Summary : Site of a Roman villa discovered and excavated prior to 1860 and located at Birch Farm, Marlston. Buildings reportedly covered nearly an acre, and finds included flue and floor tiles, tesserae, pottery, animal bones and glass. Some of these items are in Reading Museum. It has been suggested that this is the same site as SU 57 SW 3. |
More information : A Roman villa described as 'recently' found, in January, 1860 was excavated by S. Palmer (1), in a wood at Birch Farm, Marlston. Buildings covered nearly an acre, flues and floor tiles, tesserae, potsherds and animal bones are recorded. Photographs and further details were to be forwarded and further excavation was intended. A bronze object, Castor ware and glass from the Birch Farm site are in Reading Museum. (1-2) There is no local tradition or knowledge of Roman remains in the Birch Farm area. Box Wood (SU 527735) and adjacent plantations show no surface indications of a Roman site. (3) A large Roman villa on Birch Farm is one of three mentioned in the area. (4)
|