More information : (Area SX 96128865) In 1934-5 a large number of objects
were found in Park Field, Topsham, which, with excavations in
1936 indicated a Ro occupation site of some importance from the
1st to 4th centuries.
The finds included Samian and other pottery, coins of 2nd to 4th
centuries, tiles and slates, bronze ornaments and implements,
glass fragments, and two rubbish pits.
Some of the pottery indicated an initial occupation under
Claudius at which date (not later than AD 60) the settlement could
only be military. It is possible that with the safe harbour
afforded by the Exe estuary a Ro. base was set up at Topsham,
which probably acted as the port serving Isca Dumnoniorum.
A further excavation in 1949 revealed no trace of a structure,
but fragments of a Samian bowl, form 37, Ro. roof tiles, flints,
and Md and modern pottery fragments. (1-3)
The material from the Topsham excavations is now in the
Rougemont and City Museums, but is crated and not easily available
for inspection. (a)
The area in which the Ro. occupation site was found is now mainly
built upon, and otherwise grass covered. No surface finds were
made in the area during field investigation. Possibly a Ro.
military base and port for Exeter but there seems to be insufficient
evidence to prove this. Pottery and coins indicate a continuous
occupation from 1st-4th centuries. (4)
At Topsham there are finds indicative of a port on the Exe estuary
in pre-Flavian times; perhaps a naval supply base working in
conjunction with the legionary fortress at Exeter. (5)
The existence of a Roman port or naval base at Topsham is generally
accepted, but this interpretation of the finds there is supported
only by the mere fact of 1st century occupation. Although the Exe
is now tidal to a distance of only 1.8 miles above Topsham, where
the river has been blocked since the 13th century, it was very
probably navigable as far as Exeter in Roman times. (6)
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