HUNDREDS of pieces of Roman armour - some of which may have been worn by infamous Gladiators - have been unearthed in one of the most significant finds ever made in Britain.

The rare discovery will provide a fascinating insight into life on the empire's most northerly outpost, the imposing Hadrian's Wall.

Archaeologists discovered several unique pieces of what are thought to be limb guards used by gladiators in the arena to protect their arms and legs in battle.

The artefacts have been X-rayed by staff from the Royal Armouries in Leeds and taken to the University of Durham where they will be stored in protective deep freeze until conservation work begins.

The find, made at Carlisle Castle in Cumbria, uncovered buildings dating back to Emperor Hadrian's visit to Britain in 122 AD.

Among the discoveries was an armourer's workshop, containing hundreds of items of plate armour and weaponry including spears, arrow heads and sling shots.

John Zant, deputy managing director of Carlisle Archaeology, said: "There are some very unusual pieces and we and our colleagues at the Royal Armouries in Leeds are getting very excited about it.

"This is undoubtedly the most significant discovery since 1964 when a huge haul of armour was found at Corbridge."

But one of the most intriguing discoveries is that of the limb guards.

"We know these were used by gladiators in the arena but they are not shown in any contemporary depictions of legionaries," said Mr Zant.

"They were certainly not standard issue and we are very keen to find out why they were used here.

"As far as we know, they are unique in Britain and possibly even in the Roman Empire."

English Heritage conservation expert Jennifer Jones, based at Durham University's archaeology department, is in charge of the conservation operation.

She said: "I worked closely with Carlisle for a long time so it was only natural they came to me for the storage.

"The artefacts were excavated wet and include organic materials like leather.

"They could be destroyed if allowed to dry out so they have been frozen to preserve them."

Most of the items have been put in a special freezer and those that are too big to fit are being kept frozen using carbon dioxide pellets and insulating covers.

They will remain in storage until later this year until funding is made available for conservation work.

Ms Jones said: "The contracts will be put out to tender but I am hoping to carry out some of the work.

"There are more than 12,000 artefacts so it will be an extraordinary challenge and whoever carries out the work will have to work closely with an armour expert so they know exactly what they are dealing with."

Once work is complete, the armour will go on display to the public.

Mr Zant said: "It hasn't yet been decided where this will be but the people of Carlisle are hoping it will be here."

Updated: 17.53 Thursday, April 26