In 1992, Robin Birley made arguably the most important find in British archaeological history when he uncovered a huge trove of soldiers’ letters from the Roman fort of Vindolanda, near Hadrian’s Wall.

As scholars picked through the well-preserved accounts of legionnaire life on the edge of empire, a star character emerged: Masclus, and in particular, his demands for more beer.

Now, 25 years later, Birley’s son Andrew claims to have discovered another haul of correspondence, which again appear to include written demands from the same Roman cavalry officer - except this time he wants to go on holiday.