More information : [ST 528138] Chessels [TI] Roman Building [GS] (Site of) (1)
A Roman villa, in a field called Chessels at West Coker (ST 528138) was discovered and partially examined by Mr. John Moore in 1861. Few definite foundations were met with, but abundant evidence of a house, such as many tesserae, painted wall plaster, tiles and roof slates, was found. The excavators believed the house to have been burnt down, the site robbed, and a subsequent building of rude character erected from the burnt stones (2) (3). Among the small finds were some pre-Roman objects, including a bronze ring and a bronze boat shaped brooch of Italian (Halstatt) type (? 7th c. BC). It is also suggested that five Early Iron Age bronzes (horse trappings) displayed in Yeovil Museum alongside this brooch, may also have come from the site (4). Roman finds included a bronze statuette of Mars, an inscribed bronze plate (possibly belonging to the statuette), much pottery (Samian and Coarse), and coins from Faustina I to Valens. Further excavations in 1958 (ST 528138) revealed stone foundations suggesting a substantial wall of a building. Iron nails were found also stone tiles, tesserae, a wide range of R.B. pottery and twelve coins of Victorinus (AD 268-70) to Theodosius I (AD 388-95). (2-5)
The 1958 excavation took place at ST 52841382 (a). The site, at present under grass, shows no signs of any platforms or foundations. (6)
West Coker is generally accepted as a Villa. The bronze plate is inscribed with a dedication to Mars Rigisamus, whom the statuette represents; but these evidently indicate no more than the practice of his cult at the villa. (7-10)
SO 68 Listed as the site of a Roman villa. (11)
|