More information : (TL 50743606) Roman Villa (site of) (R) (1)
Double corridor Roman Villa was excavated in 1853 by R C Neville on his property in Chinnell's field (see plan from (5)). A hypocaust and several infant burials were found. The north-east corner had several rebuildings. Roman coins, personal ornaments etc (some are in the Cambridge University Museum) and a bronze coins of Tascoivanus Mack 171; Evans VII3; XXI4 (VER), now in the British Museum, were found. In 1946 1st century grey ware sherds (resembling Belgic) were discovered in P J Hayward's garden (next to the villa) (TL 507361). Surface finds of tile, etc have been made in the field at the junction of Chinnell Land and Duck Street (TL 510360). In 1971 and 1973 rescue excavations for the M11 revealed continuous occupation from Iron Age to late 4th century. A round Iron Age hut with no centre posts, hearths, Roman corn drying kilns and a possible small bath house with hypocaust were discovered. Roman buildings were on at least five different sites within the threatened area; one site having at least three successive rectangular structures (the last with a hypocaust). The most important structure was one end of a large Roman granary (possibly pre-Boudiccan) due for further excavations. A series of terraced fields, partly preserved are directly associated with the settlement. (2-8)
Rescue excavations in 1971 and 1973 are briefly described by Robertson who adds that a quantity of Neolithic flint suggested the possibility. (9)
Further rescue excavations in 1973-4 recovered Iron Age round houses and ditched enclosures and an early Roman barn, connected to the main villa buildings by a well-surfaced road. Other features included enclosures and boundary ditches and a number of corn-driers. In the later Roman period the barn was rebuilt with flint and chalk footings,painted wall plaster, a hypocaust and water supply. (10)
Iron Age round houses (mentioned by Authy 10) are noted by Drury. (11)
Full excav report, illus, analyses & summary. (12)
Roman Corn-driers (mentioned by auth 10) are noted by Morris. (13)
Additional Bibliography. (14)
ES 75 Listed as the site of a Roman villa. (15) |