After 1,500 years of being hidden in plain sight, the location of King Rota's fortress has been found. 

Rota was a minor king and part of a wider group of Anglo-Saxon tribal groups called the Middle Angles. It is understood he lived in Southern Mercia between 940 and 970.

Not much is known about his life but the exciting discovery of his fortress could be essential in spreading new light onto this forgotten king. Project Rota was started to uncover the location of his fortress and has been a huge success. 

New illustration of King Rota's fortress (Image: Paul Wiggin)

Site of King Rota's fortress today (Photo: Paul Wiggin)

In 2003, expert East Midlands etymologist, Jill Bourne wrote: "The fortified place was almost certainly Hambleton, which was the central place of an early Anglo-Saxon kingdom." 

Now the discovery has been made, a new map of Rotaland (now Rutland) has been created, alongside an illustration of the fortress. 

Details of Project Rota and the location of the fortress will be shared at the Festival of Archaeology on Saturday 5th July in Oakham Castle.  

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There are also lots of other events happening across Leicestershire and Rutland as part of the Festival of Archaeology. Click here to find out more.