More information : (ST 55027572) Roman Remains found here (NAT). (1)
(ST 55127576) Roman Building (R) (Remains of). (2)
(ST 55257558) Roman Sepulchral Stone found AD 1873 (NAT). (3)
(ST 551758) Abonae (R). (4)
Portus Abonae was a ferry terminal on the route between Silchester and Caerleon, and a local trading centre, using the mouth of the River Trym as a harbour. The settlement probably began as the vicus of a Claudian fort, the site of which must lie under the Portway and the houses of Hadrian's Close. Foundation trenches of timber buildings dating from the 1st century have been found, followed later by a street pattern; and at the end of the 2nd century by buildings with stone foundations including typical shops with narrow street frontages. Occupation has been proved into the second half of the fourth century, but the position of Sea Mills was exposed to sea attack, and it is unlikely that the settlement survived long into the 5th century. (For further details see the accompanying map diagram). (5-8)
(ST 553756) "Excavations in 1972, at Nazareth House, revealed more of Abonae. Traces of IA occupation were found followed by an AD 70 cremation cemetery. Quarry scoops suggest town rebuilding after AD 90 and the linear pattern of the quarries suggests a northward extension of the town. Finds included brooches from La Tene II onwards and three later burials (ritualistic?) post AD 150 but otherwise undateable".
Name 'ABONA' accepted for 4th. edition R.B. Map. (9-10)
From the considerable body of material evidence, including more than 100 Claudio-Neronian coins and over 15 items of military equipment, it is certain that a military force was resident at Sea Mills about the mid 1st century. With the absence of definite structural evidence it is not clear whether the presumed military post was a garrison fort or an installation connected with the harbour.
The military gear has been found on the low ground close to the confluence of the Avon and Trym which is more likely to have been occupied by quays and storehouses than by a fort. It is possible that Sea Mills was a stores or supply depot served by a naval detachment operating in the Bristol Channel area. The length of occupation is not known, but a number of stamped tiles and a brick of 'Legio II Augusta' hint strongly that a unit was still here in the 2nd century.
See plan of find sites (11).
A bronze figurine of Jupiter found at Sea Mills is in Bristol City Museum and an altar also dedicated to this god has also been found there (14).(11-14)
Full reports of 1965-8 excavations. (15)
and 1972 excavations. (16)
List of remains found since 1712, with sub references. (17)
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