More information : (TL 078019) ROMAN BUILDING (R) (Site of) (NAT) (1)
(Not shown on any other OS plans).
The remains of a Roman villa were found about 1825 about 200 yards north-west of Kings Langley station (TL 08030199). The villa was situated on the east bank of the River Gade in the vicinity of Home Park Mill. A tessellated pavement was found and a coin of Hadrian. (2-3)
(On the above evidence, the OS published siting is in error and should be in the area TL 078021).
Sherds of early C2nd pottery were found at Home Park Mills in 1932. Urns and other 2nd century pottery were found in April 1936 by Mr Grisewood on his allotment opposite the Ovaltine works and close to the railway line. Excavations by the author in May 1937 on adjoining ground located similar fragments. It is not certain that these finds are connected with the villa. (4)
Home Park Mill is at TL 07850205 and the Ovaltine factory is at TL 077026. The allotment gardens have been replaced by a factory car park and pasture land. A precise site for the Roman building could not be established, but it would appear to be in a general area centred on TL 079024 which is now mainly built over. (5)
TL 078022. The site of the Kings Langley Roman Villa was re-discovered in June 1981 in advance of major industrial and housing development at Home Park Mills. Rescue excavations took place between June and October 1981, and again from January to March 1982, these revealed the plan of a 2nd century building, consisting of at least five rooms, one of which had a hypocaust. The interior walls were painted, the roof tiled and the windows glazed. The whole site had been greatly distrubed. (6)
HT 1 Listed as the site of a Roman villa. (7) |