from the farm, carrying Mr Price on a milk churn cart he had bought and pulled home on his motorbike in 1950, seeing daily use ever since.
His coffin was then carried by his six sons before being laid to rest, with his ashes placed in a Roman-style urn before being buried beneath the fields he knew so well.
The urn was made in Eddie's own Roman kiln where he had recreated pottery from the age.
His son Arthur said a nice moment had been Eddie's pet dog Burt jumping into the hearse and refusing to leave, meaning he came to the funeral with the rest of the family.
"We think it was a fitting send off," he said.
"He was always active and was keen on everything and very determined in whatever he did.
"In his heyday he was a very imposing man but well respected figure.
"People have been very kind."
Eddie, who was active up until the age of 89, is survived by his six sons and his wife Ruth.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 2 at St Michael's and All Angels' Church in Eastington at 11am.
