More information : (SP 79474212) ROMAN BUILDING (R) (Site of) (1)
The site was discovered in 1957 when pottery was ploughed up.
Investigation with a probe indicated masonry near the surface.
Subsequent excavation revealed the bath house, with standard features, and rooms of the villa. A nymphaeum was found on the other side of the Grand Union Canal, which probably covers much of the Roman building.
(See illust card for map and plans). (2)
C3rd and C4th coins were found in this area when the canal was cut. (3)
Pottery, glass and coins showed occupation from the first century AD to the late fourth century. The bath house has been preserved in a covered building. (4)
Excavated again September-October 1969 under the direction of
Mrs Miles for MOW. Two areas of building exposed, one at the published site where the bath house stood and one to the NE at
SP 79514214. (5)
SP 795421. Excavations, 500m SE of the church by H Miles revealed
several separate buildings grouped round an irregular courtyard
and covering an area of 3 acres. The main dwelling house, circa
100 to 300 AD, had corridors back and front, good mortar floors
and wall plaster. The known bath house was added circa 150 AD. A less
sophisticated double winged building was also occupied circa 100
to 150 AD. A simple square temple with a massive central post and a
large rectangular stone building with a cobbled floor were built circa 300 AD and lasted until the early 5th c. The latter building was preceded by a 2nd century post-holed structure.
The finding of the temple questions the whole nature of the site;
"it either should be regarded as a temple complex throughout its
history or that an ordinary villa developed into such circa 300 AD".
Late Neolithic flints and some Beaker sherds were also found. (6-9)
RCHM Inventory records further references. (10)
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