More information : [Area SE 752733] Roman remains ..... The site is now on a green. (1) '"About the commencement of November [1736], a mere accident - the ploughing up of the upper stone of a Roman mill - induced the examination of a field situate on the glebe farm ..... The Rev. James Robertson ... has ... up to the present time, laid bare a series of large paved floors, varying from 6 in to 2ft.6in. below the surface of the land. Beyond the fact that an occasional piece of Roman pottery was picked up in the soil, there was no indication of any remains in the field. The place is very near the supposed junction of two great lines of Roman roads ... The field in question has been tried in various places, and pavements have been found over a wide area. So far no trace of walls or foundations have been found, they are simply pavements. These are irregular in outline, and varying in size, one being 29 ft. x 13 1/2 ft., another 90 ft. Some are detached, while others have paved pathways as connexions. The floors are paved with blocks of oolite limestone and sandstone (the latter mostly burnt quite dark in colour), and sea pebbles, in some parts flat slabs of limestone being paved edgewise. The floors are not level, but fall off to the sides. Under the crown there is generally a deposit of ashes, charcoal, and burnt animal bones. Below this is a second pavement. All round the edges is burnt matter, which yields quantities of broken Roman pottery of various kinds - wheel made and otherwise, with a few pieces of Samian ware. The hand made pottery is very rude. Singularly, nearly the whole of it-nine pieces in every ten, certainly, consists of the rims of various vessels; and there are a few necks and handles of amphorae. The major part of the pottery is found round the edges of the floors, and somewhat below their level, but much has also been dug up between the paving stones. Two upper stones of mills (querns), have been found, and several fragments of the nether millstone, but not a perfect one. Three small brass coins, and various minor objects, include [sic ? conclude] the collections from this not very intelligible establishment. Mr. Robertson himself is by no means satisfied with the results of his researches '"Which have only served to induce him at an early opportunity to resume the excavations." (c) (2) The indicated site is under permanent pasture. (3)
Examination of all available air photography failed to identify any features which might relate to this record. (4) |